The earthquake hit Pakistan and surrounding area in early October 2005 brought thousands of newly disabled people. Most of them are women who were typically inside the building when the disaster happened. Many of them acquired spinal cord injuries and were located in the temporary shelters. Many are still laid in the freezing condition even without appropriate medical attention. Disabled Peoples' International Pakistan delivered blankets and some daily items right after the incident. They reported that without immediate assistance, those who were paralyzed have high chance of losing their lives before spring. How you can help them? Please contact our office at saowalak@dpiap.org
One year has passed since the shocking disaster; however, there are still many people with disabilities have been suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and loss of income source. We provided peer-counseling, short-term workshops and training on the topics such as Self-help organization, vocational rehabilitation, and accessible tourism reconstruction in collaboration with ILO by the end of 2005. We wand to continue to work furthermore to alleviate and empower tsunami survivors with disabilities. Your first step to help them is contacting us at saowalak@dpiap.org
We are regrettably telling you to know newly opening Bangkok International Airport, which is called Suvarnabhumi International Airport, is not designed barrier-free, and may result in preventing regional and international activities in various sectors. We found some features lacking of universal standard in this airport which will be one of major airports internationally. We, and with other disability-related local organizations, submitted a letter to Prime Minister of Thailand, Thakshin Shinawatra, requesting setting up a special committee that includes representatives of people with disabilities to solve this problem before its opening in coming June, 2006. How you can support with us? Contact saowalak@dpiap.org
