SCASFT celebrates 65 years of transforming lives for children with cerebral palsy

Originally published on Citizen’s Journal Published: Oct 10, 2024

Discover how SCASFT, Malaysia’s leading cerebral palsy care association, transforms lives through early intervention, vocational training, and sports programmes. Learn more.

The Spastic Children’s Association of Selangor and Federal Territory (SCASFT) continues to provide essential support for children with cerebral palsy (CP), marking nearly 65 years since its inception.

SCASFT, originally established in 1960 with just seven students, has grown into a leading institution for cerebral palsy care in Malaysia.

Today, the association is housed in a six-storey building in Petaling Jaya, standing as a testament to its unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children affected by the condition.

At the heart of SCASFT’s mission is early intervention, offering personalised care through holistic academic and vocational training programmes.

These services are designed to empower children with cerebral palsy, giving them the skills and confidence to navigate life with greater independence.

SCASFT: Tailored support for cerebral palsy

SCASFT has become a vital resource for CP children, offering specialised programmes that address the unique needs of each child.

SCASFT director Tan Meng Keat explained, “Each CP child differs in their condition, and we assess them individually. Our programmes cater to their specific needs, ensuring personalised care and treatment.”

The association’s comprehensive approach includes physiotherapy, speech therapy, and hydrotherapy, as well as innovative sports programmes like Boccia and frame football.

These activities provide children with opportunities for physical exercise, social interaction, and competitive success.

“Sports as a career is much encouraged, and the rewards can be attractive,” added Tan, highlighting that some athletes from SCASFT have achieved podium success in events such as the Para ASEAN Games and Paralympics.

Empowering through vocational training

In addition to therapy, SCASFT’s vocational training programmes help students gain real-world experience.

The Sunshine Cafeteria initiative stands out as a prime example of how the organisation prepares students for life beyond the centre.

Here, adult trainees are provided hands-on training in business operations, including stock-taking, cashiering, and customer service.

“A small allowance is paid to trainee students for ‘working’ at the cafeteria,” Tan said, noting that the programme operates from Monday to Friday. Government partnerships, such as with Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat Malaysia (JKM), ensure trainees receive allowances, further encouraging their development.

The vocational training programmes have had measurable success, with former students finding employment both within the centre and beyond.

Some have secured roles as car park attendants and classroom assistants, while others have started their own businesses in industries like laundry services and e-hailing.

SCASFT: Challenges and future plans

Despite its accomplishments, SCASFT faces ongoing challenges, particularly in funding and transportation.

While the association offers all services free of charge, donations have decreased in recent years, leading to financial strain.

Transportation also poses a hurdle for disadvantaged families, as children who need regular therapy often miss sessions due to lack of access.

Additionally, Tan expressed concerns over parental resistance to early and consistent therapy. “Some parents struggle to accept the severity of their child’s condition, which delays the therapy process,” he said, highlighting the need for early intervention during the child’s formative years.

Looking ahead, SCASFT plans to expand its services by constructing a new nine-storey facility, “Bangunan Sultan Idris Shah.”

This development will provide additional space for specialised services and generate rental income to ensure the association’s financial sustainability.

Tan shared that SCASFT, under the patronage of the Sultan of Selangor, remains committed to its vision of improving the lives of children with cerebral palsy for many more years to come.

The association will also host its annual charity Walk/Jog/Wheel-A-Thon on 17 November 2024. Held since 1994, this event will help raise funds to support SCASFT’s mission.

For more information about SCASFT’s programmes or to support their cause, visit https://scasft.org.

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