VOLUNTEERING gives a sense of purpose and fullfilment, and it becomes even more rewarding when done for the welfare of individuals with disabilities.
Penang Down Syndrome Association (PDSA) advisor Dr Sim Joo Seng shared this insight while highlighthing, the urgent needs for more volunteers to join the organisation.
Dr Sim said PDSA serves as a place that helps prepare children with Down syndrome to integrate into the community.
“We train the children here to enhance their memory and to develop their daily living skills, fine motor, and gross motor.
“Currently, our setback is the lack of manpower, particularly among professionals such as specialised educators, speech therapist, psychologist and occupational therapist. The psychologist provides support not only for the children and adults but also for their families.
“Our mission is to create awareness in society about how to treat people with Down syndrome and to help others understand them. One way to achieve this is through volunteerism,” he added.
Sharing how volunteering at the PDSA can make a significant difference, Dr. Sim explained that volunteers play an important role in helping children or adults with the condition gain acceptance in society.
Dr Sim highlighted that volunteers can raise awareness within their own circles, helping to foster greater understanding and inclusion.
“Collaboration among teachers, parents, and the community is essential to support the integration of individuals with Down syndrome into society.
“It is not easy for parents to do it on their own, as they need to help their children overcome not only physical disabilities, but also mental and social challenges, and be included in society.
“Through volunteering, individuals gain valuable insights into the lives of people with disabilities and can share this understanding with friends and family, helping to raise awareness in the community.
“Volunteering is a two-way experience: while volunteers find a sense of fulfilment, they also play an important role in promoting greater understanding and acceptance of individuals with disabilities in society,” he added.
As an NGO, Dr Sim said PDSA may not be able to provide high salaries, but is hoping for dedicated individuals who are passionate about volunteering, whether on a permanent or part-time basis.
Meanwhile, State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim expressed her appreciation to the PDSA team for their good deeds in caring for individuals with this disability.
Lim urged the community, especially corporate companies, to organise CSR programmes at the PDSA or volunteer their time to support individuals with Down syndrome
“Apart from that, financially independent senior citizens could also visit and interact with individuals at the PDSA to brighten their day,” added Lim, who is also the Sungai Pinang assemblyman.
Lim, who is also the Sungai Pinang assemblyman, visited PDSA on Dec 2 in support of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated on Dec 3, and took the opportunity to interact with staff and the children.
PDSA chairman Gonk Yen Chin shared that the association provides enrichment classes at subsidised fees to support parents. She added that they also offer an ‘early intervention programme’ for children under six years old.
“We also have an Individual Education Plan, where each individual is taught and trained according to their own pace and developmental needs.
“The Penang Down Syndrome Association (PDSA) was established in 1999 by parents of children with Down syndrome,” she added.
Gonk also shared that festive cookies and souvenirs, such as soaps made by the children at PDSA, are available. To place an order, you can contact Gonk at 012-4269180.
The PDSA is located at No. 10, Lebuhraya Rose.
Some of the pictures clicked at the PDSA :-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian