KUCHING: The term “people with disabilities” (PWD) should be revised to “people with different abilities” to acknowledge their high intelligence.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that this change requires international dialogue and agreement.
“These terminologies were not done by us. When we look at special needs children, they are not disabled but they are different,” she said at a press conference after attending the opening ceremony of National Special Education Seminar by NAECCEM of Early Childhood and Education Malaysia at Damai Lagoon Resort here today.
Nancy highlighted that Malaysia adheres to international standards for these terms, indicating that any change would be gradual. Additionally, she mentioned the Social Welfare Department’s (JKM) efforts to develop nurseries nationwide for children with different abilities.
She also noted the establishment of 11 special needs schools across Malaysia, including the Agape Centre in Sibu.
Nancy urged community engagement in raising awareness and understanding of special needs education.
“We need community leaders to be serious about these. Whenever I’m at a function, I always mention matters like these so that our community is also involved,” she said.
