Mention OKU and the image that comes to most people’s mind is a wheelchair. However, OKU or PWD is not just limited to physical disabilities but can be broken down into seven categories.
Here’s how OKU is defined by the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2008:
OKU or PWD is defined as those who have long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society.
The seven categories of OKU are:
- Hearing Disability
- Visually Disabled
- Speech Disability
- Physical Disability
- Learning Disability
- Mental Disability
- Multiple Disabilities: Means having more than one type of disability and cannot be classified under category 1 to 6
According to the Jabatan Kebajikan Rakyat (JKR), in year 2016, 409,269 people have registered under Persons with Disabilities.
| Disabilities Category | Year 2016 |
| Visually Impaired | 36,692 |
| Hearing | 31,937 |
| Physical | 142,600 |
| Learning Disabilities | 143,334 |
| Speech | 2,104 |
| Mental | 33,518 |
| Others | 19,084 |
| Total | 409,269 |
With the OKU card, you can get access to a wide range of benefits that’s more than just handicap parking, like monthly allowance, special education program, scholarships, tax rebate, and more.
While the government offers such benefits, it’s always good to have your own protection just in case, which is why Tune Protect is offering a new insurance plan, EasyCare PA for people with special needs.
