Disability Inclusion

Dr. Khamphet, the Director of the Center for Medical Rehabilitation (CMR), speaks with a UXO survivor and amputee. The CMR is the primary provider of physical therapy and prosthetics in Laos.

World Education is working in partnership with a range of NGO’s and government entities to strengthen the disability sector in Laos and improve services provided to people with disabilities so they can lead more productive and fulfilling lives. Access to quality medical and rehabilitation care is scarce in Laos, diagnostic procedures are often non-existent (especially with regard to mental and intellectual disabilities), and child health screenings are rarely conducted and do not address more than obvious physical disabilities.

We’re currently working on activities in the disability sector that:

Provide formal skills training to medical service personnel to improve service delivery to people with disabilities with the aim to improve evidence-based practices and increase the involvement of female medical personnel.
Increase economic empowerment opportunities for people with disabilities and their primary caregivers by providing them with livelihoods and skills training and job placement services in relevant businesses and trades.
Make assistive technologies available to people with disabilities appropriate to their needs.
Offer medical treatment, rehabilitation services, physical and occupational therapy, or psychosocial support to enable people with disabilities to attain optimal physical, sensory, or psychosocial function.

Since Laos has not had a history of civil society organizations until recently, we support a number of local nonprofit associations to achieve these results and strengthen their capacity.

Learn more about our projects in the area of disabilities: