From Nobody to Somebody

Being a person with disability is considered as bad, but it even been worse to be isolated and discriminated” said Ms. Or Sarath. Ms. Or Sarath was born with communication disability and graduated from the University in the major of Banking. I married in October 2022. In my family, I have 2 brothers and 4 sisters. I used to work about 4 months at a dental clinic as receptionist and then about 5 years with a disability organization named Saravoin organization before start working with OIC Cambodia.

“I used to work on the general disability who could speak and communicate with. For those who are unable to speak, I talk to their parents or caregivers. When joining with OIC Cambodia, I feel surprised and much interested in how the picture communication boards could be used as alternative ways/tools to communicate with children or people with communication disabilities like me”, Sarath happily exclaimed.

“I involved in different steps in designing, developing and trialing the picture-based reporting tools with adults’ people with communication disability. I found it very important to help children and people with communication disabilities like me and others who are unable to speak. It could help them for not only protecting them from violence but also allowing them to report to their families or relevant people in case needed”, Sarath added. “ To see ways in expressing our thoughts and concerns is a privilege and life saving, which people with communication disabilities had never have before in Cambodia”.

“Finally, I would like to express my thankful to Childhood Foundation who fund to OIC Cambodia. I am really appreciated the innovative tools”, Sarath concluded.