SIBU: The five wishes of disabled children were laid down yesterday to ensure they live with dignity, respect and support.

President of National Early Childhood Intervention Council Datuk Dr Amar Singh speaking at the closing of the fourth NECIC national conference at a leading hotel here at noon, listed the participation of fathers in the life of disabled children as the top wish.

He said fathers were usually absent in the lives of these children, like in activities hosted to support them and when these children were taken to a clinic.

“The NGOs have played an active role, and the involvement of fathers will help make the life of the disabled complete.”

Amar Singh also wished both parents would be involved to help shape national policies regarding aid and support for the disabled, like the education policy.

He said parents must play a pro-active role with NGOs and government agencies, for they knew best the needs of these children.

“I also wish the barriers to these children be removed to ensure they live a dignified and useful life.

“In this light, I wish society will be their friends. Break down boundaries and live up to the value of humanity. Do not treat disabled children as different or stigmatise them.”

He said these barriers must be torn at various levels like when the disabled visit doctors and when taking part in community activities.

“Lastly, I wish the community treat disabled children as treasures. They have the right to the support of life.”
He said society’s system must be changed to suit them, and not them change to fit the social system.

He called on the community to make them feel welcome, hoping they will realise the gift of disabled children to humanity.

“They can transform us; they are all treasures to us.”

Earlier, co-chair Kapitan Wong Hie Ching in giving her speech was full of praises for the team behind the conference.

“The participants are smiling, and I am smiling too for two reasons — that the conference has run well and has been well participated.”

She said as the conference closed, it was the beginning of participants’ new task and challenges as childcare workers renewed their commitment and recharged their energy.

“Go and bring comfort to the children. We can do better and become part of them.

More than 700 participants from throughout the country took part in the three-day conference.

The participants included teachers, NGO members, church workers, representatives from government agencies, parents and others.

After the close of the convention, the participants were taken on a city tour in the afternoon yesterday.

They will set off today for an adventure to a longhouse in Bawan Assan.

The next National Early Childhood Intervention Conference will be held in Ipoh in 2014.