Mission to empower wheelchair bound community

PETALING JAYA: Activist S. Jeyaraj is on a mission to empower the disabled community with his book "Guidance for Wheelchair Bound" that was published last year.
Jeyaraj, who is confined to a modified wheelchair, said it took him three years to write the book and have it published six years later.
It also lists some tips on caring for those like him, while educating the public on being a better caretaker.
"Initially, I didn't have sponsors, which is why the book was delayed. But I still pursued it and when potential sponsors didn't revert back to me, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society Selangor (SSVP) donated some money to have 3,000 copies published.
"I understand some buyers are reluctant to buy it because it's expensive at RM30, so I'd give it for free so that it would help in the future.
"My target is to reach out with different disabilities, such as autism and blindness, to come up with a book of their own. Why can't we do it? It would be more meaningful when it comes from the community," the 38-year-old former mechanical and engineering technician said.
He also does not want to be seen as a "victim" despite being paralysed from the waist down after an eight-tonne container that was being lifted gave way and a part of it fell on him while working in Singapore 10 years ago.
"I don't encourage people giving donations when they see me with my books. I think like a businessman; if they donate, then my product will not be supported.
"Guide us, bring us up — it's a community effort. Don't put us down by giving donations," he advised, adding the same mentality extends when selling pens in Klang Valley.
The idea for a guide came when he realised there was no specific book that catered for a paralysed person after undergoing a three-month treatment at the Republic's Tan Tock Seng Hospital's rehabilitation centre.
"I understand the challenges faced by those who use the wheelchair, which includes maintaining the nuts and bolts, and especially when using public transport," he said.
The 126-page book, which is available in both English and Malay, includes tips on proper exercise techniques shown through pictures, a caregiver's role and ends with an uplifting poem called "Don't Give Up".
The Taiping-born also attends group meetings where like-minded individuals exchange ideas, gives talks, and volunteers at the Malaysia Spinal Injury Association and Independent Living Training Centre.
Earning between RM800 and RM1,000 per month, which includes his sales, welfare aid and Social Security Organisation (Socso) pension, Jeyaraj's persistence and efforts to sustain his wife and four-year-old son has not gone unnoticed.
He recently earned a spot as a spokesman at the Welfare Department's disabled community committee.
"I don't know how they knew me, since I am now part of the policy-making machinery," he said.
"Although it's a non-paying position, it means that I can contribute my ideas, even if they meet three times annually," he said, adding that his dream to climb the steps to the Batu Caves temple is still strong.
He actively advocates ideas through his Facebook and is reachable at jeyaraj2178@gmail.com.