One woman’s challenging quest to help participants with physical disabilities in Singapore, Lifestyle News

We may not have control over our starting circumstances, but we have the power to shape our lives. In this month of women’s empowerment, we speak with female changemaker Judy Wee, a visionary leading the charge for inclusion as the Executive Director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association Singapore (MDAS).

Judy is dismantling stereotypes and paving the way for people with disabilities with unwavering dedication.

Our first encounter with Judy Wee at the Roche x MDAS’ Rare & Fragment dinner at Atout — an event dedicated to raising awareness and generating support for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) — left us captivated by her infectious smile and positive energy.

Especially when speaking about the youths at the association, she beamed with a pride that spoke volumes. She wheels alongside the beneficiaries of MDAS, coaching them in wheelchair soccer and cheering them on in Boccia (a precision ball sport related to bocce).

Maybe most impactful, however, are her intimate lunchtime conversations with the youths, which form their go-to for life advice and youth exploration discussions such as “I want to try alcohol.”

Amidst her busy schedule, we took the opportunity to speak with Judy, aiming to learn more about her challenging journey, her passionate advocacy, and her future aspirations.

Lifestyle Making Singapore Accessible

Needless to say, Judy Wee stands out as an exceptional leader. Beyond her responsibilities of overseeing daily operations and nurturing youths at the Muscular Dystrophy Association Singapore (MDAS), she also contributes her experience on the board of the Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA).

Leveraging her advocacy talents and personal experiences of living with limb deformities, Judy played a pivotal role in shaping the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Code of Accessibility.

This manual is a cornerstone for improving the accessibility of buildings and spaces, encompassing detailed standards for bathroom layouts, door dimensions, and navigation from level to level, and more.

She recalls a trip to Vancouver in the late 1990s, where she realized it was so helpful to get around in her wheelchair, unlike in Singapore. Her insights gained from studying Hong Kong’s accessible transportation system nearly two decades ago highlighted the absence of buses catering to people with physical disabilities in Singapore.

“Singapore started slow, but now we have come a very long way,” Judy reflects, as she proudly shares that 100 per cent of buses in Singapore today are equipped to accommodate wheelchair users. Beyond mere transportation, this advancement in mobility creates opportunities for people in wheelchairs to better engage with others, work, play, and participate in society.

Lifestyle The mammoth misconception

Making public areas and infrastructure accessible is merely the starting point. A prevalent misunderstanding is that people associate physical disabilities with mental incapacity. Physical challenges may be a part of their lives, but people with physical disabilities are just as intelligent and capable as anyone else.

Unfortunately, entering mainstream education or getting their first job is something that many people with physical disabilities struggle with. Judy’s parents went to great lengths to enroll her in a mainstream school; their belief in her abilities led her to excel in her studies and career, thriving in sales before she turned her volunteer stint into a full-time job at MDAS.

She brings the linked perception and conviction to the youths at MDAS, most steadily telling them, “Save the most piquant you would possibly perhaps well well to the most piquant of your capacity and peaceable folks what you are made of.” And indeed, they upward push to the occasion.

Snatch, for example, the intense and bubbly Wei Han, who enjoys playing soccer and going out with his friends and playing soccer, and the adventurous Jolene Poh, a food connoisseur and explorer of the environment, who will be starring in a scene in MediaCorp’s upcoming drama, Hope Afloat.

Lifestyle A principal valuable shift in perceptions

What’s valuable is a shift in societal thought and attitudes. But for a range of us, a lack of accurate knowledge and interaction with people with physical disabilities leads them to maintain unhelpful stereotypes that focus on barriers rather than strengths and talents.

Judy emphasises the importance of training and exposure. By fostering understanding and empathy from a young age, we can develop a society where differences are respected rather than stigmatised.

Lifestyle Wanting to the future

From employment opportunities based on merit rather than physical differences to creating environments that meet diverse needs, Judy envisions a future where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and live their best lives.

She holds a high aspiration for the beneficiaries of MDAS, one that combines specialized care with independent living in an assisted living setting.

Ready to turn this dream into a reality? Contact her here.

Amidst the definite strides being made, there’s a pressing need for an enhanced monetary support framework to aid participants with disabilities gain access to indispensable resources such as medications, equipment, and caregiving services. A portion of the aforementioned Rare & Share dinner proceeds will be directed to MDAS to bolster programs and services for those affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

This rare genetic condition that affects one in 10,000 live births worldwide weakens the muscles such that individuals with SMA experience a progressive loss of mobility and face feeding and respiratory challenges at a later stage. Gain the final Uncommon & Share dinner (S$138++ per person) on March 27 to make a difference in the lives of people living with SMA.

Reach out to MDAS to volunteer your time as an individual or a community, or make a contribution and join Judy in blazing the trail for a future where no one is left behind.

ALSO READ:A guide to food and eating for people with dementia

This article was first published in City Nomads.