Tuesday in Bangkok: Ratchasude college and autism center

There was a little sign welcoming the University of Delaware students at the front door when we arrived at Ratchasude College for the Disabled at the Mahidol University. I was particularly interesting in thie site visit since it was the first opportunity to see how another country offers post-secondary education to pwd. After getting settled we heard a lecture by Pimpa Kachondham, Dean of the college. From her we learned that the college was founded in 1993 by Princess Mahachakri Sirindhorn, who became interested in the plight of people with disabilities after travelling throughout Thailand and realizing that pwd were denied educatoinal opportuntities and were not participating in the community. The college began receiving students in 1997. The first academic program was for graduate students majoring in rehabilitation counseling. Undergraduate education in deaf studies was opened in 2000. The school is dedicated to providing quality teaching, research, and services. It also offers courses that take an interdisciplinary approach to working with people in a variety of social services, a mission similar to my own organization (AUCD).

Laura and I with faculty in front of mural of Princess Mahachakri

According to Ms. Kachondham, Thailand has two major laws that impact pwd: The Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act of 2007 and the National Education Act. The Empowerment Act is a comprehensive rights-based law with strong anti-discrimination language. It includes sections dealing with medical rehabilitation, social rehabilitation, education and vocational rehabilitation. Under employment, Thailand requires that private and public businesses hire one person with a disability per 50 hired – a quota. In reality, however, Ms. Kachondham said that it is hard to enforce. Can you imagine if the U.S. suggested a quota for hiring pwd?! We were also informed that just last month, Thailand won a legislative victory when a law passed requiring people with disabilities get a free post-secondary education!

I was impressed by the fact that Thailand has universal health care that includes early intervention for ages 0-3. After digging deeper though through questions, it appears that the highly qualified professionals to diagnose and treat pwd is in short supply. Education is also free for 15 years and pwd are supposed to be fully included. However, again, the implementation still has a long way to go. We heard from the college and from interviews with individuals yesterday at DPI that many individuals with disabilities do not get any education and are kept at home. The college representatives also confirmed that regular school teachers are already overwhelmed with large classroom sizes and are not well equipped to teach diverse learners. The need for professional development has definitely been a key theme throughout our travels.

observing class of deaf students

After Pad Thai lunch generously provided by the college, we toured the classrooms and were able to observe deaf classes and people who are blind taking computer class. The college focuses on people who are deaf or blind but now accepts all disabilities. Only a few have intellectual disabilities but they are welcomed.

In the afternoon, we visited the Autism Vocational Centre not far from the Mahidol University. There we saw adults with autism working on beaded jewelry, crafts, and music training. The Center is small and was founded by a couple with a son with autism who is now an adult receiving services at the Center. We saw about 25 individuals receiving services. The couple founded the Center but also received funding and support from the Royal family who had a son with autism. Tragically, he died during the Tsunami but pictures of him are found all over the center in his memory.

Man at Autism Centre playing an instrument for us

The parent representative gave a nice overview of the situation for people with autism in Thailand that mirrors that in the U.S. That is, the numbers are growing and their understanding of autism is growing. From the discussion, I would surmise, however, that many individuals in the spectrum are not getting diagnosed early nor are there enough professionals to provide effective interventions. The Center described teachers getting some training that they then use to train parents to provide the interventions. Still, their passion and commitment reminded me of the dedication we saw in the Nepal parents who founded an autism center as well as the passion of the two dedicated women in Dubai who founded the early childhood center.

Autism Centre

In the evening, Laura, Erik and I took an hour-long boat tour down the canals lined with small charming homes (huts really).

On our river boat. Hi Alec and Carter!

one of the beautiful temples on the riverboat cruise at sunset

Canal houses

Buddhist monks on the canal feeding the fish. 

The catfish in the canals have a religious importance and are not eaten and well fed and fat!