Jeremy Lim has a column in TODAY newspaper. At the age of 15, he is a regular columnist in the papers, along with the likes of Mr Brown & Mr Myagi. His command of English is remarkably good and sometimes I feel ashamed for not being able to write as well (me being able to only indulge in runts and little constructives in my blog entries). I think most Singaporeans know him better as the Young Ambassador of NKF Children's Medical Fund.
His article this week, "One step for LTA, 54 steps for mum" reminded us how little the society is doing in driving Singapore to be an inclusive society for people with disabilities. It is true that despite the laws and regulations, facilities for the physical disabled (PD) are still highly inadequate. Although most train stations are already fitted with lifts and ramps, there are still alot to be done. Consider that bus trip to the station. It is virtually impossible for a wheel-chair bounded person to do that. I think one of the greatest obstacle for the PD to go out is the hassle of traveling and the transportation cost.
Many of us take our physical well-being for granted and forget about the minorities. I guess they do not wish to be treated differently as they are capable of what everyone can do except some physical activities. But society should always consider of their needs, not depriving them any of their rights because of their disabilities. In a country with one of the most number of campaigns in the world, why don't we have one to spread the awareness to give more thoughts for the PD? Maybe the authorities need to tackle the tougher issues like social problems and crisis like SARS and dengue first.
During my uni days, I wanted to start a volunteering program to help the underprivileged PD children. They are a group who really need our help. Unfortunately lack of money and social support for expertise on this area prevented us from doing so. I regret for not trying hard enough to rally the support. I guess for any volunteering project to be successful, there has to be support from the public. With that the other problems can be resolved. Perhaps I lacked the passion and belief to make it happen. And now, that the program for the underprivileged children is not doing very, I lack the time and energy to help.
Although I failed, I hope there people out there willing to give more thoughts and take some actions in helping the PD better integrate into the society. It takes both those with the energy and passion (eg. the students) and those with financial capabilities (eg. working adults and corporate groups) to work together to make that happen.
Finally, let me quote concluding para from Jeremy's article, "It may take 10, 20 or 50 years to transform Singapore into a haven for people with disabilities. But, I say, let the work begin now."
His article this week, "One step for LTA, 54 steps for mum" reminded us how little the society is doing in driving Singapore to be an inclusive society for people with disabilities. It is true that despite the laws and regulations, facilities for the physical disabled (PD) are still highly inadequate. Although most train stations are already fitted with lifts and ramps, there are still alot to be done. Consider that bus trip to the station. It is virtually impossible for a wheel-chair bounded person to do that. I think one of the greatest obstacle for the PD to go out is the hassle of traveling and the transportation cost.
Many of us take our physical well-being for granted and forget about the minorities. I guess they do not wish to be treated differently as they are capable of what everyone can do except some physical activities. But society should always consider of their needs, not depriving them any of their rights because of their disabilities. In a country with one of the most number of campaigns in the world, why don't we have one to spread the awareness to give more thoughts for the PD? Maybe the authorities need to tackle the tougher issues like social problems and crisis like SARS and dengue first.
During my uni days, I wanted to start a volunteering program to help the underprivileged PD children. They are a group who really need our help. Unfortunately lack of money and social support for expertise on this area prevented us from doing so. I regret for not trying hard enough to rally the support. I guess for any volunteering project to be successful, there has to be support from the public. With that the other problems can be resolved. Perhaps I lacked the passion and belief to make it happen. And now, that the program for the underprivileged children is not doing very, I lack the time and energy to help.
Although I failed, I hope there people out there willing to give more thoughts and take some actions in helping the PD better integrate into the society. It takes both those with the energy and passion (eg. the students) and those with financial capabilities (eg. working adults and corporate groups) to work together to make that happen.
Finally, let me quote concluding para from Jeremy's article, "It may take 10, 20 or 50 years to transform Singapore into a haven for people with disabilities. But, I say, let the work begin now."
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