A Collaborative Stakeholder Discussion on OKU Policy for Selangor was held on Wednesday 6 November 2024, at the UNISEL Shah Alam Campus. The session, chaired by YB Tuan Danial Al-Rashid Haron, Chairperson of the Majlis Tindakan OKU Selangor (MTOS), aimed to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (OKU) in Selangor while exploring practical solutions for improving their quality of life through policy and budget reforms.
The discussion focused on critical issues such as accessibility to information, healthcare, insurance, and public spaces. DAWN, represented by its Deputy President, Ms Jessica Mak, highlighted the urgent need for accessible communication for the Deaf community, particularly in public services such as police stations and healthcare facilities. It was proposed that the government directly fund JBIM (Malaysian Sign Language interpreters) instead of channelling resources through NGOs to ensure consistent and reliable support. These insights underscored the importance of creating inclusive environments that cater to the diverse needs of OKU in the state.
This initiative is part of a more extensive study aimed at understanding the lived experiences of OKU in Selangor. The findings from the discussion will inform the development of the state’s upcoming OKU policy, ensuring it reflects the community’s actual needs and priorities. The consultation session also provided a platform to share preliminary findings and gather stakeholder feedback, ensuring the final policy is comprehensive and impactful. This effort reaffirms Selangor’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering the OKU community through thoughtful, government-funded strategies.