Physical accessibility is fundamental to ensuring persons with disabilities can fully participate in society and access essential public services, aligning with the global commitment to leave no one behind. Recognising this importance, the Australian Government, through the Australia-Cambodia Cooperation for Equitable Sustainable Services Phase 2 (ACCESS 2) program, continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting disability inclusion and social equity in Cambodia.
In March 2025, ACCESS 2, in collaboration with the Disability Action Council Secretariat General (DAC-SG), successfully conducted refresher training sessions on physical accessibility for members of the Provincial Disability Action Council (PDAC) across three targeted provinces—Kampong Speu, Siem Reap, and Ratanakiri. These sessions follow previous successful training delivered in Kampong Cham province in November 2024.
The training workshops convened representatives from the DAC-SG, PDAC, Provincial Administration, and key sub-national departments. Participants enhanced their understanding of Cambodia’s Technical Standards on Physical Accessibility Infrastructure for Persons with Disabilities and reflected on existing accessibility barriers. The workshops facilitated dialogue to mainstream physical accessibility measures into departmental action plans, thereby directly contributing to the effective implementation of Cambodia’s National Disability Strategic Plan (NDSP 2024–2028).
The workshops provided practical knowledge to local authorities, supporting their ongoing efforts to ensure public spaces—including commune halls, schools, and health centres—become fully accessible, as emphasised in the NDSP 2024–2028. By embedding accessibility into local planning, provincial authorities are better positioned to deliver inclusive public services and infrastructure, which will significantly benefit persons with disabilities by enhancing their independence, dignity, and societal participation.
Building on achievements from ACCESS Phase 1—where 25 accessible ramps were installed and renovated across commune halls in Kampong Cham, Kampong Speu, Siem Reap, Battambang, and Kratie—ACCESS 2 aims to further scale-up these successes. These past and present initiatives illustrate a strong collaboration between DAC-SG, Cambodian Disabled People’s Organisation (CDPO), sub-national authorities, and ACCESS 2, resulting in tangible infrastructure improvements and enhanced community engagement.
These activities strongly align with ACCESS 2’s Intermediate Outcomes and End-of-Investment Outcomes, particularly enhancing the quality and inclusiveness of disability services in targeted provinces. Moreover, they directly support the Australian Government’s strategic goals related to disability inclusion, social equity, and improved physical accessibility, underscoring Australia’s enduring commitment to inclusive development in Cambodia.
ACCESS 2 remains dedicated to its partnership with Cambodian Government stakeholders and Strategic Implementing Partners to reinforce inclusive policies, foster capacity building, and strengthen equality in service provision. The continued proactive involvement of local authorities and stakeholders is essential to achieving sustainable disability inclusion and accessibility in Cambodia.
