News and issues on the disabled 14 Nov 2024
Azmi Anuar
Contents
1. Daily Mirror Sri Lanka - Alpha Industries and Partners Assist Visually Impaired Women with Essential Donations
2. WINN FM St. Kitts and Nevis - Mia Romney makes history as the first visually impaired person to attend the mainstream school system in St. Kitts and Nevis
3. FootBoom - Paraguay Unveils Jersey Designed for the Visually Impaired
4. China Daily - Breaking barriers
5. Dubai Municipality - Inclusive services highlighted at AccessAbilities Expo 2024
6. BBC News UK - Guernsey code trial to help visually impaired islanders
7. Yahoo News UK - Bus operator helps visually impaired children learn travel skills
8. WOWT USA - Blind customers say Omaha taxi company owes them $16k
9. Leigh Day UK - Vision-impaired woman receives settlement from college after being refused enrolment to a course
10. Baodanang Vietnam - All for a word called “love”
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1. Daily Mirror Sri Lanka - Alpha Industries and Partners Assist Visually Impaired Women with Essential Donations11 Nov 2024
In a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and support for visually impaired women, Alpha Industries - the manufacturing arm of the privately-owned FINCO Group, has made a contribution to the Sri Lanka Welfare Society of the Blind Women. In commemoration of International White Cane Day, celebrated annually on October 15th, Alpha Industries donated 300 white canes, aimed at improving the daily lives and mobility of visually impaired women. This gesture was part of a collective effort with partner organizations such as TFG (The Fabulous Getaway), FHL (FINCO Holdings Limited), and UGA (Uga Escapes), all of whom sponsored additional white canes and essential dry rations.
The Blind Women’s Association of Sri Lanka provides support to visually impaired women of all ages, from young adults to seniors, across various regions of the country. Regardless of age, the white cane remains an essential tool for mobility and independence, serving as a universal necessity for all blind individuals.
The event brought together a dedicated community for meaningful discussions aimed at advancing the welfare of this community. Agendas such as improved access to medical facilities, scholarships for children, and the establishment of much-needed monetary funds were key topics of discussion. While these women are currently provided only with basic monthly treatment, this initiative sparked conversations about more sustainable and impactful solutions to better their quality of life.
Enriching a Legacy of Giving
This recent contribution builds on Alpha Industries’ history of community engagement. As a company with a deep commitment to improving the lives of Sri Lankans, Alpha Industries has been involved in various CSR projects over the years. These projects have spanned areas such as education, healthcare, and environment protection. In February 2024, Alpha Industries undertook several social and environmental sustainability initiatives, including donating essential educational materials to Siri Parakum Vidyalaya - Palagama and organizing a beach cleanup from Wellawatta to Dehiwala, where over 300 employees and social workers contributed to cleaning the golden coasts of Sri Lanka.
Through its CSR initiatives, Alpha Industries consistently aims to uplift the most vulnerable in society. Whether by supporting education, improving healthcare, or empowering individuals with disabilities, Alpha’s contributions reflect its core belief in creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
This year’s International White Cane Day event not only celebrated the contributions made but also served as a reminder of the challenges still faced by visually impaired individuals in the island.
Alpha Industries, alongside its partners, is committed to continuing its work with the Sri Lanka Welfare Society and other organizations to create lasting change. The initiative underscores the company’s broader CSR mission: to build a society where everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, has the tools and resources to lead a fulfilling life.
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2. WINN FM St. Kitts and Nevis - Mia Romney makes history as the first visually impaired person to attend the mainstream school system in St. Kitts and Nevis11 Nov 2024
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Mia Romney, a beautiful, visually impaired 15-year-old, was enlisted in the 2024-2025 Most Remarkable Teens cohort.
What makes Mia remarkable? She explained it in an audio-visual presentation at the 2024-2025 Most Remarkable Teens Awards ceremony on November 06.
“I am Mia Romney. I am 15 years old, and I attend the Washington Archibald High School. I am nominated for the Overcoming Disabilities and Academics. I am the first visually impaired person to enter into the normal school setting. Given the fact that I’m very smart, I’m always in the top class, I’m always getting good grades, and all the obstacles that I have overcome, I’ve been on the principal’s list twice in a row, I think that’s why they nominated me for these categories. Leslie, my mummy, is the one who keeps me motivated because she is always encouraging me. I would be like, ‘No, I don’t want to go to school today, and she’d be like, you have to go, you have to learn, you have to get an education. I’d be like, okay, I’ll go. I’m smart, I’m multi-talented, and my memory is sharp and on point, just ask mummy’. I see myself as a lawyer. I’ll be majoring in law, but I’ll be also doing a minor in science because I want to be a chemist. I’ll also do music on the side because I am a musician; I can play the piano and flute. I could do the djembe drums, and I’ll also do a baking business part-time because I love to bake. I actually have a business, it’s called Mia’s Touch,” Mia proudly stated.
Senator Islaean Phillip, Minister responsible for Youth Empowerment, Aging and Disabilities, spoke fondly of Mia before presenting her the Most Remarkable Teen Award. Phillip was particularly pleased by Mia’s drive and passion and hailed her as a trailblazer.
“Madam Speaker, it’s with great honour and excitement that I am going to award Mia this evening. I’ll tell you, I remember the first time I met Mia, actually. Her mum introduced her to me, and at that point in time, Mia was very unafraid to let me know who she is and what she enjoys doing. Just like you saw, the level of enthusiasm in the video (referring to the audio-visual presentation at the ceremony) is just who she is in everyday life. I was very impressed by that because it was clear that this is a very, very intelligent young lady. You know, obviously, the accomplishments that Mia has is very extraordinary and it’s remarkable, but she’s not just those things. She is, in fact, a trailblazer. And, you know, as she said in the video, she is, in fact, the first visually impaired person to be going through mainstream education here in St. Kitts and Nevis, and that is truly, truly, truly remarkable.”
Senator Phillip added, “As I said, you know, being the first of anything makes you a very significant trailblazer, and Mia has a great deal of character and trait and strength and resilience. Her mother truly, truly, truly is the kind of support that we want to continue to encourage because it particularly is quite infectious in terms of people also similarly wanting to advocate for Mia.”
With all that she has achieved thus far, Mia has set a benchmark in the Federation for the differently abled community. Phillip encouraged her to remain determined and also emphasised the importance of continued advocacy and support for the differently abled.
“I believe and I want to encourage Mia to stay determined and to continue to be unafraid, to take up space and to speak up for herself because that is the reason that she is where she is. That’s the reason why the system and just our institutions have been forced to bend to make sure that we can accommodate Mia to be able to tap into her full potential. The world must bend. Not that our persons with disabilities should be hiding their brilliance. So, it’s because of persons like Mia who have the enthusiasm, who have the courage, who have the supportive networks to continue to advocate for them and take up all the space, which is why we must make sure we celebrate and honour and award her.”
The 25 Most Remarkable Teens Awards is a marquee event on the calendar of events for Youth Month, celebrated annually in November in St. Kitts and Nevis. It is usually convened during a special sitting of the National Assembly.
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3. FootBoom - Paraguay Unveils Jersey Designed for the Visually Impaired12 Nov 2024
The slogan on the jersey is "Feel the Colors," featuring the traditional white and red stripes of the national team.
The Paraguayan football team launched its official jersey designed for visually impaired individuals this Monday, aiming to promote inclusivity in the sport. This unique garment, which will be worn by players during their match against Argentina this Thursday in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, includes a special design with a raised symbol system that allows fans with visual disabilities to "feel" the colors.
The jersey's slogan is "Feel the Colors," and it retains the classic white and red stripes, complemented by blue stripes around the neck and sleeves.
According to the Paraguayan Football Association (APF), the garment's design involved the Constanz system, which uses easily recognizable symbols for each color: flames for red, water waves for blue, and a hollow circle for white, enabling fans to touch and identify the colors.
Silvia Caballero, APF's marketing and commercial manager, explained that this initiative arose as part of the celebration of International White Cane Day on October 15, a day dedicated to the inclusion of visually impaired individuals. "Fans asked us where they could purchase the jerseys, and in two weeks, working with Puma, we had the jersey ready for sale," Caballero noted.
Julio Sánchez, Puma's business manager, emphasized that the jersey also features a braille system, which has already been utilized in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Germany. "The Constanz system is a new method that has never been applied to a jersey before," Sánchez added, highlighting that this approach can better "tell the story" of the garment.
This project represents a significant step towards inclusion in football, allowing more individuals, regardless of their disabilities, to feel a connection with their team and their passion for the sport.
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4. China Daily - Breaking barriers11 Nov 2024
A Chinese student from Beijing Normal University surnamed Guo, 21, said she really enjoyed the orchestra's latest show.
"I appreciate this style of performance because even though they may speak Korean, the music they create speaks to us all in a universal language. When they played Jasmine Flower, it easily resonated with us".
Chang Xinyi, a barista in Beijing, 23, was excited to learn more about Korean traditional instruments.
"It's so novel for me when I discover a brand new percussion piece which I cannot find in China. Everything in this place piques my curiosity and beckons me to explore further."
"In my view, getting in touch with different cultures can influence me in a positive way. The more you explore, the more beauty you will encounter in your life," Chang said.
The positive reaction from Chinese audiences was far beyond Choi's expectations, he said.
"It's a surprise for me that many Chinese people cried during the performance, they could feel the emotions of the singer."
The response was in line with one of Choi's main aims in staging the performance in Beijing — to convey a "universal expression of humanity" through music, he said.
"Our cultural history is similar to Chinese history, so I want the Chinese audiences to feel our music."
Looking ahead, Choi is planning for more performances in China and beyond. For that, he has two goals for the team's performances: to show and exchange their Korean traditional music, and to help visually impaired people live a good life.
"People have different appearances and cultures. But from music, we can understand other cultures," Choi said.
"We can contribute to world peace and harmony, we can be family."
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5. Dubai Municipality - Inclusive services highlighted at AccessAbilities Expo 202413 Nov 2024
Dubai Municipality is participating in the sixth edition of the AccessAbilities Expo 2024, held from 7 to 9 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. As the largest event of its kind in the Middle East, this expo focuses on innovative solutions for people of determination, providing Dubai Municipality with the perfect platform to highlight its cutting-edge services and commitment to inclusivity.
Since its inception, Dubai Municipality has placed great emphasis on ensuring that all residents, regardless of their abilities, can live with dignity and independence. The Municipality’s participation in AccessAbilities Expo highlights its ongoing work to enhance accessibility in public spaces through innovative urban design and infrastructure that meet international standards.
H.E. Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, affirmed that their efforts go beyond providing services, but serve as a model for cities worldwide. “Our services not only cater to the needs of people of determination, but also serve as a model for other cities that aspire to build inclusive communities,” Al Hajri said. “At Dubai Municipality, we firmly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy, succeed, and develop in our beautiful city.”
Solutions designed to meet the needs of people of determination
Dubai Municipality continues to rehabilitate public parks to suit people of determination according to the Dubai Building Code and the checklists of the Dubai Municipality Access Team, while the wheelchair service is provided free of charge to ensure mobility of people of determination in public spaces, bearing in mind that children’s play areas are also qualified to serve people of determination. In addition, there are also fixed seats that allow people of determination to sit comfortably alongside family and friends, which enhances their sense of inclusion.
The municipality has also provided tactile maps (Braille) at the entrances to the parks to help guide the visually impaired, allowing them to explore and navigate the parks independently. These maps provide tactile information to help people understand the layout of the facilities and enjoy them with ease.
Smart guidance systems have also been installed at Dubai Frame and other municipal facilities to help people with hearing and visual impairments. These systems provide real-time navigation assistance and tracking capabilities, greatly enhancing safety and accessibility within these iconic buildings. An advanced emergency evacuation system specifically designed for people of determination has been adopted at Al Mamzar Park. The system covers both visual and hearing impairments, ensuring that all visitors can safely evacuate in the event of an emergency.
The municipality continued its brilliance by installing the world’s longest Braille handrail at Dubai Frame, a record recognized by Guinness World Records. The handrail, installed on emergency staircases, includes Braille in five international languages, providing critical guidance in emergency situations
A safe and enjoyable experience
Dubai Municipality has installed a 73-meter-long beach access platform for people of determination at Jumeirah Beach 2. The platform features dedicated swimming lanes and numerous features to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, setting new standards for beach accessibility. In addition to the platform, the municipality has also provided dedicated shower areas and changing facilities designed to serve people of determination, ensuring their comfort and privacy while enjoying time at the beach. Al Mamzar Beach is also equipped with special swimming chairs that enable people of determination to safely access the sea and enjoy the water. These chairs are provided free of charge, ensuring that no one is excluded from the city’s swimming experiences.
The municipality has also made sure to provide accessible paths to the beach areas, as well as specially designed beach beds for people of determination, allowing for a comfortable and inclusive beach experience.
A comprehensive guide to serve all members of society
Dubai Municipality has prepared a comprehensive guide that explains how to access the most important facility that is used on a daily basis by people of determination and senior citizens, and provides a reference for the design and rehabilitation of these residences on a practical level. The guidebook contains an explanation of the elements that must be taken into consideration and the way they are designed to serve all segments of society and enable owners to move and use the home’s facilities easily.
Easy emergency evacuation protocols
Dubai Municipality has adapted the department’s buildings and facilities to ensure that people of determination can easily access and benefit from them, and participated in emergency evacuation protocols and staff training to assist them professionally and carefully with the concerned organizational units in the municipality. In addition, the department has developed a comprehensive strategy to provide essential services, communication tools and information, in line with the municipality’s vision to support and empower people of determination.
The municipality is also working to establish its leadership in rehabilitating public buildings, ensuring compliance with the Dubai Building Code and the Access Committee’s checklists. Modifications include the installation of Braille handrails, tactile guidance systems, and specially designed evacuation protocols for people of determination.
With nearly 30 services specifically designed for people of determination, Dubai Municipality continues to lead efforts in making the city accessible for all. In addition to providing services, the Municipality employs 88 people of determination, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity in the workplace.
Dubai Municipality’s participation in AccessAbilities Expo 2024 reaffirms its dedication to making Dubai a global model of sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity, ensuring that all residents and visitors can enjoy a world-class living environment.
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6. BBC News UK - Guernsey code trial to help visually impaired islanders12 Nov 2024
Communication aids to help people with visual impairments navigate States sites are being trialled in Guernsey.
The technology called NaviLens works by having codes at key points around a building which can then be scanned with a mobile phone to get information about how to navigate the site.
Organised by the States of Guernsey, codes have been installed at various States-owned and funded sites, including Beau Sejour, the Guilles-Alles Library and Guernsey Airport.
Gill Evans, States disability officer, said it was important all "people are treated with dignity and understanding".
She said: "There are many islanders who can experience communication difficulties, whether that’s difficulties in speaking, hearing or understanding.
"By using these communication aids our teams will be able to better serve our community."
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7. Yahoo News UK - Bus operator helps visually impaired children learn travel skills12 Nov 2024
Bluestar has joined up with Guide Dogs to help visually impaired children gain bus travel experience
Southampton City Council and Bluestar are bringing back a popular group travel offer on buses over the Christmas period.
Between November 15, 2024 and January 5, 2025 up to five people can buy a group ticket on Bluestar, Unilink and select First Solent services and pay just £5 to travel by bus for the entire day.
The five for £5 offer was also run during the summer where it was well-received; just under 26,000 group tickets were sold which saved travellers almost £90,000 on bus travel.
All Bluestar and Unilink services within Southampton will be participating, but only First Solent’s X4 and X5 routes will be eligible for the promotion.
Andrew Wickham, Bluestar and Unilink Managing Director, said: “We are pleased to welcome back this offer for the Christmas period.
“It gives local people added incentive to leave their cars at home and travel with friends or family by bus to enjoy all the festivities. This will help ease congestion and, of course, it will benefit people’s pockets too.”
The offer provides an alternative way to travel to Southampton’s Christmas market, which returns this year on November 15 – the same day that this group offer begins.
Mr Whickham said: “We have worked closely with Southampton City Council, and it is testament to our excellent partnership that we have been able to make this happen.
“Southampton has so much to offer - even more so at this time of year - and we’re looking forward to welcoming more people than ever on-board.”
This group promotion will outlive the national £2 single fare cap, which ends on December 31.
The cap will continue but instead cost £3, it was announced by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her budget last month.
Funding for the promotion comes from the Department for Transport’s Bus Service Improvement Plan which was allocated to the council.
The offer runs while 11 of Bluestar’s services have been forced to divert due to the closure of Bargate Street while the Christmas market is in town.
Buses will not serve Bargate Street, ASDA/Marlands, Civic Centre, West Quay or Holyrood Church until January 10, 2025.
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8. WOWT USA - Blind customers say Omaha taxi company owes them $16k12 Nov 2024
OMAHA, Neb. - Francie Rebolloso lost her eyesight at 39.
“How am I going to get around?” she asked herself after developing what doctors told her was a hereditary disease.
She can’t drive and relies on friends. When no one can help, she takes zTrip, a taxi service in Omaha.
“Going to the doctors, the dentist, especially going to the airport because I do travel a lot to visit my great nieces and nephews,” said Rebolloso.
Share A Fare is a local nonprofit for blind and visually impaired people like Rebolloso. It works to make transportation more accessible. They do that through iCare Cards, which allows their members to purchase cab fare with zTrip at a reduced rate. Rebolloso loads money onto it every month.
“With the iCare Card there’s not an extra fee,” Rebolloso said.
Along with dozens of others, her transportation problem is now the center of her frustration.
“zTrip has our money and just won’t give it back to us,” said Rebolloso.
According to the company, a system glitch in July caused their cards not to work. Since then, Francie said her card is still useless.
“There are people out there who don’t have access to that money, and they have to dig into their pockets and use more money,” said Rebolloso.
Nearly 80 people who have this card said they’re out a combined $16,000.
“zTrip kept saying yes, we’re getting it fixed. All they kept saying is it’ll be another week. It’ll be another week,” Rebolloso said.
The company said they’re working to address the problem. zTrip refunded $700 added by customers in July to the affected cards, but Share A Fare wants the rest of the money back after months of what they call unsuccessful communication with the company.
zTrip said people can still call rides, and the company will manually deduct balances from the cards. They said they also offered vouchers in exchange for a refund, which Share A Fare didn’t accept.
6 News reached out to zTrip with follow-up questions but did not receive a response.
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9. Leigh Day UK - Vision-impaired woman receives settlement from college after being refused enrolment to a course12 Nov 2024
Bhavini Makwana, of East London, is registered severely sight-impaired and has a guide dog. In June 2024, Bhavini approached Barking & Dagenham College about enrolling on one of their courses.
When Bhavini mentioned her disability, the college expressed scepticism about her ability to complete the course, and she was told she would be better placed at a different college.
When Bhavini explained that the nearby college did not offer the level she wanted to do, she was advised to look for online providers or to contact another local college.
Afterwards, Bhavini had a meeting with a lecturer at Barking & Dagenham College. At the meeting, she described her disability and how she would be able to manage the course.
The lecturer questioned Bhavini’s ability to "blend into the classroom" and further claimed that he thought that having a guide dog in the classroom would be an issue. Furthermore, despite Bhavini explaining on multiple occasions what adjustments would need to be in place in order for her to take part and complete the course, the lecturer kept questioning Bhavini’s ability to read and write. He added that Bhavini should find a course "within her own community". This comment was alleged to have been made in reference to Bhavini’s Indian heritage and disability.
When asked to confirm whether the college would be able to support people with disabilities, the lecturer said that the college would be unable to do so.
Following this conversation, Bhavini raised a complaint with the college. Bhavini works for a sight loss charity in the Public Affairs and Campaigns team, supporting blind or partially sighted people by campaigning and influencing for a more equal, accessible and inclusive society. As a result of her engagement with issues around disability rights, she was able to identify that she was being discriminated against.
She also spoke with the Education team at Thomas Pocklington Trust, who support students from secondary school onwards, ensuring they receive and can access education like everyone else. The next month, the college responded to the complaint with an apology and an admission that their staff needed additional training and information.
In September 2024, Bhavini instructed human rights partner Ryan Bradshaw at Leigh Day to bring forward a discrimination claim. Ryan successfully negotiated a settlement along with an admission of discrimination. She was supported in her claim by the Royal Institute of Blind People.
Bhavini said:
“The way I was treated was absolutely disgusting. Having a stranger, a course
lecturer, and a professional simply question my ability and then just
completely dismiss my capabilities, was traumatic. Being denied the right to
access a basic human right just because I am blind, in this day and age, is
barbaric and deeply disconcerting. Part of the reason I had the strength to
fight these discriminations is due to the knowledge and constant advocacy I am
compelled to do in both my work and personal life. This is the reason why I
would like to bring attention to this, with the support from Leigh Day, as
others may not be aware or confident in doing so, should another person
experience this.”
The Royal National Institute of Blind People
(RNIB) said:
“It’s saddening to hear Bhavini’s story and how she was discriminated against
but heartening to hear that Leigh Day was able to assist Bhavini to challenge
the discrimination that she faced and that a satisfactory settlement was
reached, without the need for legal action. No one should have their access to
education denied due to their disability.
“In addition, we hear regularly about incidents regarding guide dogs being refused from different situations and it’s important that guide dog users know that support is available to successfully challenge them. We’d encourage any guide dog user who experiences a situation when they are told their guide dog isn’t welcome to contact RNIB and we’ll ensure that they get the support that they need to take their case forward.”
Leigh Day’s Ryan
Bradshaw added:
“It is crucial that those with disabilities are given the same opportunities as
the rest of us. This incident of discrimination was particularly shocking as it
was so blithe. We expect businesses and organisations offering services to the
public to regularly make their staff aware of their obligations to disabled
people and act accordingly should they fail to meet the required
standard”
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10. Baodanang Vietnam - All for a word called “love”13 Nov 2024
The word love kept coming up again and again throughout the conversation, shining through in their gentle, warm eyes. It was as if everything they did, everything they thought, all distilled down to that one single word: love…
A Classroom Without Desks or Blackboard
Every evening after dinner, Dang Tan Ba, the Vice President of the Association for the Blind at the Center for Inclusive Education Support in Da Nang, takes careful, measured steps toward the hall, followed by a few visually impaired students from the boarding area. In the classroom, there is a guitar always hung.
That is the only tool he needs to continue his day’s work: teaching the students to play guitar and sing. Beneath the warm glow of the lights, Ba’s gentle guitar notes touch the hearts of students who may live in darkness but are guided by the love and patience of their teacher.
Watching his hands glide over the strings and his soft smile, which is like a quiet breath, we wonder whether there is any potentially strength inside this tall and slender man with impaired eyes. Of course, there is only one answer: love. This classroom has no desks, no blackboard or chalk - just two guitars, a few chairs, hands that may fumble but a heart full of passion. Music becomes the light, leading his students closer to joy and to their simple dreams of life. “We may not have light in our eyes, but we have light in our hearts”, he once told his students, hoping they would understand that everyone can “see” through music, emotions, and the love surrounding them.
In this small and quiet space, the sound of the guitar rises, echoing the rhythm of empathetic hearts. The fingers clumsily glide over the piano keys. Some students frown in concentration as they touch the keys for the first time because the find it difficult. However, they still persist due to Mr. Ba’s gentle encouragement, “It’s okay, just try again, and soon it’ll become familiar”. Also visually impaired, he understands the challenge of learning to experience everything through sound. “Like me, the students can’t see to learn in the usual way; they must rely on their ears and the sensitivity of their hearts. Even so, I try to teach them waltzes, slow melodies, tangos - so they don’t just play but also feel the texture and rhythm of each song”, Mr. Ba shares.
Mr. Ba’s days are filled with various roles: caretaker, teacher, and sound and lighting technician. Rarely does he rest, and consistently diligent with his duties. He recalls the year 1992, when he and 17 other visually impaired children left their families for the boarding school at Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Special School. There, the young boy from a poor family learned braille and essential skills, nurturing his dream of integrating into society.
In 2005, after completing his studies, Mr. Ba, out of gratitude, asked to remain at the center to help other children in similar situations. Since then, in addition to taking responsibility for maintenance work and sound support, he has spent time teaching students how to make incense to increase their income. Occasionally, he buys snacks like chips and milk teas to lift the students’ spirits. Over the years, everyone at the center - both children and adults - has come to cherish him deeply. “I hope the children can understand that they can do anything if they have patience and determination, and that they won’t be alone in their efforts to reintegrate into society”, Mr. Ba explains.
A Home United by Love
It is over eight years since the day the dormitory within the grounds of Da Nang Center for Support and Care for Children Affected by Agent Orange (Site 3), located in Hoa Nhon Commune, Hoa Vang District started to be used. The staff here are guided by the words of a Singaporean philanthropist: “This home is for the children affected by Agent Orange, but more importantly, it is for the mothers who have endured so much hardship to lean back and find strength”. These words remind them to pay more attention and care into their work every day.
Nguyen Thi Lan, a center employee, shares that sometimes a simple hand squeeze, a pat on the head, a few encouraging words, or even just a silent presence beside each other can convey human warmth. After nearly a decade at the center, she understands that what these mothers need isn’t material aid, but the assurance that they’re not alone. This home, with its compassionate spirit, has become a refuge where mothers and children can temporarily forget their hardships and recharge for the long journey ahead.
Raising normal children is challenging, raising children affected by Agent Orange adds countless more layers of difficulty. Each child here embodies a unique world that only patience and love can touch. Some children laugh or cry without reasons, and others face movement difficulties or are slow to walk. Some are unable to express emotions, remaining silent or looking at things with empty stares.
Like many other staff, Ms. Lan devotes most of
her time to the less fortunate children. Sometimes she prepares meals, soothes
their pain, or acts as a teacher and guides them in writing letters, saying
greetings, and expressing gratitude. These seem like simple actions, but
achieving them consistently is a remarkable feat, as some children may take
months, or even years, to learn and repeat these behaviours.
Take the girl Mai Thi My Thuan (14 years old), who is affected by Agent Orange
and has a frail body and unsteady steps, as an example. When she first arrived
at the center, she was weak and had poor communication skills, and often
isolated herself. To ease Thuan’s fears, Ms. Lan spoke gently and offered
comforting hugs to help her feel secure.
Ms. Lan shares that every morning, while other children played in the yard, Thuan would sit quietly in the corner of the room. Noticing this, Ms. Lan would sit beside her, hold Thuan’s hand and gradually guide her to connect with the surroundings. She introduced to her some simple games, such as puzzle building and colouring. These activities not only helped Thuan concentrate but also developed her fine motor skills.
Mr. Nguyen Van An, Chairman of Da Nang Association for Victims of Agent Orange, explains that Da Nang Center for Support and Care for Children Affected by Agent Orange (Site 3) currently take care of over 40 children. Most of them are in different conditions such as intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, autism, motor disabilities, paralysis, and muscle contractions. These challenges require the sacrifice and patience of every staff member when doing the caregiving work at the center. More than that, it’s their compassion and care that give them the strength to persevere.
"Just seeing the children make even a small improvement can fill our hearts with warmth and immeasurable joy", Mr. An says and smiles gently, as if amidst all the worries, love continues to grow quietly and steadily under this shared roof, blossoming and bearing fruit.
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This Google Group news service has been made possible by courtesy of the Society of the Blind in Malaysia