I AM compelled to respond to the article “No law to require hearing-impaired to declare condition to RTD: Expert”, which was published in a local daily last week. I am concerned over the potential ableist belief and unintentional negative consequences engendered by the article, which would lead to further marginalisation of persons living with impairment and/or chronic illness, in this context those who are deaf and blind.
To ensure that no one misreads my response, I will start by summarising the content of the article, which quotes Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) associate professor Law Teik Hua, who is also head of the university’s Road Safety Research Centre, saying that there is currently no mechanism or law requiring persons who are deaf or hard of hearing to declare their impairment to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) before they are given their driving licence. Law noted that sight and hearing are the two most important senses for those who drive and asserted that some measures are needed to protect both the drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing and other road users. He also said that allowing persons who are deaf or hard of hearing to drive could increase the risk of accidents. He pointed out as well that there is lack of technology and facilities to accommodate disabled persons when it comes to road safety.
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
