THINKING ABOUT 1 BILLION DISABILITY PEOPLE

TAKE PART….V.K Liew also take part on this event.

By : SHAIMON S JUMADI              Photo : SAFFIE S JUMADI

THE Deputy Minister In The Prime Minister Department, Datuk Liew Vui Kiong said that 'Walkwheelathon with Sabah Cheshire Home' means Walk with wheelchair users in not only a fundraising activity for Sabah Cheshire Home; but also an awareness program in promoting the desire of universal accessibility for persons who are physically challenged, creating awareness by talking is not enough.

“I believe such program  as this is essential in gathering people to be responsive  to the needs of persons with physical challenged especially those with assistive devices such a wheelchair.

"This also applies to senior citizens, mother with infants or young babies, children who are temporary injured, etc” he told reporters after launching the Program 'Wheelathon With Sabah Cheshire Home' Sports Complex Sandakan here, yesterday.

Liew added, there are over one billion people in this world living physically challenged. This is 15 percent of the global population  which includes physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, intellectual developmental or some combination of this.

“I salute the work of Sabah Cheshire Home which over the years has been working in combating issues on disabilities on residential facilities, education employment and all in all opportunities  for persons  with  disabilities in gaining independent.

“I am happy to hear that the Home has embark  in bakery training for persons with disabilities in Kota Kinabalu and a thrift shop manned by disable persons in Sandakan,” said Liew.

PRESENTATION…. V.K Liew receiving a souvenir from Q S Lee Chairman of Sabah Cheshire Home - Sandakan

According to Liew, this proves that Physically Challenged can actually be fully functional in the society provided that they are given equal opportunities including gaining accessibility as mentioned the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 and the United Nation (UN) Convention.

"Before I end my speech, I would like to congratulate the organizing committee for organizing such meaningful event. They have worked so hard in making this event possible,” said Liew.

He urged to all the participants don’t think this as your hard earned money, think of the blessings by helping the Home collecting the funds but also think of the greatness of the program.

“I hope everyone will be able to appreciate life and contribute  even  more to the society  and create a barrier-free environment,” he told again.