The young models and their parents during the
event.
The Star Online > Central
Tuesday March 28, 2006
Applause as special kids steal limelight
THERE were cheers and applause as young ”models” walked down the short aisle. It was the World Down Syndrome Day celebration at Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) last Tuesday, and 13 children participated in the fashion platform, which featured fancy dress and traditional costumes.
Parents, volunteers of Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation and SJMC staff were also treated to traditional performances with S. Navanita performing an Indian dance while a group of young children danced to the tune of Ulik Mayang.
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The young models and their parents during the
event. |
Among the guests was Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation National Centre patron Toh Puan Ena Ling.
Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation president Lee Kuan Yong described the celebration as significant because it shared with the world how special Down Syndrome people were - how they could contribute to society and lead meaningful lives.
“With early intervention, they can be trained and developed to be useful in society,” he said at the first worldwide celebration of World Down Syndrome Day in Malaysia.
He hoped the celebration would create greater awareness among parents and caregivers that children with Down Syndrome could be educated from as early as two months old.
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Ho’s violin performance caught everyone’s
attention. |
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said with access to informed and effective health care, early rehabilitation, appropriate education and social support, many Down Syndrome individuals led independent and useful lives.
In his speech read out by Medical Development Division deputy director of health, Datin Dr Rugayah Bakri. Dr Chua pointed out that early intervention was key in promoting the best possible outcome for children with special needs.
“Best opportunities offered at the earliest possible time would make a huge difference in the outcome.
“Help is available both in the form of governmental establishments and non-governmental organisations,” he said, citing hospital-based physiotherapy, speech therapy, community-based rehabilitation centres, special nurseries and schools as examples of the Government’s efforts.
However, he acknowledged early intervention programmes were not always monitored or audited and sometimes not comprehensive to the needs of children with Down Syndrome.
He said efforts of non-governmental organisations like Kiwanis had been exemplary, but such help was limited to those in big cities or a selected group.
Dr Chua said besides co-ordinating and publicising their needs, the National Down Syndrome Association could gather information about related organisations and enrol them as affiliates. This, he added, would set clear guidelines for mutual auditing.