SHAH ALAM, June 10 — Employment opportunities are key to helping people with disabilities (OKUs) build more independent lives and secure a better future.
This view was voiced by attendees of the Selangor OKU Policy and Action Plan 2026-2030 launch at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam yesterday, which also featured a career fair and various initiatives to empower the OKU community.
An attendee, Kannan, said he attended the programme to seek jobs for his son, who has learning difficulties.
He said several companies he met gave positive feedback, but noted that jobs specifically for the OKU community are limited and more difficult to secure.
“I hope more companies and employers open up jobs for the OKU community so they are able to be independent, support themselves and have a more secure future,” he said.
UiTM Outstanding Graduate (OKU) Award recipient Iris Jasmine Mohammad Rashid said career fairs catered to the disabled provide opportunities for the public and employers to see the true potential of people with disabilities.
The interpersonal communications major said neurodivergent people have their own strengths and advantages that can be utilised across various fields of work.
“Many still have the perception that OKU or neurodivergent individuals have certain limitations, even though they are also able to contribute significantly if given the right opportunities.
“Programmes like this help raise public awareness while creating more opportunities for the OKU community to showcase their talents, skills and potential,” she said.
Iris Jasmine, who works at a social enterprise that supports neurodivergent children, said the recognition of disabled people’s achievements is an important step to empower the OKU community.
