One in 800 babies have Down Syndrome in Malaysia and many of them grow up neglected and unloved by society. Even with the love and attention of their parents, many Down Syndrome children fail to achieve a good education and fewer still are able to attain careers.
Much of this is through no fault of their own, but the lack of accommodation for special needs people to contribute to society. But fortunately, there have been many support groups that help educate, nurture and this minority community.
One of them is Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia (PSDM), whose main objective is to help Down Syndrome children excel in their education and even help them get jobs.
Here are the ways that this non-profit organisation has helped hundreds of Down Syndrome kids flourish in the country.
Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia
Established in 2001, Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia (PSDM) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to assisting, educating and fighting for the rights of individuals with Down Syndrome (SD) in Malaysia, particularly children.
They assist with various aspects including health, welfare, education, vocational/career training and independent living and employment. Their main goal is to help improve the quality of life for children and adults with Down Syndrome.
PSDM focuses on programs that complement existing services. Since their inception, the organisation has focused on two main activities: Early Intervention Programs (PIA) and Basic Career Training Programs (PLAK), through Vocational Classes.
If your child has Down Syndrome and you want to join PSDM, you may sign up using this form.
Early Intervention
Part of the organisation’s ongoing contribution to childhood development is through their early intervention programs. Parents who are struggling to raise a toddler with Down Syndrome can stand to benefit from these workshops.
They teach DS children basic and important life skills like writing, speaking, etiquette, and many others. For older children, remedial classes seek to aid their understanding of basic subjects like Mathematics and Science.
For more severe cases, the centre also offers physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Many activities may look similar to basic Montessori exercises which help improve gross and fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, balance, etc.
Training for Life Skills, Career and Independent Living
For older DS children who are approaching adulthood, there are courses and workshops that can teach them essential career skills like cooking, cleaning, housekeeping, and many others.
These are vocational courses organised to train talented DS children to earn a living. After all, many DS children are motivated and productive even though our conventional workforce practices may unfairly exclude them from selected industries.
So, in place of traditional college or apprenticeship programs, PSDM offers manageable courses to help DS children hone their expertise at various jobs. Other activities under this initiative involve basic education for independent living.
These all ultimately aim to encourage independent living so that DS children can perform basic day-to-day activities (like bathing, dressing, cleaning and eating) without assistance or supervision.
Parent-Child Bonding Activities
PSDM has no shortages of events and on-goings for DS children and their families. Team building, sports days, motivation camps, holiday celebrations, awareness walks, fundraisers, there’s always something for their members to participate in.
But these activities are not just for fun. They also allow DS children to learn new things; from socialising, exercising, and even improving on essential life skills. One of the main benefits of these gatherings is to provide a community for both Down Syndrome children and parents.
It can be hard for DS children to make friends their age due to their physical differences and capabilities. Through events like the Hari Merdeka celebration held just a few months ago, DS children can mingle and expand their social circles with people who truly know the struggle of living with the condition.
These events also give parents the support they need, to exchange advice and words of wisdom, as well as to lend some much-needed comfort and kinship.
Volunteers, Donations and Advocacy
Special needs children are unfortunately one of the most mistreated minority groups in the country. They may often be abused, exploited and even denied basic human kindness.
PSDM is one of the many organisations working tirelessly to bring these issues to light so that DS children can get the proper welfare and protection. But that’s not all.
Part of what allows PSDM to continue the good work they do is through the help of local philanthropists and sponsors. The organisation welcomes all forms of donations from companies and individuals as well as anyone who wants to lend a helping hand at their centre.
So, if you are passionate about helping special needs children, perhaps you and your loved ones can consider volunteering at PSDM. Alternatively, you may also make an anonymous donation through their website. Any amount is appreciated.
Give Down Syndrome Children a Chance
Untoward as this may be to admit, society may at times turn a blind eye on special needs children. Granted, this doesn’t always mean that they don’t want to lend a helping hand.
Sometimes it may be because they feel helpless and unsure of how to do so or even interact with them. Nonetheless, it is unfair on the children. As a result, they may get left behind at school, neglected by their parents or even denied basic healthcare.
But these gifted youngsters have shown us time and time again that they just as talented, able-bodied and smart as regular people. Many Down Syndrome children grow up to be actors, musicians, fashion designers, Olympian athletes and yes, even college graduates.
It’s time we give Down Syndrome children a chance to show us what they are truly capable of. And its organisations like Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia that is paving the way for a better, brighter future for special needs children.
We at Motherhood would like to commend Persatuan Sindrom Down Malaysia on their tireless efforts and hope our article will assist in spreading awareness. The change starts with you and me. What say you?
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