Caption: [Stanley Woo] Preferring to earn his own money rather than accept donations is Mr Stanley Woo, 29, who works from home as a freelance web designer. [Mr Woo suffers from muscular dystrophy] [technopreneur]
Copyright: ST

THERE are roughly 20 varieties of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), and each type is caused by a different gene.

In each case, however, the muscles around the shoulder and hip areas weaken over time. Typically, the legs are affected first.

LGMD is rarely encountered in Singapore. The most common type of muscular dystrophy is Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which usually affects only males. However, the advent of technology means that people with muscular dystrophy have benefited from increased employment opportunities in the information-technology sector.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association Singapore (MDAS) is a voluntary welfare organisation that conducts workshops and internships that will eventually lead to gainful employment.

Located in Bishan, it operates Biz-Power, a programme that is designed to teach members technical knowledge, craft-making skills and software skills such as the use of Flash and Photoshop.

Nine members work on IT and web-design projects for clients, which are typically small and medium-sized enterprises.

Founded in 2000, MDAS is managed by a group of individuals, including health-care professionals, people with muscular dystrophy, their family members and members of the public.

MDAS currently has 103 members, and Singapore Paralympic swimmer Yip Pin Xiu is set to join its ranks soon. The youngest member is nine months old and the oldest is over 50.

For more information about MDAS, go to www.mdas.org.sg

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