Year's outstanding disabled people

All of them are successful in, and happy about, their lives.

"They can be role models for both disabled and normalbodied people," said Kanittha Dhevinpakdi, chairwoman of the council's nomination committee.

Among the year's outstanding disabled people is Aurora Sribuaphan, headmistress of the Pattaya Redemptorist School for the Blind. Blinded at the age of 9, she has never lost her determination to become a good teacher.

"The loss of eyesight does not mean the loss of intellect," Aurora said. "Life can go on. Blindness is not an obstacle in my life".

At present, Aurora also works as secretary of the Thailand Caulfield Foundation for the Blind, which provides vocational training to disabled people with the aim of allowing them to make a living.

Aurora called on the parents of blind children to give them an education and vocational skills.

"After they pick up skills, they'll become selfconfident and develop knowledge to take care of themselves in the future," she said.

Another of 2008's outstanding disabled people, Kampon Boonthongnum, has been hosting a dhamma radio programme for three decades.

"I've never seen myself as disabled," he said. "I think I'm a special person."

Kampon said people with disabilities should learn to understand and accept themselves so that they could live happily in society.

"Like normalbodied people, we're looked upon with compassion, or disdain, or indifference. So, we should never let ourselves be overwhelmed by how others look or talk about us," he said, adding that he was happy with his life and enjoyed giving useful tips to people.

Disabled Persons Day falls on November 8 this year. Activities marking the day will be held at Suan Amporn.