Learning to Cope

By PANG HIN YUE She is a pillar of strength to her flock. Pastor Sia Siew Chin may have muscular dystrophy that impairs her movement and confines her to the wheelchair most of the time. But one of the winners of the 2004 Disabled Persons of the Year Award, Sia is a picture of grace and gentleness.

There is not even an iota of bitterness or self-pity in this petite 38-year-old mother of one, given the many trials and tribulations she has gone through because of her inherited genetic problem. Five of her siblings have the same disorder as her. And last year, Sia found out that her daughter who is now five, has not been spared either. “At first, there was pain in my heart. It was very hard for me to accept this. But in the end, I trust and believe that God will lead my daughter in life.”

Pastor Sia Siew Chin

Sia, the executive director of the Petaling Jaya-based Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled, has this message for the physically and mentally disabled: “You must fight negative thoughts about yourself.”

She should know, having faced ridicule while growing up in Sungai Rambai, a small village in Malacca. Neighbours used to shun her and her siblings because they feared that their disorder was “contagious” and any association with the Sia family was a “curse”.

“I felt rejected. I couldn’t accept my disability.” But Sia’s turning point came when she was in Form Two. “I went to church and saw the light.”

Sia did not allow herself to wallow in self-pity as her condition worsened over the years. “I used to be able to run until I was eight years old. But as I grew older, my muscles became weaker. I can only manage to walk a short distance now. Breathing can be painful too at times.” Sia is indeed a model of courage. She is always upbeat, no matter what obstacle or adversity lies in her path.

“Don’t get discouraged. You have to persist,” Sia advises the disabled. It is largely because of her determination and drive that Beautiful Gate was set up in 1993.

At that time Sia who has a degree in divinity, was an active member of the Society of Chinese Disabled Persons. One day she had a vision in which she saw many sad, desperate people crawling around on their hands and knees. She realised that there was a need to reach out to the disabled, to provide an avenue for them to learn so that they could earn a living and live independently.

Thus Beautiful Gate was set up under the aegis of the Chinese Methodist Church. Since then, three other centres have been set up in Kepong (Kuala Lumpur), Kampar (Perak) and Seremban (Negri Sembilan). Another centre in Batu Berendam, Malacca, is being planned. There are also two group homes in Balakong, Selangor, to enable former trainees of Beautiful Gate to lead independent lives.

For Sia, it is imperative that the disabled be healed spiritually and emotionally to be able to get on in life.
“It is important that we take care of our heart, without which one can easily succumb to self-condemnation and inferiority complex. Many of us ask ‘why me’ in times of trouble. I believe that whatever happens, God allows it for a reason,” says Sia.

The important thing for the disabled, says Sia, is to strive for independent living. And this is what she has been trying to teach to those who come to Beautiful Gate.

The centre’s daily activities are open to all, irrespective of race and religion.

There are five areas of skill-training being offered at Beautiful Gate. Living Skill training involves cooking, washing, cleaning, marketing, motor-cycle riding and teamwork living practices. To help members to be gainfully employed, Beautiful Gate offers computer lessons with help from Lim Kok Wing University College. Systematic College Petaling Jaya, Lion Clubs of KL Central and Jen Software have also joined forces to provide IT training.

Beautiful Gate also conducts language classes, book-keeping and handicraft services. Physiotherapy and sport activities are available. In fact, annual tournaments of wheelchair badminton and table tennis are held to encourage group participation. More importantly, Beautiful Gate provides counselling for the disabled and their families.

In 2003, Beautiful Gate set up its own Performing Art Troupe.

To help members who are unable to find employment, Beautiful Gate set up a recycling workshop at its premises in SS2, Petaling Jaya, last year. Members are tasked to sort and pack recyclable items before selling them to the respective factories.

“We urge the public to donate their recyclable items to us,” says Sia.

Despite a tight budget of RM17,000 per month per centre, under Sia’s leadership Beautiful Gate is able to provide accommodation, training services and fee advancements to 150 resident-members. So far 25 disabled persons have set up their own businesses with the support of Beautiful Gate.

Beautiful Gate welcomes donations and volunteers who can teach IT, English, and book-keeping among others. The main centre is located at No 29, Jalan SS2/59, 47300 Petaling Jaya (019-2198440/03-78756739/fax: 03-78762686/e-mail: bgcentre@yahoo.com.

Source: The Star