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Accessibility Is Freedom

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  • From Dots to Dreams: Visually Impaired Youth Are Ready to Work – But Opportunity Hasn’t Arrived

    From Dots to Dreams: Visually Impaired Youth Are Ready to Work – But Opportunity Hasn’t Arrived

    May 2026 — Save the Children released “Dots to Dreams,” a study drawing on 81 voices in Bangkok: visually impaired youth aged 18–30, employers, civil society, educators, and government — all exploring career pathways for these youth. The good news: Thailand has strong disability rights laws. More good news: visually impaired youth have the capacity to work. An NBT World report (May 29) confirms they “have the skills that match labor market needs.” But what isn’t good yet: a gap remains between “laws exist” and “real life.” The study found that while the law requires workplaces to hire people with…

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  • [Nine years ago], we visited Starbucks at Central Rama 9 to check its accessibility.

    [Nine years ago], we visited Starbucks at Central Rama 9 to check its accessibility.

    Newer Starbucks branches have generally done a fairly good job on accessibility. However, at this branch, the entrance had a raised floor, making it impossible for wheelchair users to enter or exit the store independently. I already discussed this with the management team at the time. I’m not sure whether the entrance has been fixed by now.

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  • Comparing the quality of construction work between Bangkok and Tokyo.

    Comparing the quality of construction work between Bangkok and Tokyo.

    – A recently renovated sidewalk from Asok Intersection to Benjakitti Park 🥴 – As for the slope, I would suggest letting ordinary people sit in a wheelchair and try going up and down between the sidewalk and the road surface. I believe that would reveal a lot. 🥴 – Construction quality 🥴 These issues have existed for a very long time, yet they still have not been solved. This is the reality of Bangkok and Thailand.

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  • From Aid Provider to Opportunity Creator – Thailand Government Shifts Disability Policy Mindset

    From Aid Provider to Opportunity Creator – Thailand Government Shifts Disability Policy Mindset

    Yesterday (May 28, 2026), the government announced an urgent push for the National Disability Network Plan. Three measures made me feel this isn’t just news — it’s a sign of real change. First: increasing the monthly living allowance for people with disabilities to 1,000 baht for every ID card holder. Second: rolling out Universal Design nationwide under the principle, “If people with disabilities can use it, everyone can use it.” Third: upgrading government services — installing positive-pressure dust-free rooms and solar rooftop systems in 22 offices of the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. What hit me hardest was…

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