Profile

Profile

I. Prolog and Objectives

1.          This association was founded by a group of disabled amputees as well as ardent professionals in the fields of medical science, education, psychological counseling, social work and so on. They concern that teenaged amputees become permanent disabled at their golden age due to unexpected traffic accident, disease, electric shock or other factors, and thus have to face not only a lot of problems like other kinds of the disabled but also, more seriously, the problem of psychological adjustment. The founders hope to use various well-planned activities to counsel the amputees and let them realize that physical handicap cannot hinder them from searching perfect life, thus they can positively forget the handicap, have really healthy and open mind, and live happily.

2.          The association was formally established on November 3, 1996 as a non-profit social welfare organization. Its objectives are to help the amputated teenagers rehabilitate physically and psychologically, and solve their problems in schooling, medical treatment, job finding and so on. The strategy is to unite the local and foreign professionals, the disabled amputees, and the social works of public and private sectors. Therefore, on one hand, we want to let the public understand and affirm the capabilities of the disabled, recognize that the disabled does not mean the good-for-nothing, accept the mentally and physically disabled persons with an open mind, and actively support their welfare. On the other hand, we want to inspire the disabled to develop their potentials, transform the “mental and physical handicap”into “pro” rather than “con”power, and act as useful persons in society. It is just like the crescent, although looking imperfect but radiating its brilliance and retaining its beauty.

3.          Our visions

n          Accept handicapped friends, give them a chance. Let them realize that they are still one of the welcomed persons in this society, thus, can increase their confidence to work hard for bright future.

n          Assist the poor and miserable handicapped be looked after properly, thereby, advance their living conditions.

n          Support the welfare for the handicapped to enable them to receive proper care from the very start if there is any handicapped person who encounters misfortune, thus, to maintain minimum living quality and dignity.

II. The concept of this association－ the spirit of the crescent

1.      The driving force of progress originates from the dream of mankind. We also have a dream: We hope that everybody, whether his body is maimed or not, can have a healthy mind, fully utilize his potential, manifest his talent, and live happily. We believe that everyone has his own function. We know how to appreciate “beauty of the crescent”.

2.      The brightness of moon comes from the sun. The brightness of body comes from the mind. Once the mind (like the sun) can perfectly radiate light and warmth, the body (like the moon), even maimed in form; can still perfectly manifest its brightness of life. Where there is brightness, where is beauty,“ The crescent shines over the whole world.” Isn’t it very beautiful?

3.      The crescent, although not full, can still shine over the whole world. When we appreciate “beauty of crescent”, if we can fully appreciate the inner talent of the handicapped friends, not to see maimed in form, why should we mind their physical form?

4.      Please listen: Without voice, one still can sign. Without wings, one still can fly. Without limbs, one still can dance. Though body is maimed, Life still can be perfect. The full moon and the crescent are all moon. The crescent is as beautiful as the full moon. The dumb speak with hands. The deaf listen with eyes. The blind see with heart. Though body is maimed, life still can be perfect. The full moon and the crescent are all moon. The crescent is as beautiful as the full moon. Isn’t it the most real manifestation and aspiration of inner beauty?

5.      We hope that handicapped friends, in the difficult life, can not only overcome the handicap of body, but also have the faith and hope to walk toward brightness. In this way, they can utilize their own potential, to develop various genius in arts, face the society with rational and gentle attitude, manifest their own talent, exert the spirit of striving for progress, and become useful people of the society.

6.      It is just like “the crescent”. Which is not full in out-looking, yet still radiates its clear brightness- its radiance is full of optimism and self-faith, and it shines over the earth. In the chaotic society, it seems to be particularly beautiful and attractive. Even you can find that sometimes “the crescent” is more beautiful than full moon.

7.      On one hand, we hope that the handicapped friends can have full self-faith, accept themselves happily, exert their diverse talents with open and free mind, and fully manifest their “beauty of crescent”. On the other hand, we hope that the whole society know how to appreciate “beauty of crescent”, positively recognize the life value of handicapped friends, and give him an opportunity to exert their talent. In fact, it is only when we know how to appreciate “beauty of the crescent” that we can truly appreciate ourselves and fully exert our inner talent.

8.      Where is a dream, where is a hope. We wish every life can have real healthy、 open mind, radiate his unique glory and live happily. Let’s walk hand in hand to pursue the full human life.

III. Beauty of the Crescent” Show

1.      Since the first soiree of the “Crescent Beauty” took place 12 years ago at National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taipei, it has become the most magnificent talent annual platform in Taiwan, winning the wide coverage with color photos on the leading newspapers and magazines. Afterwards, our association was further invited by Australian Administration eight years ago, the outstanding disabled people went to Australia to greet the Torch of Paralympics, and performed their talents in the multi-Cultural Folk Arts Festival. They cut a gallant figure at the international stage, and issued the “Declaration of the Crescent” with the three mayors of Sydney, Wollongong, and Newcastle, wining an enthusiastic response from the worldwide sportsmen and the officials of the Paralympics, the Declaration looks indeed like a never quenched torch of heart, unceasingly spreading its spirit and introducing humanity loving and respecting the disabled to the world. It attracted attention and great echoes internationally and exerted the positive influence on development of local and foreign disableds’ talent.

2.      Just like lyrics of every opening dance in soiree of the “Crescent Beauty”: 「Without voice, one still can sign. Without wings, one still can fly. Without limbs, one still can dance. Though body is maimed, life still can be perfect. The full moon and the crescent are all moon. The crescent is as beautiful as the full moon. 」, physical handicap cannot be changed, but it is selectable, to make imperfect life abundant and full. Only one hand or one leg may be a defect in the eyes of the world. But, from the view point of those brave amputee dancers, they are still lucky to have one hand or one leg to dance, and thus to see the sunrise. We have no idea how many handicapped audience, dispirited and self-denied youths be influenced by the show and change their lives, and manifest the brightness of their life, calmly, positively and perfectly. Where there is brightness, where is beauty,“ The crescent shines over the whole world.” Isn’t it very beautiful?] － Isn’t just the most real feature of “Crescent Beauty”? One soiree has changed the future of many people!

3.      From the First “Crescent Beauty” Show in 1997, since then, annual show is held at National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taipei. This year( 2008), it is “12th Crescent Beauty” Show. In every soiree, we invite the disabled of physical, vision or hearing handicap etc, to demonstrate the barrier-free charisma of performance, the so-called barrier-free means no discrimination and no difference between the blind and the normal vision, or the disabled and the healthy people. All stand on the same stage to extol Taiwan and to kindle and endless light for all the disabled artists. In summary, we organize “Crescent Beauty” show of the disabled with the following targets:

n          Love has no hinder.  Talent show overpasses handicap.

n          Equality is the highest aspiration. Promote equality and put real care into action.

n          Life education. Inspire the warmth and energy of life.

n          Purify the mind. Show the spirit and brilliance of the crescent heart.

n          The disabled is not good-for-nothing. Radiate infinite glory and potential.

n          Talent is fully developed. Display the beauty of pluralistic arts.