Mr Thuey's recently adopted baby boy sleeps in a suspended cradle

As we enter the yard, we see Mr Thuey sharpening his tenth knife of the day. He sits at his grinding stone in front of the simple wooden house, while his wife rocks their baby who sleeps in the suspended cradle.

Today, Te, who is AAR Laos staff, is leading the AAR JAPAN monitoring visit in Khammouane province in central Laos. This is one of the10 provinces that AAR JAPAN and the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) are jointly working in to support people with disabilities to lead a better life. Since the partnership began in December 2000, approximately 1,300 wheelchairs and 500 tricycles, a total of 1,800 devices have been distributed around Laos. Behind each one there is a story of a life changed, not only for the person receiving the support but for their family and friends.

Besides distribution, AAR JAPAN trains staff at the NRC to produce wheelchairs and tricycles. In addition, we promote awareness of support services available and fight to reduce the stigma of disability. Te understands the challenges of being disabled as he himself had Polio when he was only 9 months old. He explains how difficult his childhood was and emphasizes the importance of raising awareness in society. "The situation was much worse when I was growing up. People thought I had committed a sin in my previous life, which was why I was punished in this one. So, villagers would tell their children not to play with me.'

Te sits by Mr Thuey and asks him whether he has had any problems with the tricycle he received a year ago when the village chief told him of the AAR-NRC programme. Mr. Thuey had polio when he was one. Today he is 40 and busy sharpening knives, making fishing boats, growing rice and looking after his recently adopted baby.

Mr Thuey at his home with his wife and baby boy

He smiles proudly when talking about his baby boy. "I've just become a father. My wife and I have tried for 10 years to have a baby. Finally a family in the neighbouring village offered us their child. We made the adoption official by signing a certificate in front of the village chief."

Behind his home is a newly carved fishing boat that Mr. Thuey has made. 'I enjoy making boats. I just wish I could catch bigger fish. It's good I don't rely on fishing to feed my family. My wife wouldn't be very happy seeing I only catch the tiny fish.' Mr Thuey is a keen fisherman and is glad to hear that Mr Okayama, from the AAR team, shares his passion and lack of success. 'We can go fishing together in the rainy season.' Mr Thuey says with a wide smile. 'It is the best time to catch fish. Maybe we can get a big one then.'

Before getting his tricycle Mr. Theuy would walk to his field with his walking stick. It was a long and hard journey but he was adamant he wouldn't let his disability come in the way of his livelihood.

Sharpening knives for 20 years, Mr Thuey has many more clients now as he can move around the village to collect and deliver the knives

"It used to take me an hour each way, and I would often fall down as the road is very uneven. Last year the village chief told me I could get a tricycle to help me move about. It's made a real difference as I can now round up my buffaloes and cows quite easily."

Outside Theuy's house is his blacksmith's workshop. "I've been sharpening knives since I was 20. Demand has increased a lot now, as I can offer a pick up and delivery service with my cycle!"

Mr Thuey is pleased with how the tricycle has changed his life

Mr. Thuey points to the ramps he's set up. "I have a useful system for going out and coming in. I'll show you." He gets in his tricycle and whizzes off turning his head back and laughing. "Here's OUT". He cycles along in front of his fence and rides back in through a gap further away. "And here's IN."

Mr Thuey is positive and full of energy. He is just one of many examples of the determined spirit and ambition of people with disabilities. Supporting them to reach their goals is the least society can do for people whose lives have been challenged through no fault of their own.