When service provision to people with disabilities commenced in the late 1980s and 1990s, the primary concern was with victims of war, particularly victims of landmines and UXO. The focus of service provision was thus on wheelchairs, limbs and rehabilitation for people with physical disabilities. In time these physical rehabilitation service providers began to respond to the large demand for services from people afflicted by congenital deformities, poliomyelitis or cerebral palsy. Then, service delivery in the sector expanded to incorporate people with vision and hearing disabilities, and expanded beyond physical rehabilitation into education and social services. The Krousar Thmey School stared education programs for deaf children in 1997 and Maryknoll also commenced an education program for the deaf.
Currently, there is awareness within the sector of the wide range of needs of people with disabilities and some service provision has broadened substantially. The major group of people underserved in the sector today constitutes those with the most serious physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities and mental health problems. Education, health and social services provided are still in large catering only to people with mild to moderate disabilities.
