Get your PWD kids their IDs, nothing to be ashamed of - Mother of autistic son

She explained that the PWD card is a fundamental right for children with special needs, designed to provide them with better support and improve their quality of life.

SHARIFAH SHAHIRAH
SHARIFAH SHAHIRAH
21 Jan 2025 11:00am
 A Malaysian mother of an autistic child has urged parents of children with disabilities to apply for Person with Disabilities (PWD) cards.
A Malaysian mother of an autistic child has urged parents of children with disabilities to apply for Person with Disabilities (PWD) cards.

SHAH ALAM – A Malaysian mother of an autistic child has urged parents of children with disabilities to apply for Person with Disabilities (PWD) cards, emphasising the substantial benefits the card provides for education, healthcare, and overall support.

Spurred on by the recent violent assault of a man with disabilities in Terengganu which went viral online, the mother voiced her concerns in an emotional video on Instagram.

“As a parent of a PWD child, watching such incidents is deeply triggering.

“It’s painful to see how our community often fails to understand and support individuals with disabilities, especially those with conditions that are not physically visible, like autism,” she said in the video.

She stated that children with disabilities such as autism often face unique challenges, as their condition may not manifest in obvious physical ways.

“People don’t realise that just because you can’t see their disability, it doesn’t mean it’s not there. This is why having a PWD card is so crucial,” she added.

The viral assault, which took place at the Padang Astaka Farmers’ Market in Chukai, reignited conversations about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Malaysia.

In the incident, a 47-year-old man with mental disabilities was involved in an accident where his motorcycle collided with a vendor’s stall, causing goods to spill. This led to a physical altercation where he was brutally beaten by several individuals.

According to acting Kemaman District Police Chief, Deputy Superintendent Wan Muhamad Ja’far, the video of the assault sparked outrage online, particularly among families of children with disabilities.

WHY PWD CARDS MATTER

A PWD card, issued by the Social Welfare Department of Malaysia (JKM), provides individuals with disabilities access to a range of essential benefits.

These include priority healthcare services at government hospitals, educational support, employment assistance, discounted public transport, and more.

For parents, the card serves as an official document that acknowledges their child’s special needs, ensuring that they receive the necessary accommodations and support.

“Getting a PWD card is not about labelling your child; it’s about securing their rights. It’s a tool that can open doors to better opportunities and assistance for our children,” the mother said.

She urged parents, particularly those who recently received a diagnosis for their child, to act promptly, explaining that once a child is diagnosed, the specialist will provide a letter to facilitate the application process for the PWD card.

“Don’t hesitate — just do it. This card will help you in so many ways, from hospital visits to schooling. It’s there to make your life easier, not harder,” she added.

The mother also addressed the stigma surrounding the card, emphasising that it is not something to be ashamed of. She explained that the PWD card is a fundamental right for children with special needs, designed to provide them with better support and improve their quality of life.

“The PWD card is not something to be ashamed of. It is the inherent right of our children with special needs,” she said in the caption to her video.

Her appeal resonated with many families in Malaysia who struggle with navigating the societal and systemic challenges of raising children with disabilities. By sharing her perspective, the mother hopes to empower more parents to advocate for their children’s rights and utilise the resources available to them.

For more information on how to apply for a PWD card, parents can visit the official JKM website or contact their nearest district office.

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