'OPTIONS' - A SUPPORTED LIVING PROGRAM FOR PWLD

OPTIONS is a supported living program for persons with learning disabilities. It is about planning for Life. Originated in the USA then United Kingdom in 1980s/90s, the concept is based on clear values that -

Each person is a unique individual

• Each persons 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 that parents as carers will not be around forever.

The target group :

Young adults who have just left school or about to leave school

The AIM :

• To teach them skills in decision making in planning for their future
• To help family members to begin planning proactively
• To offer counseling and support to enable parents to 'let go'
• To create a team of highly skilled support workers
• To raise public awareness
• Sharing our values on philosophy with other communities
  
  
  

Our Achievements

D&S chartered many successes despite working under limited resources and manpower. The very first project undertaken was the setting up of a vibrant self-advocacy group consisting of only 4 youth members in May 11, 1995. Sponsored and supported by D&S, membership grew to 8 by early 1996. They later called themselves United Voice (or better known as UV).

~ United Voice

UV created history on 12 July 2005 for being the 1st Society led by persons with LD being recognised by Registrar of Societies (ROS) in Malaysia. Membership increased to 70 by end of 2005. They continued to make further progress by setting up an Employment Project which created jobs for 15 members specializing in handmade cards, magnets, bookmarks and Saori products.

UV is now helping to set up similar groups throughout Malaysia. For more details, please click on to http://unitedvoice.com.my

~ ESCAP (Economic & Social Commission) Award 2000

D&S received special mentioned from the United Nation and won the ESCAP Award 2000 for our contribution towards empowerment of persons with disabilites.

~ One Voice

A monthly column in The STAR paper on Disability has been coordinated by us since 2004.

~ Personal Safety Project

D&S is part of the curriculum development group to teach children with special need and intend to undertake it as a nationwide project in the near future.

~ 'i PLAY TOY' Library

Set up to serves the marginalized communities in collaboration with a private company called E2L Sdn Bhd.

~ D&S Review

A quarterly Newsletter distributed to about 3,000 individuals and organizations.