Rehab cure hope for disabled people: Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Bedridden children with cerebral palsy or the aged may be able to sit or walk and perform some tasks on their own now that the Social Welfare Department has decided to introduce a new motor action training method throughout the country.
Social Welfare Department deputy director–general Halijah Yahaya said the method, known as the Dohsa–hou, was first introduced in Malaysia in 1990 by the Fukushima Association of Motor Action Training.
A helping hand: Dr Naruse Gosaku helping Mohammad Nabic Hakim Mohd Fadil, five, adjusting his spectacles while the boy's mother Siti Norziah Khamis, 32, from Sungai Penchala, Kuala Lumpur holds him. On the right is Halijah while the Social Welfare Department's division for the development of people with disabilities director C. Jayalatchumy (behind) looks on.
"A psychological rehabilitation method, it helps children and the aged to create movement in their bodies on their own," she said.
The therapy combining psychological, physiotherapy and occupational therapy tried out on small groups was found to be effective in helping them regain some movement in their bodies, she said.
"The service is available at disabled children's homes Taman Sinar Harapan Jubilee in Johor and Taman Sinar Harapan Tengku Ampuan Najihah in Seremban and will be expanded to all such homes nationwide,'' she added.
The technique was also introduced yesterday to Rumah Ehsan nursing homes, where 90% of its residents were bedridden, she said, adding that the department would provide training to non–governmental organisations.
"We want parents to know that Dohsa–hou will help children manage their lives better and they will not be too dependent on care–givers," said Halijah.
She said 145 employees have been trained. Two qualified supervisors are licensed to practise and train staff and five assistants will become instructors after their training.
"We will ask the Government for a RM50,000 budget for training next year."
The Japan International Corporation Agency had sponsored trainers to Japan until the end of the year while the Japan Postal Department had provided sponsorship from 1990 to 2000.
The founder of the Dohsa–hou technique, Professor Emeritus Dr Naruse Gosaku, said it made a big difference in the quality of life for the bedridden if they could get up and sit down.
"Some have been able to walk again,'' said Dr Gosaku, who is also Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Psychology chairman.
"The progress is gradual and the person must diligently go through the programme."
Source: http://thestar.com.my/news
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