THE Penang government is collaborating with several strategic partners to offer ‘Occupational Therapy’ courses in schools that cater to special education, says state Youth, Sports, and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi.
Gooi said these courses would play a crucial role in promoting greater independence among disabled students while also providing valuable assistance to teachers.
“Occupational therapists can significantly improve the lives of disabled students and reduce their dependence on others.
“We have held discussions with our strategic partners, and for a start, we will be providing special courses for the special education teachers.
“Then, we will plan to organise visits to special education schools most probably next year to connect with the disabled students,” Gooi said when he attended the national-level ‘World Occupational Therapy Day 2023’ today at Padang Kota.
Gooi highlighted the considerable effort required to care for one disabled student, which is equivalent to caring for 10 to 15 normal students.
Apart from that, Gooi said both the local councils, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), are committed to ensuring that public amenities are accessible and friendly to people with disabilities.
“Both local governments are consistently making efforts to enhance the accessibility of infrastructure and roads for the disabled.
“Any applications for new projects should include facilities for the disabled, such as ramps, and so on, before they are approved,” he added.
Meanwhile, Health Ministry Malaysia Occupational Therapy chief Nora Hamid stressed the need for more occupational therapists in Malaysia.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud