DISABLED persons should be given training to enable them to secure jobs, a civil society group said.

IDA Intellectually Centre chief executive officer Elaine Sia Ling Ling said some of the disabled persons can work but the lack of education and training prevents them from integrating into society.

“There are some disabled persons who are incapable of working and only have their parents to care for them,” she told The Malaysian Insight.

“Our purpose is to help those who can work so that they can learn and build up their potential at the workplace, rather than staying at home all the time.”

To assist the disabled, she said the centre has started online courses in June last year during the Covid-19 pandemic where 16 people with special disabilities participated.

“After a period of studying and training, this year, seven people were sent for training at restaurants, supermarkets and factories that work with us for job placements,” she said.

“The employers will monitor them before deciding whether to let them work officially.”

She, however, said many employers are still not aware that people with disabilities can work.

“They think that hiring the disabled will affect their business as they will have to watch over them all the time,” she said.

“They should instead give these people a chance to learn on the job.”

Sia said she had tried to get a disabled person to work in a restaurant but because of communication problems, the employer did not want to hire the person.

Sia herself is also suffering from hereditary muscular dystrophy, but she strives to overcome her physical condition and is enthusiastic about helping special children.

She is also the president of the Intellectually Disabled Association of Malaysia.

Sia said the centre provides a learning platform for people with special disabilities between the ages of 12 and 35.

“We accept people with special disabilities such as learning disabilities, those who are hyperactive and with Down syndrome,” she said.

Sia said for the disabled child to grow, the key is not only the ability of the child himself but also the attitude of the parents.

“If the parents are overprotective of their children, then it is difficult to help them,” she said.

Interested parents can contact the centre at 011-5633 1941. – October 14, 2022.