Thailand has only recently begun to acknowledge issues facing those with special needs, and public services are seriously lacking. People with special needs encounter prejudice, embarrassment, and exclusion, as well as many obstacles to their rights, welfare and rehabilitation. This includes mainstream schools refusing to accept children with special needs, a lack of education tailored to children’s needs, insufficient specialised services, and lack of employment opportunities.

The Father Ray Centre for Children with Special Needs will be a centre of excellence, offering schooling, therapy and family support for over 300 families in the local community. The centre will also provide outreach services to a larger number of children in the area, offering Community Based Rehabilitation and support. It is hoped that this will result in community partnerships and support, as well as encouraging additional, more permanent services, with the Centre acting as a support system.