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| It was with the wisdom of such an adage that the disabled people around the world finally, united in strength and committed in purpose, decided to set up an example of a self-help organisation of the disabled, by the disabled and for the disabled, so as to achieve a "VOICE OF OUR OWN" - "VOX NOSTRA".
To this purpose, a small group of disabled people in Singapore, with the help of about 100 volunteers, became engaged in a battle against time, obstacles, lack of funds, to mention only a few problems...to bring to fruition an idea fathered in Winnipeg, Canada some months earlier in 1980 by 12 people and 300 supporters with disability.
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With no office, no organisational structure and no experience, we toiled from our homes and borrowed premises to midwife the birth of DISABLED PEOPLE'S INTERNATIONAL (DPI) in Singapore on 4th December 1981. We accomplished in 9 months what many sceptics said was impossible. The example has since opened the eyes of millions around the world. It has also resulted in the formation of over 100 DPI affiliates in more than 90 countries to date. In pride and not immodesty, we claim the Disabled Peoples' International by right and place of birth as a citizen of our beloved country.
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| At the first World Congress of DPI in Singapore, which over 450 delegates from 52 countries attended, Mr Ron Chandran-Dudley was unanimously elected as the 1st World Chairman of DPI.
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During the next four years, Ron, who took his responsibility seriously, was more often abroad than at home. Not unlike a travelling salesman, he was persuading, debating, convincing and cajoling people, including those in authority, to organise DPI affiliates in countries which were then uncommitted. To his credit, of which he is very modest, DPI is now a global organisation, accepted in 90 countries, with Consultative Status category II with United Nations Economic & Social Council, World Health Organisation, International Labour Organisation and other UN Agencies. |
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| However, Ron would be the first to attribute this success to the unsung heroes working as a team in the World Council and International Secretariat and he insists that he advocates a collective leadership style. To them, our appreciation, admiration and respect. Vox Nostra or a Voice of Our Own has been achieved. Of vital importance is how to put this voice to effective use. But that is beyond the parameter of this history section.
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| Singapore's own Disabled People's Association was not officially registered until 28th April 1986. Some might like to come to the wrong conclusion that Ron was too busy mowing other people's lawns and neglected to tidy his own garden. Contrary to this impression, although Ron always places a high priority on international duties, he had meanwhile worked hard with us to get our DPA registered. We had existed as an ad hoc group under the auspices of 1st World Congress DPI Singapore while carrying out ideals and ideas of DPI through our respective organisations such as the Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA), Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) , Singapore Association for Deaf (SAD) , its current president was the Chairperson of the local Organising Committee of DPI, and Movement for the Intellectually Disabled (MIND). |
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| The delay, in part, was caused by the strict observation of ideals of the DPI Manifesto (The Singapore Declaration) which, when translated into DPA's initial constitution could not fit snugly into the existing official status quo. The first area of compromise was the name itself which was eventually and good naturally agreed on as Disabled People's Association. If our name DPA sticks out like a sore thumb in a world of DPI uniformity, please be consoled that it is a sign of SOLIDARITY, we have maintained the same DPI logo but with a lion head in place of the world. "Unity in Diversity" happens to be one of our national objectives.
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| Another area was the expression in explicit terms of a majority control by disabled people. While there was never at any time any acrimonious exchange, the friendly drafting and redrafting was like preparing a meat stew - slow cooking, minimum heat and took some time but we got a tender pot of stew in the end. As a fait accompli, HWA has always been managed and organised by the disabled for the disabled with very supportive non-disabled volunteers. Likewise, SAVH and SAP usually have a majority of disabled people in the committees. It wasn't a question of precedence.
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| DPA's existence is not as a provider of welfare services. To begin with, DPA does not have the funds. Even if we had, it would be duplicating the services already provided by other voluntary organisations such as those mentioned earlier and in which DPA members as individuals are actively involved.
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| However, this does not mean that DPA is inactive. Since it's founding, DPA members have been in the forefront carrying out the first and third objectives of 2nd Asia-Pacific Regional assembly, namely:" To influence decision makers to implement policies and programmes aiming at promoting social integration of persons with disability", and "To share experiences concerning disability in order to co-operate in search of better solutions." this they do it's 'Voice", the Integrator.
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| In the "Agenda for action" which was formulated by the younger generation leaders lead by our prime minister, Mr Goh Chok Tong, the Singapore Government, with it's parliamentary approval, has set 6 advisory councils to gather public views and suggestions how best to meet the goals and challenges of what he termed as "Vision of 1999" in which Singapore will be a society of distinction and excellence, and Singaporeans will be educated, gracious, cultivated and confident. Unlike in the past where disabled citizens seldom obtained even a footnote in policy statements, this time the problems of the disabled were brought sharply into focus by the Advisory Council of the Disabled.
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| In the many meetings of the various sub-committees that followed, DPA members were actively involved. There was no doubt as to the seriousness of the Government's intention. We took the opportunity to fulfil the various objectives advocated by DPI. We are certain that we have made some contributions worthy of advocacy.
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| Meanwhile, DPA is looking into fund-raising, self-help and co-operative projects. One of the possibilities is a co-operative venture.
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Another project in the pipeline is the Research & Information Centre of Handicapped (RICH). This centre will provide material for study groups (study circles) spread out in housing estates in Singapore to upgrade their level of consciousness, understanding and knowledge of the complexity of disability, awareness of technological and medical advances pertaining to disability, ways and means towards seeking solutions and overcoming social problems.
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| It also seeks to enrich disabled members with the responsibility commensurate with good citizenship. We intend computerising this centre with the linkup or exchange of information with other databases world-wide. Another aspect of this project in the setting up of what is commonly known as a "Disability Living Centre". Here, people who have recently become disabled, the elderly, as well as the professionals can find appropriate assistive devices and adapted facilities to match their individual needs within their budget. This project will address the educational and environmental support systems for disable people within the community.
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| Meanwhile, we dare to dream. Without dreams there is no reality, without reality there is no challenge, and without challenge there is no success.
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by Johnny Ang
(Edited and reproduced from Handicap's Digest, - an official publication of the Handicaps Welfare Association).
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History
