Our salutations and thanks to the pioneers of the Spastic Children’s Association of Johor for having the foresight to provide education and services to the Cerebral Palsy children of Johor. They had their initial exploratory meeting on 18th May 1967 and at this meeting they invited voluntary workers (mostly wives of Naval Officers), representatives from Rotary, Jaycees, Lions and Apex Club. The Christian Church members, the Social Welfare Department, staff from the General Hospital (currently known as Hospital Sultanah Aminah) and Tampoi Hospital (Hospital Permai) as well as members of the Central Welfare Council were also invited. After discussing the merits of such an organization, a protem committee was formed with Tuan Haji Anwar bin Haji Malek (from the central welfare council) as the Chairman and Dr. S.C.E Abraham as Hon. Secretary. On the 21st June 1967 an inaugural general meeting was held and the late Dato Abdullah bin Mohamad was elected Chairman, Mr. V.V. Chellam as the Vice Chairman, Dr. S.C.E Abraham as Hon. Secretary and Kdr. Grimwood as the Hon. Treasurer. The wives of the Naval personnel played a big role in the early stage of the Association. During the year 1967, the members managed to raise RM3,342.00 as at 31.12.1967 and the bank balance stood at RM3,114.25. This shows the courage and commitment of the committee to provide services to the Cerebral Palsy Children.

The Social Welfare Department Johor had also assisted the Association in various ways by giving the Association a room in Jubilee Home to conduct classes and allowing the Departmental bus to be used for transporting the children from their homes to school. The Association bought its first bus in March 1971. In 1969, the State Government Of Johor provided an annual grant of RM1,000.00 which has now grown to RM75,000.00. The Spastic Children’s Association Of Johor is indebted to the State Government for not only providing an annual grant but also for providing building and land for the use of the Association.

Since its establishment the Spastic Children’s Association of Johor has been committed to helping children and young adults with Cerebral Palsy in the State of Johor. As there is no known cure, both to prevent and cure persons with Cerebral Palsy, the need for better programmes of prevention, treatment and management of persons with Cerebral Palsy became increasingly important.

The Association, which initially started with only 8 children, today provides a number of services including Special Education, Therapeutic Rehabilitation, Vocational Training and Sheltered Employment to 110 children and 28 young adults with Cerebral Palsy. Without the assistance of the State Government of Johor in providing the Annual Grant, building and land, the Association would not certainly be what it is today.