In the past, I used to think little about people with disabilities. I took them for granted and did not find it necessary to render them any form of help. Now, after the many interactions with people with disabilities I admit I do feel ashamed of myself. I learned about the many encounters they face in their lifetime, including simple things and routine such as moving around that we often take for granted.
During the pre-trip AWWA training, I interacted with various people with disabilities, and I thought it was a good experience. Looking at the smiles on their faces after the activities does make me feel that we can do so much more for the people with disabilities in Cambodia. I felt very comfortable just interacting with the clients. In addition, during the activity on decorating airplanes I realized that many of the clients have similar dreams and hopes just like us, and it is because of these dreams that keep them going strong in their lives.
Overall, it struck me that what drives us to help these people with disabilities is not due to their physical and intellectual impairments but due to their perserverance, strength and resilience to overcome life’s obstacles as well as their positive outlook on life itself!