According to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), Special Consultative Status has been granted to the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD).
The new status allows APCD to actively engage not only with ECOSOC but also with the UN Secretariat, its programs, funds, and agencies in various ways. It also entitles APCD to send official representatives to the UN Headquarters in New York, as well as to UN offices in other places, to participate in UN events, conferences, and activities.
Apart from the privilege of submitting written statements to the ECOSOC on disability-related matters, APCD may now also make presentations as the UN requires, and conduct consultations with the UN as necessary.
Southeast Asia
APCD/JAIF Non-Handicapping Environment Project, Cambodia, 5-10 May 2014
Assessing accessibility features in Cambodia
For activities of the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF): Non-Handicapping Environment (NHE) Project, APCD recently visited Cambodia during 5-10 May 2014 to conduct the 3rd Steering Committee Meeting and NHE Workshop in a rural community (Kien Svay District, Kandal Province). The activities were in collaboration with the Government of Cambodia through the Disability Action Council and other local partners.
The newly confirmed Steering Committee members included local district officials, persons with disabilities from local Disabled People's Organizations (DPOs), representatives from the business sector and other key community partners, in addition to the Government of Cambodia and APCD. Three local rural markets in Kien Svay District, Kandal Province in Cambodia were assessed for accessibility. Phlou Thmey Market was selected as the venue for the NHE Workshop on 8-10 May 2014. Accessible modifications, such as accessible toilets, market entrances and internal pathways, were made for Phlou Thmey Market during this time.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation of Cambodia and the Disability Action Council of Cambodia, some of activities of the APCD/JAIF Project are going to be replicated in Kampong Speu Province.
Reference
http://apcdfoundation.org/?q=content/apcdjaif-non-handicapping-environment-project-cambodia-5-10-may-2014
Southeast Asia
“Making It Work” Booklet and Film Documentary, Cambodia and Lao PDR, 2014
"Making It Work" booklet and digital format
Implemented by Handicap International in collaboration with the National Committee for Disabled and Elderly People of Lao PDR (NCDE), the Lao Disabled People’s Association (LDPA), the Cambodian Disabled People’s Organization (CDPO) and APCD, the “Making It Work” approach documents and promotes good practices following the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The “Making It Work” booklet, which highlights five good practices each in Cambodia and Lao PDR towards the full promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities, is now available in hard copy and digital format in English, Khmer, Lao, and Thai languages, along with accessible text features. A film documentary of two selected good practices from each country, presented in four languages with subtitles and sign language features will also be released in DVD format.
Funded by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, the United States Department of State, the project’s objective is to increase the capacity of DPOs in Cambodia and Lao PDR, and influence policy formulation and service delivery for the benefit of persons with disabilities.
Reference
http://apcdfoundation.org/?q=content/making-it-work-convention-rights-persons-disabilities-advocacy-government-action-program-cam
Southeast Asia
"Community for All" Project, Kanchanaburi, Thailand, 19-21 May 2014
Project partners in Sahakon Nikhom
The Centro Italiano Aiuti all'Infanzia (CIAI) and APCD "Community for All" Project recently conducted a series of meetings with local partners in Kanchanaburi from 19-21 May 2014.
The meetings were held to strengthen relationships between the CIAI/APCD Project and various stakeholders in the target province. The Project conducted consultative meetings with Disabled People's Organizations (DPOs) in the province's three Sub-district Administrative Organizations (SAOs). Local authorities were eager to provide support to persons with disabilities, and work with the Operation Specialist of the CIAI/APCD Project in Kanchanaburi. The Project is expected to enhance understanding of the Thai legal framework for persons with disabilities and Community Based Inclusive Development principles.
The "Community for All" Project seeks to promote an inclusive community for persons with disabilities in Thailand. The Project oversees 24 Sub-district Administrative Organizations (SAOs) in four target provinces – Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phayao, and Sisaket.
Reference
http://apcdfoundation.org/?q=content/community-all-project-kanchanaburi-thailand-19-21-may-2014
www.inclusiveforall.org/en
Empowerment Cafe's Latest Updates
Find out why New Delhi's railway stations continue to be a challenge for persons with disability and the elderly. Fiji election officials are consulting with experts on how they could assist persons with disabilities in the country's upcoming September elections. Read about UNESCO's latest report on the estimated 1.4 million children with disabilities who cannot go to inclusive or special schools in Pakistan.
Reference
http://disability-ecafe.net/delhi-rail
http://disability-ecafe.net/fiji-votes
http://disability-ecafe.net/node/16932
