The Star Online: Lifestyle: Bookshelf
The Star Online: Lifestyle: Bookshelf |
| One Voice: Support for the learning disabled Posted: 02 Nov 2011 03:25 AM PDT Selected articles published under this column have been compiled into a book. THE year 2001 was a watershed for the learning disabled community in Malaysia. It marked the birth of One Voice, a monthly column provided by The Star for the learning disabled. Finally, a space was created in the local media for learning disabled persons and their parents, caregivers as well as advocates to speak with a collective voice. Up until then, the avenue for them to express their concerns and to seek information was limited. When a child does not fall neatly into the "normal" category, it can be heartbreaking for the family. More often than not, they do not know where to begin to look for help. When a person is labelled as having autism, Asperger syndrome, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, dyslexia or attention deficit hyperactive disorder, it can be hard on the ears and heart. What can parents do? How do they manage? Who and where can they turn to? This is what One Voice attempts to address. Ten years on, One Voice continues to serve as a channel for the community to have their say, from the challenges of raising children/siblings with special needs to laws governing their right to education, employment and healthcare. As the co-ordinator of this column, I am ever grateful to the paper for sharing our vision of an inclusive society and supporting us with a column that ensures critical issues confronting the learning disabled are heard. Hence, the book, One Voice: Learning Disabilities, The Malaysian Experience, 2001-2011. It comprises a selection of articles published in this column, which focuses on family, community, law and education. The articles were contributed by writers who, in one way or another, were involved with the community. Coloured by their respective experiences, the stories are a mix of the poignant and stoic, providing sobering facts and figures on the learning disabled community. I believe the book serves well for parents, teachers, therapists and students of psychology who want to make a difference in the lives of the learning disabled. It is my sincere wish that more contributors across the nation will come forward and share their stories to make One Voice truly representative of the learning disabled in Malaysia. Admittedly, working on a voluntary basis and encumbered by time and distance, there had been occasions when One Voice was overtly Klang Valley-centric. This can be remedied if there are volunteers who are willing to travel the length and breadth of the country and report on the respective States' experiences. It is my great hope that this book will inspire readers to contribute articles, keeping the column relevant and current. Last but not least, I owe my thanks to the many individuals and organisations that have given their undivided support to the learning disabled community. Together we can erase the divide and embrace all Malaysians, disabled and non–disabled, as one. One Voice: Learning Disabilities, The Malaysian Experience, 2001-2011 will be launched on Nov 26 at the KL Convention Centre in conjunction with Dignity and Services' fund-raising event to commemorate its 20th year as an advocacy movement for the learning disabled. All proceeds from the sale of the book (at RM10 per copy) will go towards promoting the causes of the learning disabled under Dignity and Services. To order, e-mail dignityandservices@yahoo.com or call 03-7725 5569/019-3458249. Feedback on the column can be sent to onevoice4ld@gmail.com. For enquiries of services and support groups, please call Dignity and Services (03-7725 5569). Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
| Posted: 02 Nov 2011 03:16 AM PDT Taylor Swift is giving country music a cool edge. TAYLOR Swift is leading the charge of country music artistes dominating not just the pop charts but worldwide radio airplay too. The bona fide country star will be receiving the Billboard Woman Of The Year next month for producing hit after hit this year and being the biggest selling albums artiste in any genre for the last 12 months. Keeping Swift company in the mainstream music world from the country realm are the likes of Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, Blake Shelton and Scotty McCreery. Somehow, these talented singers have managed to capture the hearts and minds of the masses, whether it is through reality shows like American Idol or The Voice or by coming up with tunes that have killer hooks and irresistible appeal. By the looks of things, the country genre is having an influence on pop music too. Why else would Lady Gaga have a country version of her single Born This Way or Rihanna debut her song California King Bed at the Country Music Awards? Galaxie magazine takes a look at how country music has made its presence felt in the pop scene today in the Nov 1-15 issue thanks to artistes like Swift, Shelton, Lady A, McCreery, The Band Perry, Lauren Alaina and Carrie Underwood. The latest issue also features an exclusive interview with Justin Timberlake on his acting and singing careers. All Time Low and violin virtuoso David Garrett took time out to chat with Galaxie about working with Rivers Cuomo and making "a good crossover CD". What's more, fans of The Twilight Saga will not want to miss this issue as Galaxie is giving away passes to a special screening of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 plus awesome goodies like Terra Nova survival kits and Foster The People's debut album, Torches. Packed into this issue as well is the juiciest gossip from the East and the West plus the lowdown on the latest in music, movies and TV. Galaxie, which is owned by Star Publications (M) Bhd, also has a presence online at galaxieblog.com.my, which is packed with celebrity news and views. Greyson Chance fans will want to head on over there right now for a chance to win passes to his live performance in Kuala Lumpur. For even more updates on the magazine, its blog and the entertainment world, follow Galaxie on Twitter (twitter.com/galaxiemag) and visit its Facebook page (facebook.com/GalaxieMagazine). – Evelyn Teo Full content generated by Get Full RSS. |
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