Living with his family in Nu Poe refugee camp, in Tak Province, young Bu Gay, 5, was born with a congenital shortening of his left leg.

Bu Gay had found it difficult to move around since he was born and used both of his hands to support his legs for movement, crawling from place to place. Everyone in the camp saw him crawling to school and walking behind other people was a common sight for him.

Bu Gay was immediately identified by Handicap International's team and assessed by its physical rehabilitation staff. They discovered that little Bu Gay was too young to wear a prosthesis because the weight bearing area of his body and muscles needed to be strengthened with physiotherapy prior to the fitting of a prosthetic device. As a result, a special pair of auxiliary crutches was produced for him. He and his family were then taught how to use them.

Bu Gay learnt how to use his crutches very quickly. He can now walk independently and with a straight posture, which gives him a sense of dignity. He can play with his friends and join in social events in the camp. His house was also adapted to make it more accessible, including the widening of the stairs. His parents were also taught how to perform the basic exercises Gay needed to do on a daily basis.

Bu Gay's mother said: “With his crutches, Bu Gay can move around more easily and does not need to crawl anymore.  He walks like the others, plays like the other kids, and does not have to  crawl behind the others; the image my little son has of the world has changed.” Crutches not only served as an assistive device to help Bu Gay walk and increased his freedom of movement but also gave him the chance to live like any other child, as their equal.