A letter from MTL, Kuala Lumpur

The 25th anniversary of the American Disability Act is striking a bitter chord in global citizens with disability, including Malaysians.

REIPERTSWILLER, France: Five hikers, all blind or partially-sighted, crossed a mountain range in eastern France last week thanks to an innovative GPS system that developers hope can help millions of people with vision problems.

The gap between policies and implementation has failed those with learning disabilities. By this year, 30% of special needs students are supposed to be enjoying inclusive education. By 2025, it should be 75%, according to the Malaysia Education Blueprint. But reality bites.

University of Pittsburgh scientists are working with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under a two-year, $2.3 million sub-award to develop the new International Society of Wheelchair Professionals.

Previous studies have shown that houses for wheelchair-users have various benefits, such as reducing the need for care service and the cost of modifying the house. These special homes enable young PWDs to leave their family home and lead an independent life; reduce home care and lessen the risk o f falls for older wheelchair-users.

These seven apps use modern technology to enrich the lives of people with disabilities – from creative aids for the blind and deaf to new ways to make life more manageable for people with autism spectrum disorders and speech disabilities.

Pertubuhan amal swasta dan penderma peralatan dan kelengkapan yang digunakan oleh golongan orang kurang upaya (OKU) boleh menarik nafas lega dengan pelepasan yang diberikan kerajaan terhadap barangan berkenaan daripada Cukai Barang dan Perkhidmatan (GST).

Once the mainstay of communication for deaf people, Text Relay or Type Talk, as it used to be known, was being ever more replaced by email, texting, Skype or video relay service. Now Text Relay is on the rise again after months of delays and years of decline with a new modern service.

Given the opportunity, people with physical and learning disabilities wish to excel in life and lead a normal life. Their potential in contributing to society and earning a living, has not gone unnoticed as several companies are in the forefront, in giving the disabled an opportunity to work.