Disability Movement in the Asia-Pacific Region

CBR Activities through the National Rehabilitation Center

MONGOLIA
Recently the disability issue is a priority topic in Mongolia. Since 1999, the National Rehabilitation Center, which consists of 4 different departments, has been the main organization in the field of vocational and medical rehabilitation for persons with disabilities.

Among other departments, Community Development Department implements Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) programs funded by Italian Association Amici di Raoul Follereau (AIFO), a NGO based in Italy. So far the CBR program covers 18 aimags (provinces) and 8 districts in Mongolia. In the next 3 years, the program will cover all aimags (provinces) in all over Mongolia. Many trainings such as inclusive education training, and souvenir making training for persons with disabilities, their family members and supports have been organized.

We hope to increase the participation of persons with disabilities actively to raise public awareness.
Nyamsuvd Batmagnai (Ms.)
Foreign Relations Officer, National Rehabilitation Center
 

Setting up the First Self-Advocate Group through the Workshop on Intellectual Disability

MYANMAR
The concept on how to support persons with intellectual disabilities/autism (self-advocates) is very new in Myanmar. Representatives of parents, supporters and self-advocates from Japan and Thailand shared their experiences with 20 parents, 15 self-advocates, and 20 observers in Yangon which was jointly organized by APCD and the Family Support Network for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, with support from Myanmar’s Department of Social Welfare.

As a result, 15 self-advocates organized their own group named “Unity”, based on suggestions from the Japanese and Thai self-advocates. In the near future, this new group plans to conduct various activities such as dancing, games, shopping, singing, and painting. Important issues raised by the Family Support Network included a future plan,
and the need to improve the capacity of its network. Unity is determined to continue efforts to make
the network feasible at the national level with support from the government.
Yi Mar Tin (Ms.)
Director, School for Disabled Children
 

Pioneering the Self-Advocacy Movement

MALAYSIA
United Voice pioneered the self-advocacy movement in Malaysia to reduce the isolation of people with learning disabilities and give them the tools and opportunity to have greater control of their own lives and be able to integrate
into their communities.

United Voice recently had the official opening of its building on 6 March 2010 to facilitate expansion of its self advocacy activities and employment project. They can now expand their employment project by establishing an Art Gallery featuring artworks by talented autistic members

This is the first Art Gallery in Malaysia set up by a society of people with disabilities. A Gift Shop is also set up in the building to sell products made by the members. United Voice Bakery known as Bake@UV was also officially launched at this event. The Bakery specializes in baking cookies for festivals and company events.

These efforts by United Voice in developing the self-advocacy movement in Malaysia has been noted by such international organizations as UNESCAP, UNDP, APCD and JICA Malaysia.

Yeong Moh Foong (Ms.)
Public Relations & IT Coordinator, United Voice
http://www.unitedvoice.com.my

Launching “Hue City Club for the Deaf”

VIETNAM
Eighteen December 2009 was a memorable day for persons with hearing impairments in Hue, Vietnam since the Hue City Club for the Deaf was officially established at the opening ceremony with the attendance of Mr. Vo Thuyet (President of Thua Thien Hue Disabled People and Orphan Children Sponsoring Committee), 24 deaf persons, their parents and teachers.

With support from Disability Resource and Development (DRD), persons with hearing impairments held meetings for 3 days prior to the opening ceremony. The significance of the Club was clarified in accordance with the expectations and needs of each deaf member. The Executive Board members were selected as the rules and regulations were being developed.
 

We wish the Hue City Club for the Deaf can continue to develop and become stable, operating with solidarity.
Duong Phuong Hanh (Ms.)
Hearing Impairment Field Coordinator, DRD
President, Ho Chi Minh City Deaf Association