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Disabilities do not mean Limited Potential (EN)

/Disabilities do not mean Limited Potential (EN)
Disabilities do not mean Limited Potential (EN) 2023-07-29T05:28:43+00:00

Limitations Without Limits

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When we realize that there is something wrong with our body, what can we do? If our legs are unable to move the way they did before, or our eyes cannot see things as clearly as before, how will we cope? Have we ever thought about how we would deal with a disability, or what kind of help other people need in such cases? For Chulalongkorn University staff who face these challenges, there is a system to support them so that they can remain capable of working for the organization or contributing usefully to others and their workplace.

Realizing the importance of helping people with disabilities reach their full potential, the university has launched a project to promote valuable employment with inclusiveness, fairness and equality for all. This includes the creation of a good environment with the necessary facilities for people with disabilities on the campus to serve both university staff and the public. The university is also committed to providing positive reinforcement for disabled people who might not yet have enough self–confidence in their potential or capability to work.

The Office of Human Resources Management has become a channel through which staff members with disabilities can share their experiences working as staff. The employment of the disabled is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 8: “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”. One of the indicators for the success of SDG 8 is the achievement of full and productive employment for all men and women, including young people and the disabled (Reference: National Economic and Social Development Council).

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Mr. Weekit Koohamanee

Mr. Weekit Koohamanee is a Quality Assurance officer in the Faculty of Psychology. He has had difficulty seeing things since he was 13 years old. Officially, he is categorised as being in disability category 1 with respect to vision. He has been working at the university for eight years. At the moment, he says, he can see only things that are very close to him. As for his field of vision, it is like looking through a straw, which offers a very narrow perspective. Previously, he had worked with a private firm, but he wanted to give himself an opportunity to change to a new job in a new environment for a professional growth.

Mr Weekit acknowledges that his limited vision means that it takes him more time to do things than colleagues who do not have physical disability problems. In his previous job, his might have become a problem, but it has not been a big obstacle since he decided to switch careers. Change is not always negative, he says, since he has realized that it is good to learn something new. One change for the better since Mr Weekit joined the university is that all his colleagues and supervisors are very understanding about his limited vision. They have also given him the same opportunity as all other university staff to use his full capacity at work.

Mr Weekit’s advice to others with physical disabilities is that there are always opportunities to be found somewhere. We must always look for what we like to do and improve our skills for that work so we are skillful enough. When we are capable enough to do things, we will be in demand in the labor market. And even though his eyesight is continuing to deteriorate, he has never stopped learning and looking for something more challenging for himself. “No matter how bad my eyesight might become, I want to have as wide a perspective and long a vision for my life as possible”.

Mr. Win Wiwekpromratch

Mr. Win Wiwekpromratch is an Office Building Inspection Officer with the Faculty of Political Science พนักงานดูแลสถานที่). He has been working for Chulalongkorn University for more than 30 years and will retire in the next few years. He worked as a security guard when he first joined the university in 1990. Today he is classified as having category 3 disability, or trouble with physical movement. Eight years ago Mr Win was diagnosed with hemiparesis —weakness or inability to move on one side of the body — due to high blood pressure. He had to start using a cane to assist with standing, but then felt stressed and uncomfortable when trying to adjust. Mr Win said he was grateful to the university for giving him an opportunity to remain employed, and also for changing his duties to new ones more suitable for someone with his physical limitations. This has led to a strong commitment to do his best in the new position.

Mr Win offers some advice to others who may find themselves facing difficulties with physical disability: “Life is uncertain. No matter what we are doing now, we may not be able to do it for the rest of our life. Thus, we must be strong and patient, and most importantly, never give up.”

Last but not least, no matter what limitations you have, be courageous enough to give yourself a chance to show off your potential and capability that may be hidden under that limitation.

Chulalongkorn University aspires to offer an opportunity for everyone to showcase their skills with no limitations, and welcomes everyone to be a part of the university, to jointly build our future and drive the university to achieve its global goals.

Reduction of Obstacles that Limit Capability — Accessible Buildings for All

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Those who have a problem with disability have a strong desire to travel around or carry out activities in their workplace comfortably. However, most public walkways or buildings in Thailand are still not designed or constructed to serve those who have physical limitations. As a result, they struggle to find ways to live a normal life and accomplish everyday tasks. Associate Professor Trairat Jarutach, head of the Department of Housing in the Faculty of Architecture, explores this challenge in a study titled “Universal Design: Adjusting and Changing for Sustainability”. Universal design — a design to serve all people — is a key principle in the creation of surroundings and facilities that people of all ages can access, be they an ageing adult, an able–bodied person or a person with a disability. The goal is to create equality of access to any services anywhere, for the promotion of both physical and mental health.

Chulalongkorn University realizes the importance of facility management for disabled people using the campus, be they staff, students or the general public. Take for example Chamchuri Building 5, which received an award in 2020 for facilitating the disabled from the Ministry of Human Development and Human Security.

Chula Nives Dormitory Pre–Renovation

Chula Nives Dormitory Post–Renovation

The university has carried out renovation work on the Chula Nives Dormitory in order to bring its old structure into compliance with the latest requirements for fire prevention systems and fire exits under the Building Control Act. In addition, the university has renovated other old buildings to ensure that they are accessible for disabled people and can also facilitate other staff, students and members of the public who may visit the campus in the future.

Current ramp layout and accessibility for the disabled in Chulalongkorn University area

The university emphasizes the significance of its personnel in all sectors and promotes diversity, equity, coexistence, and adherence to human rights principles under the university’s care. Therefore, the Office of Human Resources is designated as the entity responsible for various matters concerning all groups of personnel. If you wish to report any issues or concerns, you can contact the Benefits and Human Resources Management Division at telephone number 02-218-0263

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