Empowering the disabled

Caption: Kok (second from right) explaining engineering concepts to Lim(in wheelchair,white top) and other students

SHARON Lim is excited about her plans to visit Sipadan Island early next year. She wants to put her newfound diving skills to the test.
“My friends tell me that among the best ways to enjoy the island is to go diving,” she says.
Lim, 27, is not only passionate about diving but other sports. Recently, she attended a fencing event in Thailand as part of the Malaysian delegation to hone her fencing skills.
But Lim is “not so ordinary” – she has been wheelchair-bound for almost five years now, but this has not dampened her spirit in any way.
Her latest venture is the Lions Engineering and Drafting Services (Leads) Programme.
This telemarketeer says as a person who likes challenges, she took up the course to make herself more employable.
More importantly, the programme is exceptional as it affirms the commitment of students through its unique structure.
The programme, designed for the disabled, was launched late last year and is a collaboration between the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur, charity portal Hati.org.my and Taylor’s College Petaling Jaya Campus.
Students pay a RM500 (US$143) deposit, which is fully refunded upon completion of all assignments and all class attendance in the programme.
If they fail to hand in an assignment, a RM50 (US$14) penalty will be imposed.
The programme was considered a success, because out of the 10 students that graduated, two successfully gained employment. The first batch of students comprised of wheelchair-bound individuals and transsexuals. Lim is in the second batch of 20 students.
Other than her personal commitment, she is inspired by her trainer, Clancy Chung.
Chung, with over two decades of draftmen’s experience, suffered from polio when she was five years old. She works from home and used to teach hearing-impaired students at the YMCA many years ago.
“I tell students that it is simple to work from home and that it is an option they can explore. They just need is a computer and a printer and they can accept jobs from clients via e-mail,” she says.
Trainer Kok Hee Poh says the programme requires full commitment from the students.
“There is no free lunch as we all know it. The students know they have to take the course seriously.
“We want to help, but students are also encouraged to help themselves,” says Kok.
During the three-month course, the students undergo practical training in basic engineering drafting and computer skills.
Upon graduation, students are encouraged to contribute to the programme through sharing of ideas and perhaps teaching other disabled individuals.
Taylor’s College School of Architecture.Building.Design programme director Tony Liew says this programme has the full support of the management when providing the facilities and assistance when needed.
“It is a non-profit effort and if we can help, we should help every little way,” he explains.
As reflected in the sharing by these individuals, life is not a bed of roses, but when opportunities beckon, it is up to the individual, disabled or otherwise, to take up the challenge.