According to Johari, President of United Voice, the organisation was founded in 1995 with only 4 members. United Voice became the first registered society in Malaysia that is led by people with learning disabilities in 2005.
"The committee members of United Voice are all people with learning disabilities. We run the society with the help of staff employed by us."
Mission
The mission of the society is to promote self-advocacy. Self-Advocacy means to know one's rights, to make our own choices and to speak up for oneself.
The believe is that when people with learning disabilities are given the opportunity to be part of an inclusive community, they can also contribute.
How does It Work
"We have an administrative office that is in touch with our members, donors, volunteers and supporters," said Johari.
"We conduct awareness programmes to promote self-advocacy and create better understanding about people learning disabilities," he said.
Assistance Offered
According to Kamarulzaman, United Voice is a source employment for people with learning disabilities. "We have an employment project that employs 22 members. We also source employment for those who are ready to work in the labour market. Our recent greatest achievement is raising RM1 million to buy our own building."
"We are a member of the Malaysia Confederation of the Disabled. We work together with other disability groups to advocate for better education, more job opportunities and accessible environment."
Contacting United Voice
One may visit their website at www.unitedvoice.com.my or email United Voice at unitedvoiceinfo@ gmail.com, call at 03 79540701 or visit their office at 603, Jalan 17/12, 46400 Petaling Jaya.
Funding
"We have some regular donors that include supportive individuals, corporate companies and organizations. We organize fund raising events. We also receive funds from the Welfare Department," Johari said.
Challenges
"We do not have any major problems but one of our biggest challenges is to help the public understand people with learning disabilities better. We hope the public will understand that people with learning disabilities are like everyone else who want to be accepted and be part of the community," said Kamarulzaman.
Are NGOs Given due Credit?
"We are encouraged that the government and the public showed appreciation of our work. We get invited by the government sector such as the welfare department, special education department and ministry of human resource to participate in dialogues, events and training programmes. We are also invited by colleges, universities, schools and the private sector to conduct awareness programmes," Johari said.
The Future
There are currently 15 self-advocacy groups all over Malaysia. "We hope more self-advocacy groups will be formed to create awareness for the future,"said Johari.
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