By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 13: The inaugural Neurodivergent Mural Art Bazaar at Telang Usan Hotel from Jan 13 to Jan 15 aims to raise awareness of the neurodivergent community.
The term ‘neurodivergent’ refers to individuals whose brain development or functioning is atypical, including individuals with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), dyslexia, autism, and other neurological conditions.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said according to the Social Welfare Department (JKM), which manages the persons with disabilities (OKU) registry, as of May 31, 2021, there are a total of 579,150 persons with disabilities in Malaysia, which is about 1.8 per cent of the Malaysian population.
“These people are also effective members of our communities and deserve more awareness, support, and recognition.
“This emphasises the crucial need for Malaysia to look at and reevaluate the People with Disabilities Act of 2008 so that we can be more globally aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), to empower people with disabilities and progress as a nation,” he said at the launching of the mural artwork and bazaar at the venue today.
Meanwhile, the bazaar features arts and crafts vendors showcasing the work of local artistes, food and beverage, and live sape performances by legendary sape player Mathew Ngau.
There are also free mental health screenings by Mental Health Association Sarawak on Friday and talks on autism and mental health by Heart Treasures and Kuching Autistic Association on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Place Borneo supports the three-day charity event organised by Telang Usan Hotel and Autsome Kuching.
For more information, follow Autsome Kuching on Instagram or contact Emma Zainal Abidin at autsome.kch@gmail.com.
Also present at the event were Telang Usan Hotel general manager Audry Wan Ullok, Autsome Kuching founder Emma, and Place Borneo director and principal consultant Gracie Geikie. — DayakDaily
