YANGCHEN LHAMO
Thimphu
The Phensem Parents Support Group Bhutan (PSGB), in collaboration with the Bhutan Foundation, conducted a pivotal advocacy and awareness workshop on the acceptance and use of Assistive Technology (AT) at the Youth Development Fund (YDF) on 20 May.
The event marked an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of children and persons living with disabilities in Bhutan. PSGB was founded in July 2017 by three mothers dedicated to improving the lives of children with disabilities.
It was officially registered as a Civil Society Organization (CSO) on 30th July 2020, making it its first parent support group to achieve this status in Bhutan. By September 2023, PSGB had grown to include over 200 parent members, all committed to supporting families of children and persons with disabilities.
The organization’s vision is to empower and equip parents, enabling them to become effective advocates for their children.
In her keynote address, former health minister Dasho Dechen Wangmo emphasized the importance of mutual support and collective growth.
She said everyone should support each other and grow together. “The current mindset needs to change to create a better environment for everyone,” she stated while highlighting the necessity of providing support to disabled children to help them become self-reliant and understand what is beneficial for them.
AT refers to devices or systems that assist individuals in performing tasks that they would otherwise find difficult or impossible. The primary objective of the workshop was to introduce and raise awareness about AT as a solution to improve the lives of children with disabilities (CWDs) and persons with disabilities (PWDs). The event featured a one-stop AT resource center, showcasing various AT devices in action.
According to the 2017 population census, approximately 15,000 people in the country are living with disabilities. These statistics underscore the critical need for initiatives like those spearheaded by PSGB.
Chimi Om, a mother of a 15-year-old son currently studying in grade 8 at Changangkha MSS, recounted the challenges she faced before joining PSGB including difficulties in finding a nearby school for her son and the lack of available therapy services.
Balancing work and caring for her son was an arduous task. However, since becoming part of PSGB, she expressed relief and happiness, knowing that future parents will not have to endure the same struggles. She noted that awareness and support for disabled children are gradually improving, with positive changes in the education, health, and policy sectors.
Prashanti Pradhan, the Executive Director and Co-founder of PSGB highlighted the crucial role of their center in supporting both parents and children. She acknowledged the physical and mental challenges parents face while caring for their children but emphasized that the center’s resources significantly alleviate these burdens.
The center not only provides essential support for children but also helps parents cope with their challenges. However, despite the progress made, the Executive Director also pointed out several challenges PSGB continues to face.
Important among these is inadequate funding required for the maintenance of centers for children with disabilities and their families. The creation of an endowment fund is a priority to ensure sustained support for these essential services.
To expand its reach and support network, PSGB has initiated plans to extend its awareness and advocacy efforts concerning the acceptance and use of AT to other regions, including Paro, Gelephu, Phuntsholing, and Zhemgang.
In the afternoon, an inauguration ceremony for the ‘Enable and Empower with AT Demo Centre’ was held. This center is designed to serve as a hub for showcasing and demonstrating various AT devices, offering hands-on experience for families and individuals seeking to understand the benefits of AT.
As Bhutan moves towards a more inclusive future, the efforts of organizations like PSGB are indispensable. By continuing to advocate for and support children and persons with disabilities, they are paving the way for a more equitable and supportive society.
The workshop on AT is a testament to their commitment and a beacon of hope for many families across the country.
