DIGNITY & SERVICES: BFM 89.9 interview on 7.11.2013

"GIVING THE LEARNING DISABLED A CHANCE TO WORK"
Josh Green, Chairman, Dignity & Services | Mettilda John, Executive Director, Dignity & Services

our MISSION

To help create a society where persons with learning disabilities enjoy dignity and respect, equal rights and opportunities to lead an independent and meaningful life within the community

our SERVICE INCLUDES

Working with Individuals
Supported Living
- Life Planning: using the principles of self-advocacy

Prevention of Sexual Abuse
- Curriculum planning for teaching of personal safety to children / adults.

Working with Families
Daily Telephone Counseling
Services Development
- full participation of families at all levels is encouraged

Working With the Community
Raising Public Awareness
- We work closely with Government agencies / media and educational institutions.
- We are invited regularly by various ministries for consultation on policy developments.
- Over the last 8 years we have been coordinating a regular monthly column on disability issues called "ONE VOICE" in the Star Newspaper
- Quarterly Newsletter distributed to 3500 individuals & organisations.

our ACHIEVEMENTS

United Voice
- The 1st self-advocacy group initiated by D&S and it is now a registered society run by persons with learning disabilities.

One Voice Column
- A monthly column in The Star paper on disability has been coordinated by us for more than 8 years ago.

Cameron Highlands
- We were involved for about 5 years helping to mobilize the local community to set up a service for children with learning disabilities.

Personal Safety Curriculum
- Have developed a curriculum on personal safety for special needs working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and a few other NGOs. We continue to be involved in this area with P.S the Children

I Play Toy Library
- Set up to serve the marginalized communities in collaboration with a private company called E2L Sdn Bhd

United Nations Award
- ESCAP (Economic & Social Commission) Award 2000
for empowerment of persons with disabilities

SUPPORTED LIVING ....learning to be more independent

Target Group: Teenagers & Young Adults (17 years and above)

The Aim
- to teach individuals skills towards independence and to help plan for their own future when parents are not around anymore.
- to help family members through the process of 'letting go'.
- to help family members to begin planning for the future of their son / daughter.
- to build a team of highly skilled support assistants
- sharing our values and philosophy with other communities

WHAT IS SUPPORTED LIVING?
It is planning for Life.......

- Originated in USA then UK in 1980s/90s

Concept based on clear values:
- Each person is a unique individual
- Have their own likes and dislikes
- Will want to make certain life choices of their own
- Most individuals will need some form of support throughout their lives, to lead an independent life
- Future Life Planning should start now with full involvement from families
- It is a fact parents as carers will not be around forever.

OPTIONS FOR SUPPORTED LIVING
- LIVING A FULL LIFE -

*Own Home: Tenancy Agreement / Ownership
* Flexible Support Assistant to meet individual needs
* Paid jobs, Saving Money, Preparation of Meals, Taking care of the house, Going out with Friends, Hobbies, Meeting Neighbours, Having Pets, Healthy Living
* With full involvement from family and friends.

OPTIONS FOR SUPPORTED LIVING IS NOT ANOTHER MODEL OR ANOTHER THERAPY! IT IS SIMPLY ABOUT ENABLING PERSONS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES TO LIVE AN ORDINARY LIFE LIKE ALL OF US !

Friday, January 3, 2014

BFM 89.9 interview on 7.11.2013

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