PHNOM PENH: On the morning of October 26, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Chea Somethy welcomed a courtesy call from the General Director of ATscale, Pascal Bijleveld, to discuss the launch of the new project that will provide wheelchairs, prosthetics and visual aids to persons with disabilities.
During the meeting, Mr. Bijleveld informed the Minister that the ATscale was established with the aim of helping to restore the physical work capacity of persons with disabilities, especially eye and mobility problems. He mentioned that one of his goals was to make it possible for people with visual impairments to access to smartphones.
He added that ATscale is an American program working with the United Nations. With the project being started this year, he hoped for a smooth partnership in implementing the project with the Cambodian government.
Minister Chea Somethy thanked ATscale for its cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Disability Action Council. The Minister said that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Affairs will work together to coordinate the transfer of rehabilitation programs, which is a concern for civil society in Cambodia and abroad.
The Minister said that he fully supported the process of organizing the ATscale program, and requested that ATscale monitor the training of human resources within the Ministry of Social Affairs, especially in new assistive technologies as they progress. He also said that due to the large number of people with disabilities in Cambodia, there is a real need for accessibility aids like wheelchairs, crutches, and prosthetics for persons with disabilities.
He also highlighted the ongoing crisis that Cambodia faces in unexploded landmines and war remnants, which have resulted in serious injuries and deaths due to lack of public awareness on the issue.
Mr. Bijleveld agreed to the Minister's request to train ministry officials and asked that the minister increase the state budget to ensure a more successful project. He also asked the minister to help raise public awareness of eye health issues, especially in rural areas.
Minister Chea Somethy stated that he was committed to improving the project through the assistance of the ATscale program and promised to provide information to the provincial departments and to work with the provincial authorities to disseminate information to the public on the ATscale project and on eye health.
