Disabled But Not Handicapped

by Maxine Lim Jen Ai

The Angkor Association for the Disabled (AAD) is tucked away in a quiet spot by the river with trees shading it from the hustle and bustle of the busy street not far from Popular Guesthouse, the place where we're currently staying in Siem Reap. Bonna, our trusty student guide led us to the place, situated on the other side of the river.

As we waited for Sem Sovantha, the Director of AAD to arrive, the sound of children's shrieks and laughter filtered into the hall. Hort Hark (pronounced Huat-Hak) who is in charge of selling the various hand-sewn items by the residents of AAD explained that the organization is currently housing more than 10 families behind the main building.