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Celebrating 60 years and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Thailand

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22 July 2011
Celebrating 60 years and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Thailand

Over 25 staff members from Thailand’s National Office for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (NEP) reviewed issues of disability rights and empowerment at a recent workshop run by Australian volunteer Disability Program Officer, Kerry Wills.

Left: Kerry Wills is a seasoned AVI volunteer, currently placed for two years as a Program Officer (disability) with the Thai Government’s National Office for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

Attendees at the one-day event held in Bangkok, looked at AusAID’s approach to disability-related needs in metropolitan and rural Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines and East Timor, as highlighted in Development for All - Towards a Disability Inclusive Australian Aid Program 2009-2014.

Kerry, who is working on a volunteer assignment with Australian Volunteers International at NEP, as part of the Australian Volunteers for International Development (Australian Volunteer) program said the workshop was also an opportunity for her NEP colleagues to learn about the work of Australian Volunteers around the globe.

“My NEP colleagues enjoyed learning about Australian Volunteers International, its 60-year history, and the recently launched Australian Volunteers for International Development,” she said.

“Attendees also gained knowledge on the Rights-Based Approach and took part in interactive group activities. The discussion on acceptable disability terminology and which words to avoid, provided much fun and debate for opposing teams.”

“Since the workshop there has been an air of absolute positivity around our NEP offices. Hopefully the success of this event will allow for another workshop to take place with a new group of NEP staff in the near future.”

AVI has taken part in community development projects in Thailand for more than 35 years and continues to assist in the advancement of socio-economic, health and environmental issues.

Read more
Read Kerry Wills' story about volunteering in Viet Nam