The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.128)

TZU CHI 128 07 of humanity and so on. Whilst, barrier-free, gender equality, respect the development ability of children with disabilities and so on, can be aided by systems that encourage the PWDs to diversify their development. Over RM700 million of financial aid for PWDs According to WHO’s estimate in 2018, over a billion people, or about 15% of the world’s population, have some form of disability. Between 110 million (2.2%) and 190 million (3.8%) people aged 15 years and older have significant difficulties in functioning. Furthermore, the rates of disability are increasing in part due to ageing populations and an increase in chronic health conditions. In Malaysia, PWDs are grouped into seven categories: physical, visual, hearing, learning, speech, mental, and multiple disabilities. According to statistics from the Social Welfare Department, there were 549,554 registered PWDs as of June 2019, accounting for 1.7% of the national population. But the then Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, YB Hannah Yeoh, believed that the actual number was more as PWDs might lack resources and channels to report themselves. In order to encourage PWDs to become independent and protect their interests, the government introduced various policies, such as, reserving 1% of public sectors jobs for them, and encouraging private sectors to employ PWDs by offering a tax relief that is twice the salary of PWD employees. Moreover, PWDs with monthly income below RM1,200 may also apply for a RM400 monthly allowance from the government, while those who are incapable of work are entitled to a RM250 monthly assistance. In addition, family members who are caregivers to paralysed PWDs or chronic disease patients are entitled to a RM350 monthly assistance per person. PWDs may also apply for full assistance for purchases such as prosthetic limbs or assistive devices. In 2019, the government issued more than RM730 million of financial assistance for PWDs. More than RM700 million of the national budget and social charity resources were spent on caring for PWDs. This may be seen in two perspectives. Firstly, as a social burden; and secondly, the lack of mechanisms or methods to fully assist them to enhance their abilities. Can the stereotypical impression of the general public be changed? Mental health, development of self-confidence and enhancement of living and work ability among PWDs can only be achieved when healthier values are established. Only when this happened, then they can truly stand as equal, and live a better life. Can one still say that the billion PWDs in the world are not fully contributing to society and only waiting for charity provision, once PWDs are able to support themselves and are fully accepted by society? Our reporters will share moving stories from the perspectives of a few PWDs who never gave up. We hope that our readers, and the society, as a whole, can reflect on this topic and have a better understanding of them. From Disabled to Able