On 17 March 2023, The Thai PBS Channel management team,

Mr.Prawit Kongkwanratana, Manager, Mr. Cherdpong Srisutham, the Senior Expert, Ms. Sudawadee Patsom, the Senior Coordinator,

visited APCD to observe APCD activities for the Disability-Inclusive society, especially Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) to promote and raise awareness of Disability Inclusion.

On 23 March 2023, the Thai PBS Television crews team visited and filmed to promote the APCD activities, especially the empowerment and capacity-building program of Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB).

Participants eagerly registered for the engaging and participatory training, brimming with excitement for what was to come.

The Pre-Congress opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Manager of Community Development Department, who immediately put participants at ease.

APCD's advisor on disability and development/senior Advisor on Disability & Development, JICA, the captivating Dr. Kenji Kuno, showcased the power of DET and introduced the first online DET Facilitator Training (FT) in Asia and the Pacific, leaving participants feeling inspired and energized.

The atmosphere was electric as the beautiful group of participants and facilitator posed for a memorable photo, capturing the spirit of the day.

Mr. Ghulam Nabi, CBID AP Chairperson, shared his heartfelt feedback on the inclusive actions based on the social model of disability, speaking passionately about his experiences and insights.

The participants passionately identified what disability is and where disability is.

In a breathtaking demonstration, DET was shown to be a powerful tool in creating an inclusive and empowering society.

Each view of perspectives on what disability is and where disability is

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director (left) and H.E. Dr. Tej Bunnag, APCD Foundation Chairman (Right) attended the official opening program at the Congress.

On March 14, APCD and JICA collaborated to host a pre-congress session titled "Disability Equality Training Facilitator (DET) Introduction", aiming to equip participants with skills to promote disability equality. The half-day event, held at a hotel, was attended by 30 enthusiastic participants.

Group photo of Participants and Facilitators at the end of pre-Congress session organized by JICA and APCD.

H.E. Dr. Tej Bunnag was at stage for the Opening Remarks.

H.E. Dr. Tej Bunnag, representing APCD Foundation Chairman, delivers opening remarks at the 5th AP CBID Congress, while Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD E.D. and Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, CDD Manager, play instrumental roles in coordinating between International and National Organizing Committees, ensuring the success of the Congress. In addition to that, Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Department manager also co-chairs one of the plenary sessions.

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of Networking and Collaboration, showcases Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) practices in Thailand at a plenary session during the 5th AP CBID Congress.

Mr. Watcharapol also presented an abstract on "Empowering Self-Advocates with Intellectual Disabilities and Their Families During and After the COVID-19" at one of the simultaneous sessions, highlighting the importance of supporting individuals with disabilities and their families during challenging times.

Group photo of speakers and moderators that Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Department manager co-chairs one of the plenary sessions.

Hand over the next Congress to the hosts of 2027, representatives from Nepal.

The photo captures the participants in their virtual setting, symbolizing their shared commitment to promoting disability equality despite the geographical distance.

Dr. Kenji Kuno, JICA Advisor on Disability and Development, gave an overview of the first announcement at the DET Facilitator Training 2023 Briefing Session.

As Dr. Kenji Kuno set the stage for the DET Facilitator Training 2023 during the briefing session, an OnDemand learning video was presented to provide additional information to the attendees.

Attendees were also given a sneak peek at an explanation of the summary sheets that will be used throughout the training.

Before the Question and Answer session, Dr. Kenji also shared information about the recommended textbook which will be used to conduct the DET on the DET Forum website, which contains helpful resources and information related to disability equality training.

Lastly, the attendees had the opportunity to ask pre-prepared and on the spot questions related to the training. Dr. Kenji addressed the questions and provided further clarification where needed.

A group photo was taken highlighting social undergraduate students from Thammasat University and Kasetsart University, APCD Executive Director Mr. Piroon Laismit, and APCD staff.

Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director, delivered the welcome remarks.

 

Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, Chief of networking and collaboration, led a presentation about the work that APCD is doing in the region to help people with disabilities.

Participants gained direct experiences on Disability-Inclusive Sports (DIS)—SAMSPEL, one of the empowering and inclusive sports approaches.

Discussion about Skill development training in hotel services and hospitality courses

During the visit, participants had the opportunity to take a sneak peek at pastry making training.

Participants observed the friendly working environments at the 60+Plus Bakery and Chocolate Café

The visit concluded with a discussion on feedback and conclusions.

Ms. Helle Deertz facilitated the Zero Project Conference 2023 on Independent Living, Political Participation, and ICT (on the left hand). 

Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Manager of Community Development Dept. presented the significance of the project, its activities, outcomes, and recommendation entitled "Improving the independence of Thai self-advocates with intellectual disabilities and their families during and after COVID-19."

For implementing the initiatives, the results of the project's needs analysis were identified during his brief presentation.  

Mr. Somchai shared a final thought in his presentation before ending the session.

The Environment of Training

Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat, Logistics Officer facilitated the session.

There were two participants from the Department of Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (DEP).

Self-introduction of each participant

Training on the introduction of “Google Workspace”

Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, Networking & Collaboration Officer, facilitated the pre-test on Zoom for fundamental understandings.

After the two hours of training were over, the participants, resource persons, and resource person's assistants assembled for a group photo.