Molding Clay, Transforming Lives: KMUTT’s Ceramics Course Empowers Persons with Disabilities Toward Self-Reliance and Self-Worth

From a person with a disability who once feared leaving home to becoming an award-winning ceramicist, the journey of Lak Sukpharee (affectionately known as “Pee Tum”) serves as a powerful testament to hidden potential awaiting an opportunity. Her story began when she joined the 12th Vocational Training Program for Persons with Disabilities, specifically the “Sculpture and Ceramics” course organized by King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT). This curriculum offers more than just craft skills; it restores pride and paves the way for sustainable self-reliance.

Pee Tum, who lives with muscle weakness, shared that she discovered the project by chance on Facebook. “I was filled with anxiety because I hadn’t left home in a long time and had zero background in art. I kept asking myself, ‘Can someone like me actually do this?'” However, her decision to persevere led to a life-changing breakthrough.

The training started with the basics of sketching—which she admitted was “boring” before moving to plasticine and finally the turning point: real clay. Once she sat at the potter’s wheel, her passion was ignited. She became so immersed in her work that she often lost track of time, even spending her weekends perfecting her pieces.

A major milestone occurred when she entered her handmade sculpture, “The Pouting Pig” (Moo Pak Joo), into a competition themed “Equal Hearts.” She won the regional representative title, receiving a 5,000 THB prize and 12,000 THB in financial support. “The award is worth more than money,” she said. “It is proof that people like us have the talent to build a career. That pride is priceless.”

With newfound confidence, Pee Tum plans to start a small business in Sukhothai Historical Park, selling flower pots and her signature pouting pig dolls to tourists. Furthermore, she intends to return as a “mentor” to guide the next generation of trainees in the program.

Art Therapy: The Philosophy Behind the Craft

The success of the program lies in its deep-rooted philosophy. It is designed as “Art Therapy” to heal the heart, allowing participants to find respite from physical and mental struggles. Strategically, the course helps each individual find their “unique signature,” ensuring their work can compete with industrial mass-produced ceramics.

Asst. Prof. Boonliang Kaewnaphapan, the program supervisor from the School of Architecture and Design (SoA+D) at KMUTT, explained: “Our goal isn’t just teaching pottery; it’s using art therapy to unlock their hearts. When they focus on the clay and forget their physical pain, that is when their true potential shines.”

Beyond artistic creation, the project provides a business foundation through the online brand “Pien Ceramic” (Unique/Eccentric Ceramics). The group of 10 members operates like a startup, learning everything from marketing and product photography to pricing and financial management. A portion of their income is funneled into a fund for future business expansion, such as social media advertising and logistics for trade fairs.

This initiative, supported by the National Housing Authority under Section 35 of the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act, proves that with the right support, the potential of persons with disabilities is limitless.