.... THAT ONE DAY we will win the lottery. We hope it doesn't rain during the barbecue and we hope that we will meet a department store sales person who knows about the product he is selling. These are silly hopes and trivial but one group of people in our society does have a worthy wish; they simply hope that one day they will be accepted as part of the community. They are the physically disabled, shunned by society as useless or at very least, a nuisance. But now there is hope for them too. In Mae Taeng, some 40 kilometers north of Chiangmai on the Mae Rim-Fang road, you will find the Yardfon Vocational Rehabilitation Center. (The meaning of the Thai word yardfon is falling rain.)

Under the auspices of the Department of Welfare, the center caters for 100 physically handicapped students every year. The aims are simple; to provide vocational training, rehabilitation services and medical support to disabled people between the age of 14 and 40. Those fortunate enough to secure a place at Yardfon will each receive one year's free board and lodgings. They will benefit from free medical and rehabilitation services and they will learn a skill designed to give them a fighting chance in society. But above all, those completing the year-long course will receive career guidance and help in job placement.

The facilities at Yardfon are simple but effective. Accommodation is dormitory hall style, 25 to a room but clean and comfortable. Three large workshops cater for vocational training in Electrical Repair, Sewing and Handicraft Products while a fourth building, renovated three years ago by the "Foundation To Encourage The Potential Of Disabled Persons" has been converted into a modern, air conditioned classroom for computer studies. The hundred successful applicants will be divided according to aptitude, into four groups of 25 people, each group studying a particular skill. For ten months of the year they will learn their new trade and in the eleventh month will be examined and graded. The final month at Yardfon is dedicated to job placement for those who complete the course satisfactorily.

During my visit to the center, Govert and Femke Pennings, a young Dutch couple full of life and energy briefed me. They were spending time traveling the world when they discovered the Internet webpage for the Foundation to Encourage the Potential of Disabled Persons. Having spent time in Holland, doing voluntary work with the disabled, they decided to travel to Chiangmai to see if they could help. The foundation welcomed them with open arms and immediately dispatched them to Mae Taeng where they have spent the last 6 months teaching.

"I am not paid for this work but just to see one of the students fixed up with a job in society is reward enough", Govert remarked. Femke added, "To be with these people and to be able to share in their work and study, is an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life. They are just like you and me, intelligent, funny, enthusiastic and deserve to be given a chance."

Students at Yardfon work hard in their studies but there is also time for play and sport is a major part of the rehabilitation program. Special, highly sophisticated "Sports Wheelchairs" are provided by the school, enabling students to participate in all manner of games and the school has won many trophies in paraplegic events.

Although Yardfon is a Government sponsored school, funds are never enough and contributions are always welcome, but there is an even better way to help. The students are at Yardfon because society has made it all but impossible for them to earn a living like so called ordinary people. After their year' s training, they are skilled, keen and able to participate in a normal working life, all they lack is the opportunity to prove their ability. Any employer who has the courage to approach Yardfon and take on a handicapped student will not be disappointed. In fact, Yardfon is so committed to finding work for its students that it is even possible for a potential employer to train his staff while they are still undergoing their course at the center. All you would have to do is supply your own teacher and Yardfon will do the rest.

If you are able to help in any way or simply want to find out more about Yardfon Vocational School or the Foundation to Encourage the Potential of Disabled persons, then please look up their web site (http://disabled.infothai.com/) or telephone Yardfon (053) 471 327 or FEPDB (053) 852 172. Or 'Look What We can Do!', the address is 133/1 Rachapakinai Road, Tambon Sripoom, Chiang Mai 50200. Tel: (053) 214 053 or 213 941.

THEY HAVE A WISH THAT YOU COULD MAKE COME TRUE.