SAORI Creative Center, a help center for disabled
children, ran a seminar at Lotus Pang Suan Kaew Hotel during June 3-12 on
“Principles and Concepts for Strengthening Community-Based Rehabilitation
(CBR) Movement” in cooperation with organizations from Cambodia, Laos,
Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand.
Tu,
mentally handicapped, and Naree, physically handicapped demonstrate hand
weaving.
Professor
Akiie Niomiya, chief advisor of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
said, “The aim of the CBR program is public awareness of the issues
surrounding people with disabilities which they and their families must
face.”
This project contributes not only to the economic
independence of disadvantaged people, but also to an improvement in public
awareness towards people with disabilities.
Professor Akiie Niomiya, the chief advisor from the Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) pointed out, “The aim of the CBR
program is public awareness of the issues surrounding people with
disabilities which they and their families must face. This is also one
common obstacle in implementing these programs in Asian countries. The CBR
program can provide a step to develop vocational opportunities for people
with disabilities. Thailand is a good start. The program should spread out
over Asia soon,” he added.
CBR conferences will be arranged every month with coordinated
organizations to follow the results and progress of the project. The next
meeting will be in Bangkok, and this September HRH Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn will graciously preside over the foundation stone laying ceremony
for the disabled center.
