Patcharasiya Kamphusan
A spotlight on Bartlett Disability Role Model, Patcharasiya Kamphusan.
I’m currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in Urban Design, and I’ve always been passionate about creating spaces that enhance the quality of life. I believe that every individual’s life is meaningful and that design can play a crucial role in improving our environments and society.
My personal journey with vitiligo has inspired me to pursue this field, where I can raise awareness about how physical conditions—whether visible or invisible—affect people's lives. I want to contribute to breaking down stigmas and helping others feel empowered in their own bodies, regardless of societal expectations.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
I love experimenting with new recipes, cooking from scratch, and making my own sauces and slow-cooked dishes. There's something so rewarding about preparing healthy food with patience and attention to detail.
I also enjoy spending time outdoors, especially near the beach, where I can relax, embrace my skin, and soak up the sun. Equally important is surrounding myself with supportive people who lift me up and remind me that my worth is about so much more than just appearances.
Can you describe your disability and how it impacts your daily life?
I live with vitiligo, a condition where my skin loses pigmentation in certain areas, creating lighter patches. While vitiligo itself doesn’t cause physical pain, it is often emotionally and psychologically challenging, as it can affect how I see myself and how others perceive me.
In the past, it led to a lot of self-consciousness, but today, it serves as a reminder of my resilience and how far I’ve come in accepting myself.
How has your relationship with your disability evolved over time?
When I first noticed my vitiligo at 15 years old, I tried to hide it, thinking it made me less beautiful or less worthy. But over time, I came to see it as part of my unique identity, not something to be ashamed of.
Now, I embrace it fully, seeing my skin as a canvas of my personal story. I’ve learned that my worth is not defined by my appearance but by my strength, resilience, and how I carry myself through the world.
What do you wish more people understood about living with a disability?
I wish more people understood that living with a disability doesn’t make someone any less capable or valuable. Disabilities may come with challenges, but they don’t define a person's entire life or potential.
People with disabilities, like everyone else, have dreams, talents, and a lot to offer. What’s often more difficult than the disability itself is the stigma or the way society treats someone differently because of it.
I also wish people understood that not all disabilities are visible, so it's important to be mindful and avoid making assumptions. Ultimately, what we all need is respect, inclusion, and the space to live our lives fully—just like anyone else.
What principle(s) or motto do you absolutely live by?
"Embrace who you are, unapologetically."
Are there any resources or initiatives you’d recommend to other disabled individuals?
For anyone facing similar challenges, especially students at Bartlett, I’d recommend checking out organisations and support groups focused on skin conditions like vitiligo, such as The Vitiligo Society or the Vitiligo Research Foundation. These groups offer emotional support, educational resources, and advocacy.
In addition, Bartlett Disability Collective is a great community for mental support and empowerment. It’s a place to connect with others, share ideas, and build a strong, inclusive community.
Being part of these groups can help foster a sense of belonging and help you realise that being different is something to be celebrated, not hidden. Plus, there are countless online communities where individuals with disabilities come together, share experiences, and offer valuable advice that can make navigating life a little easier and a lot more empowering.
Can you share a moment or experience where you felt truly supported or empowered as a disabled student?
One of the most empowering moments for me occurred in Thailand, my home country, surrounded by the beauty of tropical islands. Despite the warm weather, I had always hidden my vitiligo under long sleeves, trying to mask it out of fear of judgment.
But one day during my summer break, I decided to let go of that fear and step into the sun with confidence. For the first time, I wore a bikini in public, fully embracing my body just as it was—no cover-ups, no shame. That moment was nothing short of liberating.
It wasn’t just about the clothes I wore or the external reactions—it was about reclaiming my own power and choosing to love my body and condition. That experience became a turning point, where I realised I was worthy of self-love and confidence, no matter what others thought.
Since then, I’ve carried that newfound strength with me into every part of my life.
What advice would you give to other students with disabilities?
Embrace your journey—don’t let anyone or anything make you feel less than. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and remember that your disability doesn’t define your potential.
There are challenges, but they don’t make you weaker; they make you stronger. Don’t be afraid to advocate for what you need, and always prioritise your mental and emotional well-being.