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Asia-Pacific

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'Disability-Inclusive Drum Performance in ASEAN and Japan', Bangkok, Thailand, 2-3 June 2017

Group photo of drum performers with diverse disabilities from 10 ASEAN countries and Japan

The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) and The Nippon Foundation organized the 'Disability-Inclusive Drum Performance in ASEAN and Japan', the first-of-its-kind event featuring drummers with disabilities from 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries and Japan. Held on 2 and 3 June 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand, the pioneering drum event commemorated the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN and the 130th Anniversary of Thailand-Japan Diplomatic Relations this year. Over 150 drummers with disabilities from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan performed for over 1,300 audience for each of the two-day event.

Among the honored guests who graced the drum event were H.E. Dr. Tej Bunnag (Chairman, APCD Executive Board), Mr. Hironobu Shibuya (Special Adviser, The Nippon Foundation), H.E. Mr. Shiro Sadoshima (Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Thailand, Embassy of Japan in Thailand), Mr. Vitavas Srivihok (Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal Thai Government), Mr. Somchai Charoen-umnuaisuke (Director General, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Royal Thai Government), Mr. Kitsayapong Siri (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Culture), H.E. Mr. Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee (Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, ASEAN Secretariat), H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul (Minister, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Royal Thai Government), and Ms. Kazuko Shiomi (Chairman, Nippon Music Foundation).
 

Reference

http://apcdfoundation.org/?q=content/disability-inclusive-drum-performance-asean-and-japan-bangkok-thailand-2-3-june-2017
 

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Asia-Pacific

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Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in 'Disability-Inclusive Drum Performance in ASEAN and Japan', 2-3 June 2017, Bangkok, Thailand

Wheelchair users attending the historic event 

Persons with diverse disabilities came in full force in the recently-concluded 'Disability-Inclusive Drum Performance in ASEAN and Japan' to show their support for the historic event. With the theme, 'Believe in the Power of Change', the drum performance gathered talented drum performers with diverse disabilities from 10 ASEAN countries and Japan. 

Almost a thousand persons with diverse disabilities, including children with autism and their families, wheelchair users, deaf and hard of hearing students, persons with intellectual disabilities, among others, went to witness the musical extravaganza that showcased each country's traditional drums and music. The event was aimed at empowering persons with disabilities through the power of music. Accessible information, such as sign language and real-time captioning was available all throughout the performance.
 

Reference

http://apcdfoundation.org/?q=content/empowerment-persons-disabilities-disability-inclusive-drum-performance-asean-and-japan-2-3-j
 

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Asia-Pacific

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Emerging Disabilities at the 'Disability-Inclusive Drum Performance in ASEAN and Japan', Bangkok, Thailand, 2-3 June 2017

Drummers with psychosocial disabilities from Nakhon Ratchasima on stage

Emerging disabilities, including autism and psychosocial disability, were very present in the 'Disability-Inclusive Drum Performance in ASEAN and Japan' held in Bangkok, Thailand on 2 to 3 June 2017. Emerging disabilities from the drum performers include Thailand's Rajanagarindra Psychiatric Hospital Long Drum Group (Psychosocial Disability) and Arun-Chandra Band (Autism), as well as the Philippines' Mandaluyong Children with Disabilities Drum & Lyre Band (Autism and Intellectual Disability) and Cambodia's Skor Chhaiyam (Autism and Intellectual Disability), among others. The pioneering event also drew thousands of persons with autism and other disabilities from all walks of life, who expressed their pleasure in watching the drum extravaganza in various ways.

Reference

http://apcdfoundation.org/?q=content/emerging-disabilities-disability-inclusive-drum-performance-asean-and-japan-bangkok-thailand
 

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Southeast Asia

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3rd AICHR Regional Dialogue on the Mainstreaming of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the ASEAN Community, Phuket, Thailand, 19-21 June 2017

Group photo of participants

The APCD was at the '3rd ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Regional Dialogue on the Mainstreaming of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the ASEAN Community' held in Phuket, Thailand from 19 to 21 June 2017. Attended by representatives from various government and non-government organizations from the ASEAN region, the Meeting discussed relevant topics related to the theme 'Access to Justice, Entrepreneurial Enterprises & Disaster Management'. The Meeting is a way to strengthen collaboration among APCD and the AICHR, the ASEAN Secretariat, and other Disabled People's Organizations in the region.

Reference

http://apcdfoundation.org/?q=content/3rd-aichr-regional-dialogue-mainstreaming-rights-persons-disabilities-asean-community-phuket