Dispelling
apprehensions of meeting disabled persons
WHEEL POWER by ANTHONY THANASAYAN
People without disabilities often tell me that when they meet persons with a
handicap for the first time, they can't help but feel a little apprehensive
and awkward.
Their main concern is whether they will be able to hold a decent
conversation with their new friends without upsetting them in the process
through a callous remark or forgetting not to make a big thing about their
personal sufferings.
Well, believe it or not folks, I found myself in such a situation recently
when I was invited as a special guest to a high tea get-together organised
by the Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association (MPDA) at a leading hotel
in
Despite being paralysed from the waist down, and
being dependent on a
wheelchair for mobility, I had cold feet at the thought of coming into
contact with a bunch of new people whose disabilities were foreign to me.
Don't forget; these were people with Parkinson's disease (PD) - a condition
of the nervous system that is marked by weakening of the muscles and
trembling limbs that gets worse with time.
What would I do at an afternoon event that I thought was going to be full of
people with walking aids and wheelchairs sporting sombre
faces and generally
feeling depressed about themselves?
Boy, was I in for a surprise!
No sooner had I entered the ballroom with my able-bodied chum Andrew Martin
when we found ourselves engulfed in the company of several hundred people
(including family caregivers and friends) who couldn't quite wait for the
programme to start.
The guest of honour was none other than Tan Sri Dr Saleha Mohd Ali who came
in her wheelchair. She even joked that with her wheelchair, she never has
problems finding the best seat at public events.
In addition to the delicious spread, the audience was treated to dance
performances. The entertainment didn't stop there. Much to everyone's
surprise, popular blind singer Alfred Ho took to the stage and thrilled the
crowd with hits immortalised by the likes of Elvis
Presley and Cliff
Richard.
Some members of the audience couldn't resist the temptation to come forward
and dance to some of the popular numbers. One PD sufferer who used a quad
walker even came up to show his special moves.
Perhaps the most touching moment of the afternoon was when four PD persons
bravely stepped forward to present a sketch of a typical day in their lives
- how they struggled to stay on top of the debilitating disease.
One of the highlights of the day was the launch of Memahami
Penyakit
Parkinson - Dari Sudut Pandangan
MPDA's Understanding Parkinson's Disease.
Published in 2003, Understanding Parkinson's Disease offers a Malaysian
perspective to the disease. It is written by local expert Dr Chew Nee Kong,
a consultant neurologist and lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine at
Universiti Malaya,
of the 11-year-old MPDA.
The book takes the reader through the different stages of the disease - the
early symptoms, treatment, and how sufferers can stay positive and lead
meaningful lives. This informative guide empowers and comforts the patient
and caregiver.
The encouraging testimonies of those living with Parkinson's disease are
both uplifting and inspiring.
Memahami Penyakit Parkinson
- Dari Sudut Pandangan
To obtain a copy please contact the MPDA (03-2096 2246).