Disabled (we like to say 'differently abled)

Many disabled people are not seen in the community and live as 'shut-ins'.  The level of care is very low.  Kids Ark assists with food and hygiene needs, provides a social outlet for the disabled and trains caregivers.

With the aid of the Dili Rehab centre, the disabled have received wheelchairs, calipers and rehab.

A site near Kids Ark base has been leveled to build a rehab centre in Hera.   One of the main problems in meeting disability needs is the distance from professional help.  

We believe the Hera Disabled Rehab Centre will meet the demand for more care of  these people and others not yet in the program.

Foundation work is proposed for April 2012 and a further building team of volunteers to start the concrete block work in July 2012. 

If you would like to join the building team in July, please contact us by email and we will put you in contact with the team leader.

• a higher standard of hygiene, nutrition and improved health
• solutions to other disability needs
• aid the disabled to lead enhanced physical and emotional lives
• education of the community by encouraging people to talk about disability issues and breakdown prejudices.

The goals for our current work with the disabled and  future community programs are to:

• Encourage and educate the community to understand, respect and support disabled people
• Give disabled people access to health services and uphold a level of basic health care
• Recognise the importance of family and care givers to provide adequate support for disabled people
• Ensure disabled people’s rights are understood and promoted
• Integrate people with disabilities into the education system
• Promote community involvement in the lives of the disabled
• Promote the involvement of the disabled in community events
• Whenever possible empowering disabled people to move from interdependence to independence; living lives that contribute to their communities.