Who are we

Society of the Disabled Persons, Penang (SDPP ) was established in 1988 by a group of disabled people in Penang, Malaysia. This organisation is self-motivated and manage by the members itself.

Over the years, SDPP has been striving hard to fight for the rights of disabled people as well as guiding and encouraging many disabled people, particularly those staying in Penang, Malaysia to live up to their life as to enjoy the rights and the freedom that they should gain in all aspects of life. We are also committed to make Penang accessible to the elderly and the disabled.

Until today, SDPP has more than 250 members all over Malaysia and the number is still growing. Fortunately, with the support of all the members and respective authorities, SDPP will remain active, and even more enthusiastic to support each other and help those in need.

Our goals

As a society that evolve around the disable people, we have the following visions and goals.

• All disabled persons should be respected as complete human beings who are able to and have the right to live like other non-disabled persons. What we need are opportunities not charity, dignity not sympathy.
• All disabled persons should unite together to form a common platform to advocate for their rights. Emphasis should be given to create a conducive environment for cross disability program so that people with different disabilities can understand each other. The program should include people with learning and reading difficulties, the elderly and people who are disabled by stroke, diabetics etc.
• There must be a conducive environment for the disabled to develop their potential to the fullest extent. All disabled persons must enjoy full education so as to develop their minds to compensate their disabilities. Disabled persons must have full access to information technology that is useful in their education and employment. Access to internet will also widen disabled persons’ horizon.
• All disabled persons must be involved in economically productive activities. They must contribute to social development and nation building. The authority must ensure that there is no discrimination against the employment of disabled persons. The authority must also create a conducive environment for the disabled to engage in productive activities.
• The state of Penang should be completely barrier-free for disabled persons, senior citizens, pregnant women, children and all who are physically weak. Public transport system of Penang must be fully accessible to disabled persons. Disabled persons must be given fair allocations in all of the low and medium cost housing projects.

Our objectives
To achieve and sustain our vision and goals, we implement the following objectives:

• To provide services to disabled persons.
• To educate and to develop disabled persons.
• To protect the rights of disabled persons.
• To provide social interaction among disabled persons.
• To serve as a resource center for disabled persons.

Our services

• Visit member when they are ill. Arrange transport and assistance when they need help or medical treatment.
• Make contact with potential employers, visit work site and introduce suitable members to the employer.
• Provide small amount of soft loan (interest free) to help members buy or repair tricycles, wheelchairs or go for training etc.
• Small donation when family members pass away.
• Present to members during their wedding.
• Public newsletter.
• Provide consulting service to anyone needing information, e.g the designing of non-handicapping facilities.

Society of the Disabled Persons Penang (SDPP)