Appendix 2

“Self-Advocacy… in the Lives of Persons with

Learning Disabilities”

25th November 2006 (Saturday)
Venue: Auditorium, Faculty of Education, University of Malaya

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Skip to next paragraph 3

Jointly organized by: University of Malaya United Voice Japan International Cooperation Agency Department of Social Welfare Malaysia

Special Education Department, Ministry of Education

Guest Speakers

Dr. Dan Goodley Ms. Kamariah Amin Dr. Kenji Kuno

Mr. Eugene Lau

Mr. Johari Jamali Ms. Teoh Hooi Ting

Ms. Yeo Swee Lan

OVERVIEW Skip to next paragraph 4

The Self-Advocacy movement started in Europe and the US in late 60’s. It has proven to be an effective approach for assisting persons with learning disabilities to be independent. The components of Self-Advocacy include: speaking up for oneself; standing up for one’s rights; making choices; and king responsibility for oneself.

There are 800 Self-Advocacy groups in the United States, 500 groups in the United Kingdom and about 200 groups in Japan. However, there are only 8 in Malaysia. The Self-Advocacy Movement of Persons with Learning Disabilities in Malaysia began in 1993. Lack of awareness is a key reason for the Self-Advocacy movement in Malaysia to be in its infancy stage. Hence, the aim of this seminar is to create awareness on the importance and impact of Self-Advocacy in improving the quality of life of persons with learning disabilities.

The issues covered in this seminar are:

• Self-Advocacy and persons with learning disabilities
• Importance of Self-Advocacy for persons with learning disabilities
• Impact of Self-Advocacyon the lives of persons with learning disabilities
• Teaching Self-Advocacy for persons with learning disabilities at home and in schools

PROGRAMME Skip to submenu