“Persons with disabilities have capabilities, skills and talents to support and take care of their families, and at the same time they are inspiring and empowering others to overcome any barriers they may face in life” – US Ambassador to Lao P.D.R – Peter Haymond. “The United States is proud to help Lao PDR improve the health and well-being of persons with disabilities under the U.S. Lao Comprehensive partnership”.
On 28 August 2021, US Ambassador Peter Haymond and his wife Dusadee visited the Community Based Inclusive Development (CBID) USAID Okard project in Kham District, Xiengkhouang Province. During the visit, they joined a discussion with a group of persons with disabilities from Kham district. The discussion centered around the effect of the Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) and peer to peer support activities of QLA, with CBID beneficiaries sharing their life experiences on how they have overcome barriers and negative attitudes towards their disability, and how they have also inspired others to not give up on life.
USAID Okard, funded by USAID and implemented by World Education Inc,. Quality of Life Association improves access to quality healthcare and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities, and supports design and implementation of disabilities inclusive policies.