Wheel Power - Glorious time of year

The beginning of August of each year heralds the most important day in our country’s history.

On the 31st of this month, Malaysians of all races, beliefs, professions and lifestyles will commemorate our nation’s birthday, the 48th to date.

Malaysians with disabilities such as the deaf will also be among the millions of hearing persons caught up in the joyous occasion.

Nineteen-year-old Eng Foong Mei who was born deaf (her condition was only diagnosed six months after she was born) shared with me some of her personal thoughts about Merdeka in an e-mail she sent me last week.

"Although most people must think that I was very unlucky to have been born deaf I consider myself as very blessed – thanks to the unfailing support from my family and the deaf community from the YMCA Deaf Club in Kuala Lumpur," wrote Mei Mei (as she is affectionately known to her family and close friends).

"Meeting and mingling with other deaf people like myself has helped me to appreciate what the term ‘Deaf Pride’ is all about: to be proud of who I am not only as a Malaysian but also a Deaf Malaysian at that," Mei Mei added. "As a result, life for me has become much more meaningful since deaf pride awareness. Also my involvement with the YMCA Deaf Club has opened up opportunities for me that was never there previously.

"Such as improving my knowledge, taking part in physical and social pursuits – and most importantly, interacting with other deaf persons," explained Mei Mei who has just completed her SPM and now intends to pursue higher learning in a suitable college.

Apart from her education, the Selangor-born Mei Mei has a number of personal accomplishments to her name.

She appears as a model communicating in sign language for Malaysia Airlines’ safety video clips that is currently being aired in all flights under the company.

Mei Mei has also represented Malaysia at key conferences in Korea and Washington DC, and as served as camp director for a special youth camp that was organised by the KL YMCA for persons with learning disabilities and others.

"Without the benefit of these rich experiences, my life would have little meaning," she confessed.

Mei Mei, who is the youngest and has two older brothers, is the only deaf in her family and she strongly believes that the deaf need a lot of encouragement and opportunities that she has had if they are to become successful in life in Malaysian society.

"The government can also play a positive role in helping the deaf to find jobs and have access to sign language interpreters when there are educational opportunities available," said Mei Mei.

"My special wish for Merdeka is for the deaf to be accepted as equal partners to hearing persons. When it comes to our abilities and skills, we are no different from others."

Mei Mei said that she would like to see Malaysia set up a university that solely caters to the deaf and hard of hearing where they can pursue their tertiary education.

"By Malaysia having such an institution that is modelled after Gallaudet University in Washington DC, (the only one in the world) it will open doors for deaf persons in Asia to study in our country at more affordable prices," she added.

Mei Mei believes that by having more deaf students and graduates in our nation, it will help to inspire future generations of deaf children.

The Deaf community also requires better access to Information Communication Technology (ICT) to help them become more independent by having direct access to public announcements that are normally disseminated through audio.

"Let me say once again that I am proud to be a Deaf Malaysian and to be living in Malaysia," said Mei Mei. "I am very excited that as a country, we are developing very well and I’m proud to be part of our nation’s growth as a deaf Malaysian.

"As we continue to progress, I am sure that the deaf here will be able to see many more opportunities come their way to elevate us to the level of the hearing.

"The country is also peaceful and we are very fortunate that there is unity among all people. Let us also have lots of deaf awareness in the years to come," Mei Mei concluded.

The KL YMCA is currently hosting the YMCA International Deaf Youth Camp in Malaysia. The camp began on July 29 and will end tomorrow. The occasion is part of the KL YMCA’s 100th anniversary do this year.

The International Deaf Youth Camp is held for participants in the Asia Pacific. In conjunction with the celebrations, the KL YMCA held a half-day sports carnival for the deaf last Sunday. Later that evening the International camp participants were treated to a fund raising dinner at the Holiday Villa in Subang, Selangor, where dinner guests were entertained by a magnificent display of deaf talents in drama and dance.

For more information please contact Pusat Majudiri Y for the deaf at 03-22741439 or fax 03-22740559.