Judy Wee, Executive Director MDAS, shares how to interact with persons with physical disabilities
A gold medalist for paralympic swimming in 1989, Judy Wee shares about her growing up years and what keeps her busy at MDAS.
Striking a balance in life may be as simple as carving out time regularly to indulge in an activity of your choice. Yahoo Shopping chats with personalities who share their passion for a sport or wellness activity they enjoy, which helps them take on the world with zeal. We hope this monthly series will inspire you to find an interest that will add that sparkle to your life.
About Judy Wee, Executive Director MDAS
Judy Wee is a seasoned advocate and leader with over 16 years of experience spearheading awareness campaigns and in-house programmes for individuals and families impacted by Muscular Dystrophy. Born with a congenital limb deformity, Judy’s inclusive household fuelled her determination to break barriers and excel. Her achievements include being a gold medalist in Paralympic swimming, showcasing her resilience and determination.
Throughout her career, Wee has been unwavering in her dedication to creating accessible and inclusive environments for people with disabilities. Her efforts have resulted in significant changes and advancements in support systems for those living with Muscular Dystrophy. Her impactful contributions were recognised with the prestigious Public Service Medal, highlighting her commitment to public service and advocacy.
Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Singapore (MDAS), Wee plays a pivotal role in providing vital support to patients and their families. Her leadership continues to drive forward the mission of MDAS, ensuring that individuals affected by Muscular Dystrophy receive the care, resources, and opportunities they deserve. Wee's passion, resilience, and advocacy make her a formidable force in championing disability rights and creating a more inclusive society.
Yahoo Life Singapore: You were born with a congenital limb deformity and went on to become a gold medalist for paralympic swimming in 1989. Please share with us how your growing up years were like and what led you to take up paralympics swimming.
Judy Wee: As a family, we would regularly visit the beach on weekends and go swimming – that’s where I learned how to swim. As I grew older, I began to swim competitively, taking part in national and international competitions. Athletes with disabilities are classified based on the type and extent of their disability to ensure a fair competition. My most memorable competition was the FESPIC (Far East and South Pacific) Games for the Disabled in Kobe in 1989 (now renamed as the Asian Para Games), where I won a gold medal.
I attended mainstream school and also had chores to do such as folding clothes, cooking and cleaning. These helped me to learn to find my own way of doing things myself..Judy Wee on being raised just like her able-bodied siblings.
Have you, at any point in your life, felt discouraged or different from your peers? How did you overcome the odds to emerge the gold medalist in paralympic swimming?
Despite being born with a congenital limb deformity, I am grateful to my parents for bringing me up no different from my abled siblings. I attended mainstream school and also had chores to do such as folding clothes, cooking and cleaning. These helped me to learn to find my own way of doing things myself and how important it is for one to be able to adapt in any given situation.
I approached swimming with the same mindset and values – I never thought of it as something I could not partake in or enjoy. Gradually, pursuing it competitively became a natural progression of my journey.
During non-competition periods, training happened weekly and progressed to about 3 times per week to prepare for competitions. One of the greatest challenges was getting transport to attend training. Back then, the public transport system was not accessible and I had to travel in a taxi. With every meet or competition, I could see improvements which further motivated me to carry on. The national swim team together with the coaches were also closely knitted - we trained and had fun together.
Growing up, did you have any role models or inspiring figures that motivated you to press on?
There is not really one particular figure but rather the people around me, be it my family or the national swim team and my coaches. I saw how much they supported and believed in me and that made striving towards my goals all the more fulfilling.
What are the benefits of swimming and what do you love about it?
Swimming for me meant freedom. On land, I needed to rely on walking sticks to move around. As my legs are quite short, walking seemed to take forever to get from point to point. While swimming, I just jumped in and moved with the help of my arms. It was so much faster than walking. Water-based activities in that sense are more accessible whether you are abled or have a disability. It maintains heart health, is a good stress reliever and also builds your endurance, I can’t imagine a more holistic sport.
How often do you indulge in it and with whom?
I don’t swim as often anymore – nowadays it’s usually relaxing swimming when on holidays with friends.
Share with us one thing you learnt from this sport/wellness activity or what you wish others to discover about it.
Not just swimming specifically but I strongly feel that any kind of sports can play an important role in everyone’s life – whether you are abled or otherwise. Once you find that one activity that keeps you amped and motivated, whichever sport it might be, it helps to groom and frame your mind with a can-do spirit – challenging yourself to do better. It doesn't need to be done competitively - having fun and enjoying the process is already an achievement. Sports can change mindsets and push up determination and confidence.
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As a woman with a disability, what are some personal and professional barriers that you have overcome over the years?
Not so much as a woman but as a person with a disability, getting my first job was quite difficult. Back then, Singapore was not as accessible as it is today and moving around was indeed a challenge. Prospective employers looked more at my disability rather than what I could do. I’m glad my employers back then believed in my ability, which allowed me to grow and excel in my work.
I hope that employers will be more open to employing persons with disabilities especially if it’s their first job. Being employed will enable them to have greater confidence in themselves which in turn will enable them to grow from strength to strength. Nothing beats being able to earn an income and prove one’s worth.
I hope that employers will be more open to employing persons with disabilities especially if it’s their first job. Being employed will enable them to have greater confidence in themselves...Judy Wee shares her hopes and aspirations for persons with disabilities.
Was there any point you wanted to give up? Why?
I don’t remember wanting to give up in the past, the tougher the situation, the stronger my resolve. I knew from early on that there would be challenges that I would have to contend with that most abled people would never need to. I focused on how I could keep progressing with the tools and skills I could further acquire.
I believe in my ability and that confidence itself helps me rise beyond expectations. There were times when I swam leisurely at public pools which caused anxiety to the lifeguards. While I would sit at the edge of the pool to put on my swim cap and goggles, I’d notice the lifeguards heightened their attention towards me. I think they were on standby to save me from drowning. I’d simply then jump in and start swimming and their concern would vanish.
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As the Executive Director of MDAS, you hold a vital role in supporting patients and families. Could you share with us what you do on a day-to-day basis?
As an organisation, MDAS provides care and support for persons with muscular dystrophy and their families. Affecting young children and adults, muscular dystrophy or MD is a rare condition that causes severe muscle loss leading to physical disabilities. Over time the condition will worsen, causing respiratory and/or cardiac failure. MDAS offers a range of programmes and services to cater to the needs of these individuals and their families such as counselling, financial assistance, therapy, vocational training, home care services, social and sports - all essential to improve the lives of our members with MD and their caregivers.
While there are staff handling the various programmes and activities, what I enjoy most is interacting with persons with MD — speaking and joking with them, helping them to come out of their shell and discovering their potential. I especially enjoy interacting and playing with the younger ones and challenging them to open up.
At MDAS, we have introduced sports programmes for the members, which despite the severity of their condition, are activities that members can participate in with assistance. Boccia is a sport similar to lawn bowl but played indoors on a hardcourt, where our players use a boccia ramp and with the help of an assistant to aim, players propel the ball into the court. It’s a game of precision and strategy and empowers players to think independently and develop decision making skills.
Power Soccer, on the other hand, is played on a basketball court. Players use fast-moving power wheelchairs to defend, attack, and score goals, allowing them to engage in football instead of watching on the sidelines.
One must not stop dreaming, it allows us to imagine futures for worlds that don’t yet exist but might one day.Judy Wee shares her personal motto
As a leader and mentor, it is imperative for you to lead by example. Were there days when you felt down and didn’t feel up to it. What did you do to overcome it?
In those moments when I felt down or lacked motivation, I reminded myself of the purpose behind my work and the impact it has on others. Reflecting on the progress we've made and the lives we've touched through our efforts helps reignite my passion and drive.
Is there anything you would like to share about MDAS to the public?
Apart from our support services, we organise and lead fundraising and awareness efforts in the country. Earlier this year we partnered with Roche, a multinational biotech firm and Atout, a modern European restaurant in Singapore for the first-ever Rare & Share Dinner Journey. Essentially a meal experience that took diners through the challenges faced by individuals with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). The campaign was a roaring success.
What are some ways the public can do when interacting with people of disabilities and how do the public understand them better?
Look at the person and not their disability. Interact as you would any other person. And like any other person, there will be good days and bad days. Offer help if you notice the person is facing difficulties – remember to ask how you can help as different persons with disabilities need different types of assistance. Be patient as well, as it might take them some time to respond to your offer.
Some of the easy ways the public can help
If you see others needing the lift more than you, don’t rush to take it but let them use the lift first. It’s their only way to get to another floor.
Press the lift door open and press the desired floor – sometimes reaching for the buttons can be difficult.
Give way in the bus and MRT – do not block the doorways or occupy the space for wheelchair users should you notice them boarding.
The other thing is being open to communicate – there are still some people who feel like it is impolite or unseemly to address the issue of disability. There have been many occasions when children will ask their parents, “What happened to aunty?” and parents will try to shush their kids and apologise. However, being me, I'll ask the kids what questions they have since their parents wouldn’t know the answer. I’ll explain to them about my condition. Sometimes the kids are too shy to ask and I’ll tell them, they can think of the questions and ask the next time we meet.
Sometimes the kids are too shy to ask [about my disability] and I’ll tell them, they can think of the questions and ask the next time we meet.Judy Wee advocates for open communication.
How do you find time to unwind with such a hectic work schedule? Could you share your self-care routine?
Nowadays, I rarely swim, it just gets too busy. I used to go to the gym until I injured my arm. I intend to go back when I recover. When I’m not working, I enjoy catching up with friends over a meal or watching TV. Maybe not a past time, but I do like to explore and check out the accessibility of new spaces and places – so as to find a new place to visit.
Do you have a personal inspirational quote you live by?
I live with the motto of ‘Live your Dream’ and constantly strive for one dream after another. One must not stop dreaming, it allows us to imagine futures for worlds that don’t yet exist but might one day.
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