In Malaysia, a 2011 statistic by the Social Welfare Department reported that 134,659 children has some form of learning disabilities. The National Education Blueprint has identified 1% of all children as those with special needs and has tasked the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (PEMANDU) to address their needs. While the focus on education is commendable and needed, not much attention has been given to life after that - employment. To address this gap, an NGO called Dignity and Services (D&S) has been working since 1991 for people with learning disabilities to help them self advocate and eventually lead independent and productive lives. We speak to D&S chairman Josh Green and executive director Mettilda John about the advocacy work they do.

Note: D&S are currently looking for executive and non-executive directors. Interested candidates please call 03-7725 2269 or email dns@dignityandservices.com for further inquiries.