Growing up in Thailand with a visual impairment was not easy for Kanit Pamanee and Rujira Songkhao. A lack of services and inclusive schools threatened their potential while creating challenges for their families. Despite this setback, both embarked on successful academic journeys to the United States and Cal State LA, exemplifying the power of perseverance. With their doctoral degrees now complete, Pamanee and Songkhao’s stories have come full circle as they return home to begin a new chapter.
Raised in a rural area where schools have few resources, Pamanee’s early educational attainment was limited. With the help of a family friend, Dr. Prayat Phuong-Ong, Pamanee’s parents learned that education was still possible despite their son’s disability. “On behalf of my family, Dr. Phunong-Ong went to my local school and worked with a teacher, Watcharachai Khathasila, to provide an inclusive environment to meet the needs of my impairment,” says Pamanee. “In addition to my parents, these two individuals have made the greatest impact on my life.”
Songkhao faced similar educational obstacles. Seeking an appropriate education for his daughter, Songkhao’s father was informed by his own secondary teacher about the Bangkok School for the Blind. There, Songkhao expanded her Braille literacy, advanced her studies, participated in adaptive programs and became independent. “As the eldest daughter, I had to take care of my two siblings,” says Songkhao. “But my parents understood and supported that I would have to go away to receive specialized education and training to further develop my capabilities.”
In the following years, Pamanee and Songkhao pursued individual academic tracks in Thailand, earning scholarships reflective of their experiences living with a visual impairment. Pamanee received a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in public administration. Songkhao earned her bachelor’s degree in special education followed by a master’s degree in rehabilitation services for people with disabilities, realizing midstream that she loved teaching visually impaired students. As a result of their academic achievement and Thailand’s growing demand for professionals to support special needs individuals, both received fellowships to pursue doctoral degrees focused on special education in the United States.
Through a friend, Songkhao learned that another Thai student, Pamanee, would be pursuing similar studies at Cal State LA. They immediately connected and met on her first day at the University. They have remained friends since and, together, have gained much from their studies. “I chose Cal State LA because it is one of only a few universities in the U.S. to offer more than 10 graduate programs in special education, and more specifically, transition services, the field I am interested in,” says Pamanee. “Cal State LA is the best,” says Songkhao. “I have received so much support, patience and understanding from the Office for Students with Disabilities, the International Office and the Career Center, as well as the University Writing Center and University Tutorial Center.”
Pamanee, received his doctorate in education from Cal State LA in May and returned to Thailand where he develops policies and processes to improve education for disabled students for the Thai Ministry of Education. He also works with non-profit organizations to improve the quality of life for Thai people with disabilities.
Rujira will complete her doctorate in education at Cal State LA in spring 2019. Upon returning to Thailand, she will contribute to the country’s efforts to prepare teachers for work with the visually impaired, ensuring that affected children have access to the inclusive education that was not