Provide allowance without conditions

I REFER to the letter “Burden of parents of OKU” ( The Star, Jan 1). As the parent of an autistic boy who is now 15 years old, I have heard similar remarks from teachers, especially those who are in charge of the RM150 monthly allowance programme. They seem to be unhappy when we ask for the money and tell us to withdraw only a certain amount. What is their reason for doing this?

Teachers who do not have a child with special needs do not seem to understand our situation. They do not feel the pain when the child does not go to school in time or throws tantrums and becomes aggressive.

My son does not go to school but we need the allowance all the more. Why can’t the Education Ministry give out the allowance unconditionally and let parents decide how to spend it? After all, the parents are bearing the full responsibility of taking care of their special needs child.

I feel we are at the mercy of teachers since the allowance is only given when the child is present in school and attendance is marked.

I believe there are many families where one parent had to give up their job to take care of their child, thus sacrificing an additional income. So we definitely need that allowance whether or not the child goes to school. So many parents could be suffering in silence.

I have personally asked teachers when the allowance would be given out because I was in dire straits. I have seen other parents do the same. Last year, only half of the amount for 2017 was paid and we are still owed the balance.

I read in the papers and hear during budget speeches that allowances for people with disabilities are being increased but the real picture is so sad. I hope the relevant authorities are reading this.

EQUALLY FRUSTRATED DAD Cheras