Submitted by Bethany Pasmore on the 2024 Winter DIST program in Thailand…
It’s week two of my incredible study abroad trip to Thailand! So far, things have been amazing! I have been able to visit a buddhist temple, meet many diverse individuals, create new experiences, and view unique sites like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. However, my favorite part of this week was connecting with individuals with disabilities in Thailand. Early in the week, we visited the Bangkok School for the Blind. While touring the facilities, my group learned about a game designed for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The game, Goalball, is a team sport involving a ball that has a small bell inside. Two teams compete against each other in an effort to score the most goals. Each team consists of three blindfolded players. Since the ball has a bell inside, the players can hear the ball moving, but cannot see it. One player rolls the ball towards their goal in an effort to score a point. The opposing team attempts to stop the ball and keep it out of the goal by laying on the ground and spreading out their body to physically stop the ball. When my group visited the Bangkok School for the Blind, we had the privilege of playing Goalball against a student team. The students on this team were blind or visually impaired. Since it was my first time playing, I did not really know what to expect. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it! The suspense of trying to hear where the ball is located and the adrenaline rush you receive when you realize it’s coming towards you is thrilling! I absolutely loved trying to play a game in which I could not see. Obviously, my group did not win the game, but we did score two goals! It was a blast getting to meet the students and learn some of their strategies.
I was also able to play sports alongside students with disabilities at the Recreational Sports Home we visited. I played a game of bocce ball and a few rounds of badminton. I had played these games in the United States before, but now I had a totally different experience with the game. With bocce ball, I am used to playing it on the beach while standing. Since the games I played at the Recreational Sports Home were modified for people with disabilities, I actually played the game in a gym while sitting in a chair, which mirrored the other players’ positions in their wheelchairs. This experience helped me realize that we may come from diverse cultures and situations, but we can still hold common ground. Through games like bocce ball, we can enjoy one another’s company and laugh together. I learned that smiles and laughter have no language barriers. Even if I couldn’t easily communicate with all the people I met, I was still able to enjoy activities with them. Overall, these unique events and experiences have made my study abroad trip unlike anything I have done before. I have enjoyed meeting new people, learning new information, and growing personally and professionally. I cannot wait to see what the last week of my trip will bring! (Submitted on January 18, 2024)
