International Day of Persons with Disabilities 3 December 2009

This was the eighth year Cambodia has celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and it was the best one yet.  In the morning, at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Hun Sen gave strong support to Cambodia Sign Language and sign language interpreters--before launching into one of his political tirades.  In late morning and through the afternoon all people with disabilities were able to participate in the various activities held at a park near the waterfront.

Hannah Stevens (center), general manager of Epic Arts in Cambodia	A group of deaf students from the DDP hostel
Sokly (left rear) stayed with deaf students while staff for the booth ate lunch	The DDP booth, with space in back for teaching short sign language classes
In the afternoon, attention shifted to the large stage for performances by people with disabilities	This group was definitely not a disability group!
Many deaf people stayed throughout the afternoon till the 9 PM closing	Sokchea (left) had an informal sign language class with two new DDP staff members
Charlie posed with this large group of deaf people late in the afternoon	Nong Kay, a blind player of the chapei instrument, performed in the afternoon

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