On the 7 th of March 2023, the Damnok Toek team in Kep swapped their daily operation of the disability program into a day of celebration. The reason was the inauguration of three semi-independent living arrangements for up to 14 people with intellectual disabilities (PWIDs).
The inauguration event was joined by all Kep team members and residents. Buddhist monks were invited to perform traditional rituals to bring good wishes, safety, and prosperity to the people going to live in the new facilities. Afterwards, staff and residents enjoyed a good meal together, and the event continued with social time and traditional dancing with the residents. It was an enjoyable time for everyone. The four residents, who are the first ones going to live in the new facilities, were very happy about the celebration and excited to move into their new homes.
The purpose of a semi-independent living arrangement is to create a degree of independence for PWIDs so they are potentially able to live on their own in the future. In order to prepare PWIDs for future full-independent living, Damnok Toek has decided to create a project that would prepare PWIDs on how to be living and doing things by themselves, as well as allow for individual thinking and for the development of problem-solving skills.
Damnok Toek started the disability program in Kep in 2016, with the purpose of creating a space for PWIDs to live a dignified life based on their given rights. The program seeks to enable PWIDs to become as independent and self-functioning as possible. Thus, they are taught basic life skills so they are able to do things on their own, such as eating, working, participating in decision-making processes, as well as looking after themselves.
Damnok Toek team have decided to move four PWIDs in the first quarter of 2023, but plan to have a total of 8 PWIDs living there by the end of the year. All these PWIDs will be trained during 2023 to reach higher levels of independence and self-management. They will be taught how to manage their daily routines; such as waking up on time, taking bath, cleaning & washing, respect meal-times, follow a routine, etc. Also, they will be empowered to eat on their own, to book & use a tuk-tuk, to buy things at the market, as well as making their own tea, coffee, noodles, etc.
By living in their own house, more responsibility will also follow; both on household activities and personal needs. Such level of responsibility requires a degree of self-control and obligation, which Damnok Toek team will enable them to master. To become a resident of the semi-independent living arrangement is an admirable achievement for each PWID living there. It is something they themselves and others may not have thought possible. Thus, it enables PWIDs to dream, hope and strive for even more independence, self-control, dignity and respect (self-respect and respect from others) in the future. Thus, the semi-independent living arrangement concept will hopefully become a replicable model for others to apply.
For the four residents, who moved into the new houses in March, they are very glad about this new living arrangement. They are motivated and committed to this next step in their lives, and ready for a higher degree of self-management and for new responsibilities. Damnok Toek believes that, these four people, as well as the next ones to live semi-independently soon, will become role-models for other PWIDs in the future.