John Lowrie 

Cambodia, despite our work and many others, remains deficient in its approach to disability issues, not just physical and sensory, but even more so with psycho-social issues.  It is surprising that not only has such little progress been made but that in some ways things have gone backward. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the "hand-out/pity" mentality as seen played out every International Day for Disabled People. It is the one thing our clients argued for above others, hence their "We can do" key message. We did try to get rid of handouts the one year we organised the event but authorities and some partners wanted it back as a stage for the Prime Minister to promote himself and this outdated understanding.  We call for lessons to be learned.  If not more "good money will be thrown after bad!"

Update October 2021

Cambodia's progress towards better disability inclusion keeps faltereing, of late due to the impact of Covid19.  Life is still a struggle for many and yet as I narrate with Kosal in my blog, many are  remarkably plucky.  Here is an excellent small film depicting what life is like for a deaf Tuk Tuk driver. Sadly, as my longtime barber experienced, there are still Cambodians who believe that it is bad luck to be served by a person with such disability.

NHS Compost Manual