Accessibility in Thailand 
Challenges Faced in a Wheelchair and living with Polio
A story about resilience and determination → by the “Cowboy of Chiang Mai.”
The Cowboy shares his story about living with polio and a wheelchair in Thailand.
His name is Saiganya.
He was born in good health. But, when he contracted polio as a baby, his family did not have the resources for proper treatment. In order to survive, he sells newspapers daily — going door to door in Chiang Mai.
This does not come easy, he relies on a scooter that is modified with a ramp and buggy.
He says one major challenge is not having public accessible bathrooms — he leaves his home early in the morning and does not return home until the evening — this means no bathroom during the day.
Accessibility in Thailand
Accessibility in Chiang Mai remains a challenge.
Those relying on wheelchairs, most often resort to roadways and the dangers that go with competing with vehicles for space.
Most businesses and walkways do not have ramps or elevators.
Watch video by clicking here
What is polio?
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by the poliovirus.
The virus spreads from person to person and can infect a person’s spinal cord, causing paralysis (can’t move parts of the body).
Most people who get infected with poliovirus (about 72 out of 100) will not have any visible symptoms.
About 1 out of 4 people with poliovirus infection will have flu-like symptoms.
A smaller proportion of people with poliovirus infection will develop other, more serious symptoms that affect the brain and spinal cord.
Eradication of polio
Polio was once a disease feared worldwide, striking suddenly and paralyzing mainly children for life.
WHO (World Health Organization) is a partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the largest private-public partnership for health, which has reduced polio by 99%. Polio now survives only among the world’s poorest and most marginalized communities, where it stalks the most vulnerable children.
The Initiative’s goal is to reach every last child with polio vaccine and ensure a polio-free world for future generations.
WHO AM I?
My name is Philip James.
I am constantly curious about people and cultures.
I enjoy sharing extraordinary stories about ordinary people, and exploring ways to promote wellbeing.
FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/philipjames360
FIND ME ON YOUTUBE
http://bit.ly/Philip-James-YouTube
FIND ME ON GOOGLE MAPS