TO raise awareness and foster tolerance, LemmeLearn teamed up with the Penang Down Syndrome Association and The Passion Hub to organise a significant charity car wash event, scheduled to take place at the Penang Down Syndrome Association on May 15 and 16.
Penang Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim underscored the importance of such initiatives in raising awareness about special groups in society. She urged all sectors, especially private companies, to provide job opportunities for them.
“These special groups possess unique abilities and strengths; so, we must focus on their capabilities rather than exaggerating their shortcomings and limitations.
“The Penang government is committed to enhancing and fortifying current measures to better support these special groups, facilitating their smoother and more independent integration into society.
“As a government and a community, it is our responsibility to ensure that every individual, regardless of their neurodiversity, has the chance to lead a purposeful and fulfilling life,” she said.
LemmeLearn Centre director Eileen Soon noted a concerning trend of rising autism prevalence each year.
“Research findings from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal a significant rise in autism prevalence over the years. In 2000, the ratio was 1 in 150 individuals, which increased to 1 in 59 by 2014, and recent research indicates a further increase to 1 in 36.
“This escalation underscores the importance of not only imparting skills to autistic children and young adults with special needs but also fostering their independence and integration within the community.
“In response, our training centre has initiated a series of programmes aimed at equipping these individuals with both skills and opportunities to gain work experience within enterprises,” said Eileen.
Penang Down Syndrome Association advisor Dr Sim Joo Seng stressed the paramount importance of enhancing community awareness, tolerance, and acceptance towards disadvantaged groups.
“Children with Down syndrome or autism require patience, particularly in communication. They deserve the time and space to express themselves gradually and acquire new skills.
“The car wash charity event serves not only as a fundraiser but also as a platform to raise awareness and garner public attention towards the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups,” he said.
Dr Sim hoped to collaborate with national and state legislators in the future to promote diverse awareness campaigns, facilitating the integration of disadvantaged groups into the community.
Also present were Penang Down Syndrome Association chairman Gonk Yen Ching and The Passion Hub director and clinical psychologist Yunice Ong.
To schedule car wash services, call Yen Ching at 012-426 9180. Car wash service rates are RM20 for sedans and smaller vehicles, and RM30 for MPVs and larger vehicles.
For those interested in purchasing cookies priced at RM20 and kombucha at RM14, contact Yen Ching to make reservations in advance.
Story by Nur Syakirah Mohd Basri
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat