James Kon
Discrimination among those with different abilities is an obstacle while social stigma and perception towards these group of special individuals further hinder their involvement and participation in all aspects of life, Head of Rehabilitation Department of the Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC) Dr Abang Muhammad Fahmy bin Abang Haji Hepnie said.
He said as a health specialist centre providing treatment to patients with different abilities, celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) is very appropriate.
“Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic the celebration was held online,” Dr Abang Muhammad Fahmy said.
The BNSRC under Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) commemorated IDPWD 2022 with an event and exhibition at the Lecture Theatre of the PJSC building yesterday.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, as Deputy Chairman of PJSC Board of Directors and guest of honour, and guests viewed a brief video featuring an interview with patients sharing their experiences and challenges of living with different abilities. They also viewed a video clip written by Hadi Hisyammuddin Hamzah, a patient at BNSRC.
The minister also presented certificates of appreciation to the patients with different abilities and participating exhibitors. He also toured the exhibition. IDPWD that falls on December 3 increases awareness of disability issues affecting persons with different abilities (OKU). It also seeks to obtain support for the rights, dignity and general welfare for them.
This year’s theme ‘Transformative Solutions for inclusive Development: the Role of Innovation in Fuelling an Accessible and Equitable World’ emphasises the need for transformative solutions covering three different areas namely inclusive development in employment, inclusive development on reducing inequality and inclusive development sport as an exemplary case.
It is hoped that such campaigns will raise knowledge of the importance of including the OKU in all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life.
