The Northern School for the Blind runs several programs for students who are blind or visually impaired with additional disabilities, and the services are designed to meet the needs of students in specific age groups. All visually impaired with additional disabilities students at Northern School for the Blind come from villages in the countryside, so the local community is another way to develop many skills for students. The young students work on the development of the tactual and sensory skills in the environment. The older students focus on the development of the skills of daily living, as well as local vocational and agricultural skills, which are very similar to their families' communities. So the community-based program is very suitable for all students who are visually impaired with additional disabilities and it is a part of the transition plan for older students who are visually impaired with additional disabilities when they finish school.
Community-Based Program
The community-based program is held at the home of one of the transition-age youth, Ms. Pantip, in her house and community in Palan village, 15 kilometers from the Northern School for the Blind. Pantip is visually impaired with additional disabilities and an ex-student who finished school 2 years ago. There are 14 students who participate in this program.
Pantip was brought up by her grandparents since she was young. Her grandparents are farmers. They have a small house and around their house they grow many kinds of vegetables and herbs for cooking.
Animal Care
They have numerous pets, cows, dogs, cat, hens and ducks, and this gives everyone a chance to learn more about animal care.
Gardening
Many types of vegetables and herbs for cooking grow around the house. The youth learn about local fruits and vegetables, while also practicing gardening skills.
Growing Rice
Growing and Cooking Mushrooms
Catfish Farm
There is also a small catfish and frog farm at the house. As with the other vocational activities, the youth participate in all stages of the process.
Cooking food in the traditional village style
Community Involvement
Their neighbors, many of whom are also their relatives, have similar lifestyles. They are all very kind to our students and let them join in their activities. For a year the villagers have passed on their knowledge and wisdom to the students to help them in their vocational development. They have been shown how to cultivate and manage rice, grow vegetables and mushrooms from straw. They have a catfish farm and have learned how to cook food in the traditional village style. The students are still enjoying this experience and are happy in this community-based program. They always tell us that they are adults and they would like to work as adults. The community villagers are very willing to help them.
For more information about this program, please contact:
Northern School for the Blind
41 Arruk Road, Amphur Muang
Chiang Mai, THAILAND 50200
Contact person: Siriporn Tantaopas (Noie)
Email: spnoie99@hotmail.com
