KOTA KINABALU: Thirty-two children with special needs will undergo practical therapy sessions with four horses, thanks to the Sabah Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA Sabah).
RDA Sabah, a non-profit organisation operating under the IPEC Global Legacy Foundation, offers free therapy to children and young adults aged five to 18 years old who face challenges such as learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism, developmental delays, and various sensory impairments.
The programme has also garnered the support of Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, highlighting its importance in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Aims to improve community well-being through the therapeutic advantages of equine-assisted activities, RDA Sabah will be organising a workshop soon to raise awareness and provide support for children with special needs in the state.
RDA Sabah recently received a RM20,000 donation to fund its two-day equine-assisted therapy and volunteer training workshop from the association’s co-founder and deputy chairman, Pathmaseelan Senathirajah.
Pathmaseelan presented the donation to RDA Sabah chairman, Datuk Mohd Pintaz Badar, during a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.
“This donation will be crucial in establishing an important programme that brings together experts from government departments, non-governmental organisations, community-based rehabilitation centres, welfare volunteers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and special education educators,” said Mohd Pintaz.
Hoping to reach out to more children with special needs, he encourages corporations and interested parties to support this meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility initiative through sponsorship and collaboration.
