Samridhi Rana Thapa: Assisting people with disability in Nepal after studying Master of Rehabilitation Counselling
Posted: 3 June 2016
Samridhi Rana Thapa received the Australia Awards Scholarship in 2014 to help the development of Nepal through the area of disability after studying a Master of Rehabilitation Counselling. Prior to receiving the Scholarship, Samridhi was a practising Physiotherapist and was interested in holistic approaches to addressing physical & mental challenges leading her to study further. On successfully completing her Scholarship program from one of the top universities, (University of Sydney) Samridhi seems to be doing just that.
“I feel most satisfied when I educate others. I am quite willing and excited to give back my expertise for inclusive development of Nepal”
– Samridhi Rana Thapa
While in Australia, Samridhi also gained work experiences as a Rehabilitation Consultant with Interact Injury Management & as a Disability Employment Consultant (DES) with BreakThru People Solutions, in Sydney. In these roles Samridhi provided specialist employment and job placement support to clients with diverse disabilities and backgrounds (migrants from Iran, Iraq, China and other countries). She was also involved with; Plan International Australia, Oxfam Australia and the Australian Red Cross.
Samridhi further says, “I observed first-hand how Australia is creating enabling environments for PWD at various levels and settings to encourage full participation. I believe, Nepal as well can create tangible strategies in this regard.”
Samridhi Rana Thapa
Samridhi currently serves as an independent Disability Inclusion Consultant and Project head- Health & Rehabilitation with Bihani Social Venture (BSV). Her article “Promoting Formal Workforce Participation of People with Disabilities” was recently published by the national daily The Himalayan Times (http://bit.ly/1NVxbkD) She is keen on researching, writing and working in the field of disabilities and rehabilitation. As a consultant, Samridhi is offering training and consulting services on disability inclusive development, sensitisation activities and holistic rehabilitation for sustainable social reintegration. Her website on disability inclusion will be launched soon with a range services. While with BSV a social enterprise that focusses on engaging the ageing population, she along with the team ensures services, awareness and activities that promote overall health and wellbeing are made available to encourage social participation of senior citizens.
Samridhi can be reached at samridhirthapa@gmail.com or on LinkedIn as Samridhi Rana Thapa.
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