Introduction
It is very easy to forget that living with disabilities in Australia or the USA or Europe grants us privileges that are not open to the many living where governments do not provide funding and community infrastructure doesn’t create accessible options to participate in community life.
A few years ago (2023), I helped a friend with a few things while she was volunteering with YPK Bali. I wrote a blog post about YPK shortly after and republished it not so long ago. YPK seems to concentrate its vital work on children with disabilities to give them a fair go and a decent life.
Yesterday I got an email from YPK featuring the July edition of their newsletter, Insights. It provides an update on what’s been happening over the last 3 months. It was a humbling read.
Below I have taken some brief excerpts from the newsletter to convey the flavour of what YPK does on very limited funding and with a great spirit. Please, take the time to sample YPK’s great work, and then read the full newsletter.
Empowering Therapists, Supporting Families with PUM Netherlands
YPK Bali welcomed two professional trainers from PUM Netherlands, Karin and Lisette, for a 5-day physiotherapy training held from Monday to Friday, July 7–11, at YPK’s rehabilitation room. The training aimed to strengthen the therapists’ capacity in managing children with disabilities.
From Bamboo… Hope Grows
The process – In a modest room at home, a child takes careful steps between two bamboo poles. Beside them, a parent stands close, offering steady support. These bamboo bars are more than just wood, they are a symbol of love, trust creativity, and hope.
Pediatric Check-ups for Children with Disabilities
As part of YPK Bali’s integrated services for children with disabilities, comprehensive health check-ups were conducted for 50 child clients.
Success Stories
From Therapy to Radio Broadcaster
Before graduating from YPK, we provided Gekta with the opportunity to intern as a radio host at Denpasar Public Radio. Currently, Gekta has officially graduated and is now working as a professional radio broadcaster in Denpasar City. We are proud to be part of her incredible journey!
Keep shining, Gekta!
From Therapy to Life’s Stage
Giri used to come to YPK only for physical therapy. He was quiet, and it wasn’t clear what his interests or talents were. However, since joining YPK’s education program last year, a remarkable transformation has taken place. Giri now arrives at YPK full of enthusiasm. His confidence has grown, and he actively participates in various meaningful and joyful activities. One of his favorites is the Music class, a traditional African drum class taught in an inclusive setting. Through this class, Giri’s musical talent began to shine. He can follow the rhythm, express himself through drumming, and perform with his friends at events. YPK’s education program not only teaches academics, but also gives children like Giri the space to explore, socialise, and find joy in learning.
The Voices of Volunteers
Meet Vlad, Volunteer Yoga Instructor at YPK
With a gentle and inclusive approach, Vlad helps the children connect with their bodies, practice breathing, and find calm through simple movements. We truly appreciate Vlad’s dedication in creating a positive, supportive space for our children to grow and thrive.
Meet Samuel and Cynthia
Samuel and Cynthia are students from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, currently interning with us at YPK. Over the past 1.5 months, they have been supporting the Education Unit and contributing in many meaningful ways.
Meet Mirah, Saras, and Vira
We are delighted to welcome Mirah, Saras, and Vira who are communication students from Universitas Pendidikan Nasional (Undiknas), Denpasar. They who have joined YPK for one semester through the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program.
YPK Activities Update
Nutrition Seminar & Plant-Based Cooking Class for Parents of Children with Disabilities
YPK Bali recently held a Nutrition Seminar and Plant-Based Cooking Class, especially designed for parents of children with disabilities. The event featured dr. Arie Purwana, Sp.A, who shared valuable insights on the connection between nutrition, children’s emotions, and behaviour. During his session, parents learned how diet and nutritional intake can significantly influence a child’s emotional regulation and behavioural development.
Learning with Joy: A Sweet Journey to Cocoa Land Bali
Children from YPK Bali recently enjoyed an educational visit to Cocoa Land Bali, a chocolate-themed learning destination. During the trip, they discovered how chocolate is made from bean to bar, explored the different types of chocolate, and even got hands-on experience by molding their own chocolate creations.
Recharge, Reconnect, and Return with Purpose
In early July, all the YPK staff and volunteers took part in our annual staff outing a special moment to recharge, reconnect with nature, and spend quality time together. Surrounded by laughter and good food, we enjoyed fun games, shared meals, and built a stronger bond as a team.
Together, we build a more inclusive future, today, and always.
Conclusion
YPK reminds me that I am profoundly fortunate to have acquired my disabilities here. I contracted GBS in 2008 and was a respirator in an ICU within a few hours. I was there for 3 months. Without that speedy response my ability to breathe would have deteriorated rapidly and left me with a worse level of residual disability or death as my muscles ceased to work.
The motive for this blog is the search for answers to the question: “Why is Disability Inclusion so hard?” I don’t mean this to be a ‘first world problem” – an awful term – but it is where I live. The answers to this question lie in human psychology and human organisations – and these tend to be globally consistent.
I don’t want ever to forget that Disability Inclusion is way tougher for so many people in so many places. Being passively sympathetic isn’t enough. I started making a monthly donation via PayPal in 2023. I am about to double it. I may go further, but I am on limited income these days, so I will assess the situation. I don’t mind ‘hurting’ a bit more to support YPK.
YPK must engage in a relentless quest for funding to survive. Please, take the time to reflect on your good fortune to be living where you do, and commit to even a small monthly donation.