THE ‘CAN DO' PEOPLE
Although disabled or in the older age group, there are Singaporeans who don’t believe in leaning heavily on the government. They want to earn their own keep, despite their disadvantages.
- By TRICIA LEE.
Photo: Madam Ng does not want to rely on others for a living.
If the able bodied find it hard to make ends meet in difficult times, what about the disabled or older workers? It is difficult for them too – and more so. But that has not stopped many of them from going to work – and against all odds too.
Many of them are out and about, not sitting around waiting for help – or the perfect job – to fall into their laps. You can see the blind giving foot massages, the mute and the wheelchair-bound in offices, and older workers serving with a smile at fast food outlets They are earning their keep and not quibbling about the types of jobs they do. As long as they can manage it, they do it.
The able-bodied would find it hard to imagine what it takes for these courageous workers to be doing this. Imagine being unable to stand, walk or use your hands to feed yourself.
Imagine relying on a wheelchair to move around and worrying constantly about the accessibility of places. Imagine not being able to see the people you love, or hear them speak. The simplest tasks can prove a real challenge for someone with a disability.
Spring went looking for some of these “Can Do” people who refuse to allow their age or disabilities to prevent them from leading normal and financially independent lives.
A Double Whammy
Carpark cashier C Mohan is 50 years old and walks with a limp. His left leg was affected after he contracted polio when he was three years old. It’s double trouble for him – age and a disability – and he knows how hard it can be to function in a society that is largely able-bodied.
Fortunately for Mr Mohan, his disability is mild enough to allow him to get around on his own, but he admits that age and his bad leg are beginning to slow him down.
He found his current job through official channels, and admits that without government help he would have faced a lot of difficulty finding employment. “When I was younger it was easier for me to get a job, but now people see me as an older worker, plus I’ve got a disability so it’s quite difficult to convince them that I am as capable as any younger, able-bodied person.”
He was retrenched after working in a production company for 23 years, but instead of blaming them and turning bitter, he decided to accept any job that came his way – an attitude that has served him well.
But he has some suggestions on how things can improve for people like him looking for jobs. “Employers should let us try the job before deciding that we can’t do it. They should look at the person, not at the disability. Many bosses instantly write us off without giving us a chance,” he explains. “If they’re doubtful, they can always start the person off on a part-time basis or on a lower salary and if they don’t perform up to expectations, treat them how they would any other person – no better, no worse.”
