Vice President Azila and I representing the Association of Women with Disabilities Malaysia (PEWAKUM) attended a meeting chaired by YB Rodziah Ismail at the Selangor State Secretariat building, Shah Alam. Representatives from all the 12 Local Authorities (PBTs) in Selangor were present to discuss matters concerning needs of disabled residents in their respective jurisdictions.
The State had decided to issue standardised car stickers for disabled drivers for all the PBTs. A few samples were submitted for selection at the meeting. After viewing and discussing the effectiveness of the designs, one was finally chosen. At the request of disabled representatives at the meeting, YB Rodziah agreed to have 2 types of stickers - one ( a sticker) for disabled drivers and another a movable display tag to be used by physically disabled passengers ferried by vehicles driven by able-bodied persons.
The rep from Ampanag Jaya PBT shared his experience with regards to plans submitted for new buildings which had to include features for disabled persons. He said for some fixtures such as lifts, specifications cannot be shown within the standard plan. Hence additional detailed plans need to be appended.
When discussing disabled-friendly features to be included in housing projects, the rep from Sabak Bernam PBT informed that requirement for ground floor units in multi-storeyed housing projects are to be reserved for disabled persons. He said the decision had already been made by the previous government and that it was gazetted in 2006.
PEWAKUM also enquired about the dissemination of information on new housing projects to disabled persons. Our Association suggested that each PBT compile a list of all disability organisations within their respective areas and disseminate any info they need to convey. We urged the local PBTS to get to know their residents and work closely with them.
PEWAKUM recommended to YB Rodziah to organise access audit training and Disability Equality Training for all PBT staff.
