Community Services
  Pusat Majudiri - Y (Y-Self Reliance Centre for the Deaf)
 

As early as the 70’s Penang YMCA started the ‘Silent Club’ for the hearing impaired people to come together for fellowship and inter-learning experience.

The National Council of YMCas in involved id deaf work under one umbrella and established the Pusat Majudiri-Y (Y-Self Reliance Center for the Deaf in Kuala Lumpur).

The name ‘Silent Club’ was officially changed to Pusat Majudiri Y and started operation on 8th June 1991 to provide services to the hearing impaired community. It was officially opened on 19th August 1991 and is currently managed professional staff and volunteers.
 
 

Aim/ Goals/ Vision:

  • The vision of the Pusat Majudiri Y (PMY) is to increase the participation of the Deaf in society of life in the community to build a strong self-reliant Deaf Community.
  • The PMY aims to increase public awareness of deafness and its impact on society.
  • Its goal is to provide opportunity for the holistic development of the Deaf regardless of gender, race or religion.
  • To realize the above, the PMY will continue to build network with non-government organization and government organization to enhance, establish and strengthen services and facilities for the Deaf.
 
Program & Services:
  • Early Intervention
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Education Support for Primary and Secondary Students
  • Training in Sign Language for the Deaf and General Public
  • Interpreting Services
  • Leadership Training
  • Creating and Building Deaf Awareness
  • Advocacy Work
  • Deaf Employment Network (DEN)
  • Pre-employment
  • Job Placement and Counseling
  • Support for Self-Employment
  • Social & Recreational Programme
  • Parents Support Programmes/Group
  • Family Life Programmes
  • Sign Language Courses
 
Details on above programmes & services provided:
Education

Early intervention and intervention is crucial in the development of the child’s speech, language academic and psycho-social skills. The Pusat Majudiri ‘Y’ provides the necessary support and guidance for parents to nurture their Deaf child and develop their child’s potential to the fullest.

Parent-Infant / Pre-school Programme

Provides early education and support for the Deaf child and their family.

The three main components of the programme are :-

  • Early intervention programme ( 1 - 3 years )
  • Pre-school programme for Deaf Children ( 3 - 6 years )
  • Parent Support / Education and counseling

Deaf Children Development (DCD) / Reading & Writing Literacy Programme

This programme was initiated in 1992 to provide well-planned activities for the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of Deaf children through play and self-discovery. Education Support Programmes are designed to reinforce the learning of languages and mathematics. Children are also given individual coaching to enhance their reading & writing literacy.

Teens Development Programme ( DTP )

A programme to provide Deaf Teens with the necessary guidance to help them cope with secondary school education and life skills was developed in 2003. Guidance programmes and counseling were planned. Education Support Programmes are carried out to reinforce the learning of languages, mathematics and science.

Deaf Teens Club

The Deaf Teens Club started in 2003 to develop their social and leadership skills; to build self-confidence, self-esteem and self-reliance.

Deaf Club

This Deaf Club has opened avenues for Deaf youths and adults to fellowship and to participate in various activities including sports and recreation, seminars, workshop and exchange programme since its formation 1981.

Parents Support Group

The Parents Support Group started on 3rd August 1996. The Group consist of parents whose child/ children are hearing-impaired. This group provides opportunities for parents to encourage and help one another in handling their hearing-impaired child/ children. In addition to that Parents Sign language Courses are also offered to Parents.

Friends Of the Deaf Club

Initiated in 2004 for members who are taking up Sign Language courses in the YMCA. It provides an avenue for members to practice their signing skills and to interact with the Deaf Community. The club carries out various programmers/ activities and volunteers in community based activities as partners of the Deaf.

Employment Support Programmes

Job placement and counseling have been integral components of our programmes. Assistance at interviews and whenever problems arise at the work place is provided. Started in 1991, the Employment Support Programme is designed to prepare deaf youths in job-readiness, understanding of their rights and responsibilities, as well as self and work enhancement. The Employment Support Programme strives to promote deaf employment and enhance employer-employee relationship.

Promotion of Deaf Awareness Campaign

Deaf Awareness is an on-going programme at the centre. Exhibitions on deafness and services are held throughout the year. The annual Deaf Awareness Campaign, initiated in 2000, creates awareness among the public regarding deafness, the language of the Deaf, their culture, their rights as well as their abilities.

Interpreting Services

It is the right of the Deaf to have access to an interpreter in given situation such as in job interview, at the police station, at the hospital, in any legal matter, etc. We have an interpreter to lend this support. In social and functions organized by the YMCA. Interpretation is provided to ensure the participation of the Deaf.

Sign Language Courses

Conducted since 1991, the YMCA Sign Language courses have shown amazing growth in popularity in recent years. Individuals from all walks of life and of all ages are discovering that the study of Sign Language can be a rewarding and fascinating adventure. The course also provides an insight about Deaf People and their culture.
 
Family Life and Home Management
With an increasing number of Deaf Youths setting up families, programmes on topics such building relationship, marriage, family law, home economics, etc have been organized since 1991.
 
Achievements:
  • The establishment of the first Deaf Club ‘ Silent Club’ in Penang in 1970.
  • Organized international camp for the Handicapped in Hearing (Asia & Pacific Regions) in 1983, 1990, 2005.
  • Training and support given since the inception of Deaf Club have raised up independent Deaf Leaders who are able to organize program at international levels and also to meet their needs.
  • The YMCA Penang has been regarded as ‘a home away from home’ for our Deaf members to integrated, fellowship and provides moral support for one and other.
 
How can help???
  • By taking the initiative to communication with the Deaf. There is always a misconception that deaf are associated with the word ‘dumb’, hence the term ‘deaf and dumb’. The Deaf cannot hear you, so you don’t have to shout to them. They are certainly not dumb. You will surprised by the way they can carry a conversation.
  • When you communicate with them, focus on the person. Express yourself using gestures and facial expressions. If you are dumbfounded (See, it’s you who are dumb, not them), paper and pen will be great help.
 
Help us to Help them :
  • By joining our Sign Language classes. Be amazed by its beauty as a language!
  • By employing the Deaf. The deaf are able! Let them to show you. You will be surprised. Please contact us if you have got any job vacancies for the Deaf.
  • By being a volunteer. You will realize that giving is never one-way. The more you give, the more you will receive. It is journey of self-development.
  • By giving monetary support. Any form of donation from the public and corporate firms is appreciated. The support received will be used in developing various programmes for the Deaf.
  • Donation in cash or kind. Please make cheque payable to “YMCA Penang”