PHNOM PENH: Secretary of State for the Ministry of Social Affairs and Secretary-General of the Disability Action Council, Em Chan Makara, spoke at an event to commemorate Autism and Down Syndrome Awareness Day on the morning of 19 April 2023. His speech promoted disability rights which include the right to communicate, access to social services and equitable, dignified participation in the public domain.

Speaking at the Ministry of Social Affairs in the Chamkar Morn district, he emphasized the efforts of the Disability Action Council to effectively address challenges faced by those with autism and Down syndrome. The council aims to provide opportunities to the disabled community to participate in economic, social, cultural and political activities in a dignified manner on par with the general population.

The Secretary of State highlighted three main issues concerning the care of those with autism, Down syndrome and dementia: access to justice and inheritance after the death of a caregiver, receiving familial support after the death of a caregiver, and ensuring schools are equipped with the knowledge and materials to effectively educate students with these disabilities. He went on to point out that autism cannot be diagnosed in children before the age of three, at which point one can observe a loss of communication, reduced participation in daily activities, speech difficulties, a preference to be alone, anxiety, irritability, and adverse reactions to change in routine.

Sec. Em Chan Makara advised caregivers of people with autism and Down syndrome to use positive language and words of praise, to provide unconditional support, and to establish daily routines. He added that physical activity programs including dance and recreational sports are proven to reduce stress and promote childhood development. He also stressed the importance of planning ahead for the lifelong care needed, especially after a caregiver has passed.

He reiterated the ministry’s goal to provide a general education and quality skill sets to children with intellectual disabilities from the primary level and carrying on to higher education.

The Secretary of State concluded by urging ministries, institutions and the private sector to invest in recruiting people with disabilities. Current recruitment levels are at 2% for the government and 1% for the private sector.