Maimana, Sun 04 Dec, 2011

On December 3rd, International Disability Day was celebrated at popular hotel in Maimana. The Orthopedic Workshop and Community-Based Rehabilitation project facilitated this event to honor people with disabilities. Nearly 300 people with disabilities and their family members attended. Speeches were given by the deputy governor, a disabled lab technician, a blind woman, and by IAM personnel. The 71 guests from outlying villages included key religious leaders and village leaders.

Many participants had been given a new lease on life through provision of artificial limbs, walking frames, braces, and other assistive devices. Some were helped by physical therapy. Others received training to become tailors and are now perceived as contributing members of their society rather than shameful burdens. More severely disabled individuals had been given goat loans, allowing them to sell milk and yoghurt to assist the family income.

We would like to thank Foundation Beyond Belief for helping to fund this day in Maimana, to bring honor to these people, who through no fault of their own suffer greatly and are often considered outcasts.