Southeast Asia
Making it Work: CRPD Advocacy for Government Action Program
Stakeholders discussing about MIW Methodology
With 12 participants from Cambodia and Lao PDR, the Workshop on “Making it Work: Learning from what works to make real changes on inclusion of people with disabilities in developing countries” was organized by Handicap International (HI) in cooperation with APCD, at APCD Training Building from 25 to 27 March 2013. The workshop was designed as an initial preparation for the stakeholders to implement a 18-month program on Making it Work (MIW) Methodology. Several guidance for the establishment of national advisory committees were provided by HI.
In line with the provision of the Article 21 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): freedom of expression, opinion and access to information, MIW Methodology will function as a core advocacy tool to entail positive changes in the lives of persons with disabilities. APCD will assist HI and follow up the documentation process, particularly from the accessibility perspective.
Reference
http://apcdfoundation.org/?q=content/making-it-work-workshop-collaboration-handicap-international-apcd-bangkok-thailand-25-27-mar
Southeast Asia
Community for All: An Inclusive Community for Persons with Disabilities
CIAI Logo
A community project “Community for All” aims an inclusive and accessible community for persons with disabilities in Thailand. The Project has been initiated by the Centro Italiano Aiuti all'Infanzia (CIAI) and APCD.
One key point of the Project is to involve local authorities and representatives of civil society to promote the participation of persons with disabilities through the application of the Community-based Inclusive Development (CBID).
The Project will cover 4 different provinces, namely Kanchanaburi Province, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Phayao, Province and Sisaket Province. Training, setting up self-help groups and awareness campaign will be implemented. More than 10 Thai persons with and without disabilities will play a key role in project implementation from April 2013.
Reference
http://www.ciai.it/?p=7838
Southeast Asia
CBR Movement in Nepal
CBR AP Network Logo
17th CBR National Conference was organized by Nepal CBR National Network in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Health and Population from 6 to 8 February 2013. Over 120 delegates from 56 organizations participated in the conference. Perspectives of Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR), Women with Disabilities and Incheon Strategy were presented and discussed in the conference. Mr. Prakash Wagle, CBR Asia-Pacific Network Regional Committee was one of key supporters for the conference.
Asia-Pacific
Why is Disability-Inclusive Agribusiness?
Senator Monthian Buntan, Member of Senate of Thailand / Member of APCD Executive Board, Thailand
It enables persons with disabilities to participate fully and effectively in the agriculture sector on an equal basis with others and without any form of discrimination. It also incorporates disability needs, requirements and benefits in all aspects.
Ms. Carmen Reyes Zubiaga, Acting Executive Director of the National Council on Disability Affairs, the Philippines
Disability-inclusive agribusiness means mainstreaming persons with disabilities in existing socio-economic programs of society. There are many persons with disabilities who are part of the Philippines’ agricultural industry, but they are not properly highlighted. Some run their businesses individually while others are part of a cooperative. It’s necessary that government agencies including the Department of Agriculture to include disability-inclusive agribusiness in its scope of programs that will encourage the sector to pursue a more comprehensive and sustainable development.
Mr. Sem Sokha, Secretary of State for Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, Cambodia
Both government and private organizations must come up with trainings and workshops to further enhance both skills and technology. Once these issues are not addressed, there will be no sustainability. But we really need to work on this so the lives of persons with disabilities and their family members would be better.
Mr. Suk Pilasaen, Owner of Suk Chicken Farm, Thailand
Disability-Inclusive Agribusiness gave me the opportunity to be part of an industry that is integral to society. I can call it my own and no longer working in a plantation to get income. Aside from making myself a working member of society, my chicken farm can feed my family and give them a better life.
Mr. Chantha Mingboupha, Deputy Director of Ekphatthana Microfinance Institution, Lao PDR
For others, the development of Disability-Inclusive Agribusiness has to specifically address the multi-faceted issues that will enhance the various industries and its sustainability. One of the key areas of concern is financial capacity and many persons with disabilities do not have access to loans. Most of them live in rural areas and has no access to financing to expand their businesses. It is not easy to avail loans, especially for persons with disabilities engaged in the agricultural industry.
Mr. Supree Baosingsauy, Assistant Vice President of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited, Thailand
Disability-Inclusive Agribusiness shows the determination of persons with disabilities to exert extra effort. While their work is very complicated, they have higher standards than people without disabilities. They always see an opportunity to improve themselves and take on difficult challenges.
Reference: http://apcdfoundation.org/?q=content/regional-workshop-disability-inclusive-agribusiness-development-united-nations-convention-ce
