KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Employers are advised to attend Disability Equality Training (DET) workshops to encourage a wider understanding and knowledge of people with disabilities, says OKU Sentral president Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi (pic).

       She said that such training would help create an environment and society that is sensitive to the needs of the group and is also able to change the people's views and perceptions of people with disabilities as well as help plan the support that could be offered to them.

       "OKU Sentral has a team that provides DET where people with disabilities themselves will teach about their disabilities and needs and how employers can help provide facilities for them," she said.

       "This effort is important to ensure that all people with disabilities will have the same rights just like any other Malaysians," added Ras Adiba.

       Ras Adiba was commenting on a viral video showing a deaf woman expressing her disappointment over being denied her right to order a meal at the drive-through of a fast-food restaurant.

       Commenting further, Ras Adiba said such incidents had been going on all over the world for a long time, including in developed countries where awareness of the rights and needs of people with disabilities is still low.

       Therefore, she hopes that awareness towards people with disabilities would be inculcated since kindergarten to ensure that future generations will better understand and respect them.

       "Employers need to understand that people with disabilities also contribute to the economy, and as customers, they need to be treated equally,” she said. - Bernama