All through his life, Tuah Atan has had to convince people around him that he is competent enough to complete his education and professional training.

He has done so on his own merit, with the help of family and friends and without two legs and a left arm.

Not everyone had confidence that he could do so. Before he could attend school, for example, Tuah was put through an ability test - twice- to get a doctor's support letter.

Tuah then told his father in English, "Abah, if I have to do all these stupid things to be accepted into the mainstream, I'd rather not go to school."

When the doctor realised that Tuah was fluent in English, he issued the letter.

Tuah, now a lawyer, revealed these details at a press conference to announce a forum on understanding persons with disabilities and the role of the public in ensuring a better future for them.

As a speaker, he will address the importance of recognising the abilities of disabled persons and will call on the public not to place barriers that block their development.

This forum is jointly organised by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and the Rotary Club, and will be held on May 22 at the Shah Alam Club from 2- 4pm. It is open to the public.

Other speakers are Malaysian Down Syndrome Association president Dr Sharifah Zainiyah Syed Yahya (photo), Wheelchair Foundation president Thomas Behring and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) architect Dalilah Andullah.

Sharifah, who has a child with Down Syndrome, will explain the difficulties encountered by parents with children of special abilities. Behring will share his experiences in dealing with persons with disabilities and the support provided by the Wheelchair Foundation.

Dalilah will speak on regulatory matters and enforcement by DBKL in ensuring that facilities are provided for disabled persons.

Suhakam Commissioner Dr Chiam Heng Keng said the forum is intended to "enable society to be aware of the role it can play to enable people with disabilities to lead a meaningful life".

The commission has been leading a series of roundtable dialogues designed to hear the needs of disabled persons, in an attempt to focus attention on delivering their basic human rights.