With that in mind, the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped Selangor and Federal Territory (SSMH) was established in 1984 to provide rehabilitation facilities for children and youths with mental and physical disabilities, primarily from the B40 community.
The welfare organisation provides daycare and training for those with conditions such as Down syndrome, as well as spastic and dystonic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, which affects the arms, legs, and often the torso and face.
Of note is the centre’s sensory therapy – or “snoezelen” – room, a beautiful space for the young ones to relax their bodies and minds, which includes equipment to stimulate their five senses.
SSMH also has a training room with equipment such as a balancing board and parallel bars for them to practise walking, balancing, and stretching exercises.
According to administrator Hang Weng Fong, the organisation has two initiatives – the Individual Education Programme (IEP), which runs on weekdays, and a separate programme on Saturdays that focuses on living skills.
The IEP has 17 full- and part-time participants aged two to 19. Full-timers spend their weekdays at SSMH’s centre in Petaling Jaya from 8am to 12pm, with some attending extended sessions until 4pm. Part-timers only come to the centre three times a week, from 8am to noon.
Each student has a customised regime based on the severity of their disability and learning potential. They do physical exercises such as walking, balancing, sitting, and spending time in the sensory therapy room, and are also involved in group activities such as music therapy, ball play, colouring and drawing.
The Saturday programme, meanwhile, has six youths aged 19 years and above, who learn skills such as food preparation and are given the opportunity for social interaction. This is held three weekends a month from 9am to 12pm.
Fees are RM200 for full-time enrollees and RM150 for part-timers, while the Saturday sessions are free of charge. The fees, Hang said, include lunch and tea breaks.
“We typically feed them rice, vegetables, and a source of protein such as chicken or eggs. For tea, they get fresh fruit juice, cookies, milk, or Milo,” she added, explaining that the menu is approved by a nutritionist.
‘Project Burung’
The centre has six full-time employees, including physiotherapists, a housekeeper, and a teacher. It also employs part-time occupational and speech therapists.
According to Muzamal Bakri, council member and former SSMH vice-president, the organisation’s monthly operational costs amount to RM35,000, including salaries and utility bills. Its funds are primarily derived from public donations, annual government grants, and fundraising events.
Not surprisingly, the pandemic has affected their income. “The fees we charge are minimal, and we also provide food,” Muzamal pointed out, adding that, apart from the permanent staff, the rest of the organisation’s council members are volunteers.
To ease their financial burden, SSMH has embarked on “Project Burung”, selling “Birds of Malaysia – An Artist’s Love” by philanthropist Yeow Teck Chai. The beautiful hardcover book contains over 100 exquisite watercolour paintings by Yeow of Malaysian birds.
A share of proceeds from sales of the book, priced at RM200 each, will be channelled to SSMH.
Those who shop at Village Grocer or B.I.G. outlets can also contribute using points collected via the Bites app, by selecting “SSMH” under “Rewards” and “Charity”. For every 500 points donated, SSMH receives RM5.
Hang and Muzamal hope the public will help SSMH continue its mission of helping parents and giving their children the chance to live as normal a life as possible.
And when it comes to the young ones in their care, Muzamal emphasised the importance of love. “They don’t need sympathy; rather, they need empathy, help, and a lot of love,” he said.
“They are helpless and, at times, might feel confused and experience frustration that they cannot express. That’s where love comes in.
“On our part, we feel fulfilled knowing we can help them,” he concluded. “Even when they take three steps, we are happy.”
Find out more about SSMH via its website, and Facebook and Instagram profiles. Those who would like a copy of Yeow’s book can contact Hang Weng Fong at 016-2328003.
Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped Selangor and Federal Territory
No 16, Jalan 21/11, Sea Park
46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: 03-7874 6703