Ms Pua, staff of Beautiful Gate Disabled Centre, partner of LA 21 PJ becomes the sole representative from Malaysia to attend the Mobility International USA's 2008 International Women's Institute on Leadership and Disability Exchange Program in Eugene City, Oregon, USA from August 12 to September 2 2008.
Eugune is one of the most accessible cities in the World. The City offers an accessible community infrastructure, which allows people of all disabilities to participate as active community members and to live independently. Hence, the making of Eugene, an inclusive city for all - a theme that shared by us in PJ and a desire to be achieved.
I met Ms Pua last Wednesday and happy with her selection to learn more on the experiences of Eugene City. Hopefully knowledge acquired by her will be shared and help in making a barrier free city of Petaling Jaya. We are also happy to learn that the Mayor, Ms Kitty Piercy is interested to share us the strategies to implement policies that will allow our cities to be inclusive for all. As pioneer in providing disabled friendly infrastructure, this is certainly encouraging.
While MBPJ is making an effort of providing barrier free infrastructure, i am equally disturbed by the news that residents of a high rise residential building objected to the construction of a ramp in front of the entrance leading to the lobby due to "unsightness" and blocking of access. Although Section 34A of the Uniform Building By-Law requests building owners to make access and facilities friendly to users, the tendancy of NOT doing so is rampant.
Hopefully with the appointment of Mr Anthony as councillor of MBPJ, things change faster and better.
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