Professor Pongdej Chaiyakutr - Former Dean of Fine Arts Department at Chiangmai University “We should not ask for sympathy; rather, we must work hard to excel and gain acceptance.”

The Foundation for the Welfare for The Crippled in Thailand is a non profit organisation established in 1954. The Foundation was originally set up to support the young victims of a polio outbreak which swept Thailand in the early 50’s. With a widespread inoculation programme making polio a thing of the past, The Foundations efforts today are principally concentrated on helping children suffering from cerebral palsy, Spina bifida and congenital deformities, which perhaps present a greater challenge to both sufferers, care givers and the families involved. In recent years more and more Thai people have taken an interest in helping the handicapped, with growing numbers of university students visiting the Foundation’s facilities. Since its start, it has provided help for countless numbers of handicapped people, providing them with treatment, welfare and education. The Foundation’s policy has helped them, help themselves, to face up to their handicaps, enabling them to become less dependent on their families and Society for support, gaining self confidence, leading more meaningful lives and becoming useful members of society. The help extends not only to treatment, but to education, welfare and job placement. The Foundation is an attractive building with many good facilities, thanks to the generosity of many companies, charities and individuals. A minimum of 18 Million baht is required annually to run it effectively and it still needs continuous private support to carry on doing its good work. It has a modest annual allocation of 150,000 baht from The Government and thereby relies on private support. The school provides 24-hour and 7-day care, accommodation and meals to over 300 handicapped children. It gives rehabilitation and regular physical therapy to help the children. Children aged 3 to 18 are educated in line with the standard curriculum of the Ministry of Education from kindergarten to Grade 9 as well as special classes for mentally handicapped children. Students are especially encouraged to participate in music, sports and various extra- curricular activities which also helps to give them more confidence. Students are encouraged to learn basic vocational skills which will enable them to earn a living and help themselves after they leave the school. These include computer programming, hairdressing and basic cooking.

Meet some of the school’s former pupils who have, despite their handicaps, achieved high levels in life that even some able-bodied individuals would not be able to reach. Here are a few successful alumni: graduates who are able to support themselves and go on in life to excellence, including Paralympic medalists, top academic professionals, and business owners.

Somchai Doungkaew - Paralympic 2000 Gold Medalist: Swimming. “We cannot choose how we are born, but we can choose to do courageous things and to achieve great feats. I would like to thank the Srisangwal School for educating me and teaching me a wide range of crucial skills that has enabled me to succeed and become the person I am today.”

“The goal isn’t just to win the race, but also to win against my own misfortunes and hardships. That is what I am truly proud of. The Foundation cared for me since my early days—both physically and mentally— enabling me to dream, to face my challenges, and to stretch myself to where I am today.”

Surapol Tuangsuwan - Owner of a construction material shop. “The Foundation made me realize that I am not alone, that there are other people who suffer much more than myself. I became stronger and more persevering.”

“Now that I am quite successful, I want to support others as well … I want the next generation of disabled children to receive the educational opportunities I received at SriSangwal School.”

Sopa Intasen - Paralympic 2000: 1 Gold & 2 Silver Medals :Athletics. “I always try my best and put in my greatest efforts in my Paralympic races. For my family and for the Thai people.”

Saichon Konjen - Paralympic Silver Medalist 2008, 2012, 2016 Asian Para Games Gold Medalist 2015.