A group of medical residents from the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, visited the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) on March 15, 2024, to gain insights into disability inclusion and accessibility.

Led by Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD's Executive Director, the visit commenced with a warm welcome and an introductory session. The group then had the opportunity to visit and explore the 60+ Plus Bakery & Café, as well as observe the training sessions of the Skills Development for Persons with Disabilities towards Employment Project for the year 2024.

The visit aimed to enhance the participants' understanding of disability issues and promote a more inclusive approach to healthcare and medical services. It also provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences between the medical residents and APCD.

Mr. Piroon Laismit expressed his appreciation for the visit, highlighting the importance of collaboration in promoting disability rights and inclusive development.

"We are honored to host the medical residents from Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. Such visits play a crucial role in raising awareness about disability issues and fostering a more inclusive society. We look forward to future collaborations that will benefit persons with disabilities in Thailand and beyond," he said.

The visit concluded with a group photo session, symbolizing the commitment of both parties to work together towards a more inclusive and accessible future for all.

Additional Insights: Social Model of Disability

This visit aligns with the Social Model of Disability, which emphasizes the importance of social context in creating an inclusive environment. It focuses on changing societal attitudes and contexts to enable persons with disabilities to participate fully in society. The visit to APCD and the interactions with persons with disabilities provide firsthand experience for the medical residents to understand the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities and how society can be more inclusive.

The Memorandum of understanding (MOU) made between DPI-Korea and APCD to implement the Jakarta Declaration in 2024 included discussion about future collaboration between APCD and DPI-Korea on 27 February 2024.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, made a welcome speech to DPI-Korea.

Visit 60+Plus Bakery & Café at Government House

On 28^th February, morning, Discussion among UNESCAP, DPI Korea, and APCD about future collaboration on disability inclusive development.

On 28^th February afternoon, Discussion among DEP, DPI Korea, and APCD

Visit the office of Nonthaburi Independent Living Center.

Visit the Association for Parents of Persons with Intelligence Disabilities of Thailand (APID) on 1^st March. 2024.

On 10^th Mar., APCD facilitated APDC visited Dao Ruang Group which is the first self-advocate group of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families in Thailand. APDC learned hand-craft workshop together with Dao Ruang Group.

On 11^th Mar, morning, APDC visited APCD to learn and understanding more of APCD activities on how to promote empowerment, barrier-free in Asia Pacific region and to strengthening the network and collaboration.

On 11^th Mar., afternoon, APCD facilitated APDC to visited The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and had a discussion with Ms. Aiko AKIYAMA, Disability Focal Point Officer, UNESCAP.

On 12^th Mar., APDC visited Foundation for Children with Disability (FCD).

On 13^th Mar. APDC visited Central Special Education Center (CSEC), in Din Daeng, Bangkok.

APDC visited the Pattaya Redemptorist Technological College for People with Disabilities, Pattaya, Chonburi and continue self-study till last day of the trip.

A group photo of Mr. Sutat Summart, presenter and attendees from the APCD intern final presentation.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director presented the certificate of completion and appreciation letter to Mr. Sutat.  

Mr. Sutat presented on what he learned during his internship.

On 11th March 2024, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) warmly welcomed a delegation of Mongolian Parent Groups of Children with Disabilities, organized by the Association of Parents with Differently-Abled Children (APDC). The visit is part of a week-long program running from 9th to 16th March 2024, taking place in Bangkok and Pattaya City, Chonburi Province, Thailand.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, delivered the welcome remarks, setting the tone for an enriching exchange of knowledge and experiences. The primary goal of the program is to provide hands-on experiences for Mongolian participants, focusing on empowering individuals with disabilities, especially those with developmental disorders. Additionally, the visit aims to strengthen collaboration between APDC and APCD.

The program's objectives include sharing Thailand and APCD's best practices in supporting children with disabilities, empowering Mongolian parents with the knowledge and skills to advocate for their children's rights and inclusion, and fostering connections between Mongolian and Thai parent groups, as well as showcasing role models of individuals with disabilities.

The delegation consists of 13 mothers of children with disabilities, all recognized as influential female leaders in their communities.

The expected outcomes of the program are to enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of Mongolian parents in supporting their children, equip them with the tools to advocate for their children's rights and strengthen collaborative partnerships between Mongolian and Thai parent groups.

This visit signifies a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and empowerment for children with disabilities, bridging the gap between communities in Mongolia and Thailand.

A group photo was taken with a group of oversea national officers from each JICA Office, Mr. Kawabe Ryoichi, Senior Representative, JICA Thailand Office, and APCD staff.

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Manager, APCD, delivered a welcoming speech.

Dr. Kenji KUNO, a JICA Advisor on Disability & Development at APCD, gave a lecture on disability inclusion.

Mr. KAWABE explained how APCD and JICA have worked together since her establishment.

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer, led the tour of the 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café.

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) is set to host an enriching visit for a delegation from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) today, on March 7th, 2024. The visit aims to showcase APCD's commitment to disability inclusion and job placement for persons with disabilities.

The highlight of the visit will be a firsthand experience of APCD's inclusive workplace, providing an inspiring glimpse into the meaningful integration of persons with disabilities into the workforce. The KMUTT team will have the opportunity to witness the tangible impact of APCD's initiatives and gain valuable insights into effective strategies for creating inclusive environments.

APCD is dedicated to promoting equal opportunities and empowering persons with disabilities to achieve their full potential. This visit is a testament to the center's ongoing efforts to drive positive change and foster a more inclusive society.

The APCD team is excited to welcome the KMUTT delegation and looks forward to a fruitful exchange of ideas and experiences that will further advance the cause of disability inclusion.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, gave welcome remarks and thanked the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP) for their financial contribution, as well as all stakeholders for their contributions in empowering people with disabilities and creating ethical careers together.

Mr. Kantapong Rangsesawang, the Director-General of the Department, expressed great pleasure in welcoming everyone to the opening ceremony of the training program. It was a joyous occasion as nearly 80 applicants, including parents, media, and distinguished guests, had shown interest in participating in the program this year.

Training people with disabilities is a key policy of the Ministry to promote job creation and income generation for people with disabilities, thereby improving their quality of life. The training aims to enable people with disabilities to be self-reliant, help themselves and their families, and most importantly, promote their dignified inclusion in society, as stated by the Prime Minister. This training program is aligned with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which the Thai government is committed to implementing.

The 'Skills Development for People with Disabilities in the Food Industry' project has been running for nine years under the auspices of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD).

This project is a collaborative effort between the government, private sector, and civil society to enhance the potential of people with disabilities. It not only increases employment opportunities but also promotes the participation of people with disabilities in businesses, encourages the competitiveness of products and services produced by people with disabilities, and empowers them to live independently. It is believed that this vocational training program will be beneficial for participants to build the capacity of their skills and pursue careers in the future, bringing pride to their families and improving their quality of life.

Finally, the Director-General expressed his impression to the APCD for implementing the government's policy to empower people with disabilities and create ethical careers. He also thanked all the parents for trusting their children with disabilities to participate in the training program and all private companies for supporting the training of people with disabilities. He wished success for this year's training program according to its objectives.

With this, the 'Skills Development for People with Disabilities towards Employment in the Food and Service Industry Project 2024' is officially launched."

A group screenshot of 16 DET FT 2024 participants from Asia Pacific region and beyond during the Zoom meeting.

DET tutors and the APCD operator team practiced zoom captioning functions and settings prior to the session.

Participants introduced themselves and learn about the introduction to online training.

Dr. Kenji Kuno, APCD disability and development advisor and JICA senior advisor, led the session with assistance from DET tutors with disabilities.

The session concludes with a question-and-answer session.