P1 In collaboration with Disabled Peoples’ International Asia-Pacific (DPI-AP) and other self-help organizations of persons with disabilities, APCD organized the first cross-disability workshop to focus on ASEAN sub-regional collaboration from the perspective of cross-disabilities. Participants included Deaf leaders, Self-Advocates with intellectual disabilities and Family Associations of Persons with Autism from ASEAN countries. Twenty-five representatives of self-help organizations (SHOs) of persons with disabilities from 8 Southeast Asian countries, namely, Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam joined the sub-regional workshop (Timor Leste as an observer). The main objectives were (1) to further develop the capacity of SHOs of persons with disabilities by strengthening them and promoting inclusive development; (2) to increase understanding of the ASEAN mechanism through dialogue, and apply this to enhance ASEAN sub-regional collaboration through active involvement of SHOs, and (3) to exchange information on the progress made in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Biwako Millennium Framework (BMF) and the BMF+5 in ASEAN countries. Participants shared their experiences of good practices in promoting SHOs and Inclusive Development and exchanged information on the progress of implementation of the CRPD, MDGs and BMF+5. They also began to understand the ASEAN mechanism. SHOs on Autism from Brunei, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam agreed to establish an ASEAN Autism Federation. P2 Key Points of the Bangkok Declaration On the final day of CDSHOD, the Bangkok Declaration was adopted to enhance collaboration in the ASEAN countries, and support the establishment of an ASEAN Disability Forum to be initiated by DPI-AP. • Appeal to all countries to consider signing and ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional Protocol to involve persons with disabilities in the process; • Strongly urge all Southeast Asian countries to actively pursue the implementation of international instruments, including, but not limited to, the Biwako Millennium Framework (BMF), BMF+5, and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); • Encourage all national self-help organizations of persons with disabilities in the Southeast Asian region to develop, support and promote future leaders at the grassroots and national levels, and to ensure equal gender and family participation in the ASEAN community; • Call for Governments in the Southeast Asian region as well as relevant partners to recognize and support the development plan of national self-help organizations of persons with disabilities and their families; The Declaration concludes with the hope that the Governments of ASEAN Member States will ensure the implementation of the CRPD, taking into consideration accessibility, affordability and relevant issues related to disability. The Bangkok Declaration in full can be seen at: http://www.apcdfoundation.org/?q=content/bangkok-declaration-cdshod-thailand-29-jan-2010 P3 Our view of Self-help Organizations in Inclusive Development BRUNEI Our philosophy is “Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” The role of Self-help Organizations (SHOs) in inclusive development is very important as we are the stakeholders in each community. It is essential for us to utilize SHO’s input fully as well as participate actively in any stage of development, which will ensure equitable distribution of resources. We have got a lot of families in our programs in response to the needs of persons with autism and their families. We need compassion, understanding, empathy and support. We are in the process of implementing our income generating business to ensure financial security, and to achieve an autism-friendly society. Malai Hj Abdullah Othman (Mr.) SMARTER Brunei PHILIPPINES With the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), persons with disabilities have been recognized as rights holders and also considered as partners in development. Self-help Organizations (SHOs) are very important in inclusive development because of the roles that these groups can portray in realizing the goal. SHOs may be small compared to other organizations. But these groups truly represent the masses that are often not consulted on vital issues affecting them. SHOs can also play as effective agents of change in their locality since they truly know the needs and the solutions to their problems. The group can also be tapped by government, private and international agencies to assist in the effective delivery of services, as well as to monitor and evaluate development goals. With the recent case of a child with intellectual disabilities being asked by a flight attendant to disembark from the plane due to an airline policy, Autism Society Philippines (ASP) intensified its information and advocacy campaign on autism. ASP’s immediate past president, Ms. Dang Koe gave a lecture on “Understanding and Managing Persons with Autism” to the managers, supervisors and front liners of Cebu Pacific, a major airline company in the Philippines. It was followed by another lecture for the representatives of the same airline company who were based in Southeast and East Asia. The lecture was again given to the managers and supervisors of Robinsons, a chain of department stores and sister company of Cebu Pacific Air a week after. With these developments, ASP continues to train a pool of resource persons who will conduct orientations, lectures, seminars and trainings on autism. Ranilo Sorongon (Mr.) Autism Society Philippines P4-P5 Creating a Society with a Fulfilling and Self-reliant Life for Women with Disabilities Training on Disability, Gender and Development 8-20 March 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand With 16 participants from 6 ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam), Regional Training on Disability, Gender and Development was organized with various resource persons. Various concepts such as medical and social model of disability, a rights-based approach, and gender analysis were discussed in the training. Many participants shared their gender perspectives in different aspects, and gained comprehensive knowledge about gender issues including the way to address problems, analyze and implement measures in their own community. There was positive feedback from the viewpoint of gender during the training. VIETNAM The transportation system is still inaccessible for blind persons. Women, especially just a girl like me, are not self-confident enough to go out on their own. We need someone to accompany with us. It makes us become dependent on other people. Women with disabilities normally have difficulties in marriage as we have fewer chances than men. I usually strive in study to manage an independent life in the future and participate in social activities. This training let me understand an inclusive society, the relationship between disability and development, and gender and development. I would like to share what I learned from other SHO’s and SHG’s activities to develop our organization further. Dao Thu Huong (Ms.) Member, Hanoi Blind Association MYANMAR From this training, I gained a lot of useful experiences about gender, disability and development: the meaning of Disability Awareness Training (DAT) and Disability Equality Training (DET) with various experiences from different countries, the relationship between disability and development, the characteristic of effective and sustainable movement on accessibility, education and employment. It was positive for me to know how to promote SHGs/SHOs. Information about ASEAN with basic principles, the Charter, pillars, and structures were also important. By playing a leading role, I learned how to set up and manage the goals. Through the training, we got the hang of how to advocate gender equality in our decision- making body. With many ideas to promote gender equality, we can empower women with disabilities. Nandar New Oo (Ms.) EC member and trainer of Computing Class and English Language Class Myanmar Physically Handicapped Association INDONESIA I have a lot of challenges and also barriers to deal with. According to my understanding as a person with a disability, we have to fight to get our equal rights and opportunities in our society. There is some kind of stigma that women with disabilities cannot do anything. I am trying to prove that that kind of prejudice is wrong. Barriers can be removed with actions. I have challenged myself to achieve the best in many fields such as: academic (I am still doing my master program), employment (I am working at an international ICT company right now) and social life (I can mingle with my colleagues, friends, and other people very well). Together with the organization that I belong to, I can face the reality. If we have good records, people in society will support our organization. We believe that women with disabilities can live our life independently as persons without disabilities. Angkie Yudistia (Ms.) Demand Program Sehjira Deaf Organization The topic of Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) was also discussed as one of the most effective approaches which can lead to poverty alleviation of women with disabilities and their family members. By addressing many different issues at the international level, training participants expressed their commitment to any kind of positive partnership to promote equal rights of women with disabilities. P6-P7 Disability Movement in the Asia-Pacific Region CBR Activities through the National Rehabilitation Center 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 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 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” 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 P8-P9 CBR Asia-pacific Network Executive Committee Meeting The Community-based Rehabilitation Asia-Pacific (CBR AP) Network Meeting was held from 8-9 February, 2010 at APCD, Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting mainly focused on the following: • Asia-Pacific Convention on CBR scheduled for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 15-17 November, 2010 (more details in the column of the Asia-Pacific Convention on CBR) • CBR AP Network Website and Newsletter will be developed in collaboration with APCD. • The National Council on Disability Affairs in the Philippines agreed to hold the 2nd CBR AP Congress in November 2011. • A strategy for fund-raising is a crucial consideration in the network’s plan of action to be implemented in the near future. News & Movement In order to follow up and update, the CBR AP Network, please contact the Secretariat located in APCD’s Bangkok Office that is acting as the focal point to coordinate the Network. JANNET Study Trip on CBR to India Japan NGO Network on Disabilities (JANNET) organized a study tour on CBR to Bangalore, India from 16 to 23 January, 2010. Dr. Maya Thomas introduced Mr. Rama Chandran (Chandru in short) of Basic Needs, a NGO working with a partner organization to support persons with mental disabilities. Mr. Chandru arranged the overall coordination of the program. Participants visited Mobility India, which has a big Prosthetic and Orthotic Center; they also implement a CBR program to address the poverty of persons with disabilities in urban slums and rural areas. Mr. Chapal Khasnabis of WHO is a founding member of the Center. Ms. Albina Shnakar, Director of Mobility India, who attended the network meeting at APCD in December outlined the CBR activities of Mobility India. It is hoped that this kind of exchange can be facilitated through the CBR AP Network. Asia-Pacific Convention on CBR 15-17 November, 2010 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Background: CBR focuses on enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families, meeting basic needs and ensuring inclusion and participation. CBR is a multi-sectoral approach and has 5 major components: health, education, livelihood, social and empowerment. CBR was developed in the 1980s, to give people with disabilities access to rehabilitation in their own communities using predominantly local resources. In 2004, after 25 years of the establishment and implementation of CBR programmes in 90 countries, UN agencies (WHO, UNESCO & ILO) worked together on the development of new CBR Guidelines that aim to ensure that “CBR is a strategy for rehabilitation, equalization of opportunities, poverty reduction and social inclusion of Persons with Disabilities” with the flexibility to accommodate different realities and cultures. Purpose: The purpose of the Convention is to introduce the New Guidelines which is a step-by step guide to the implementation of CBR programmes; to strengthen the delivery of CBR and the daily practice in the field of good evidence based practices. It also aims to be a platform for networking and sharing of knowledge amongst CBR practitioners and policy makers. Expected Outcomes: 1. Capitalize the utilization and maximization of available resources. 2. Develop an Asia-Pacific CBR Network. 3. Enhance inclusive participation of PWD in the development of CBR Programmes. 4. Develop CBR Programmes using the UNCRPD. 5. Encourage policy makers to play a more inclusive and meaningful role in CBR Programmes. 6. Improve the implementation of CBR Programmes. 7. Share experiences and good practices of CBR practitioners and implementers. 8. Include subregional collaboration for better enhancement of the CBR Network movement. Venue and Date: In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 15-17 November, 2010; the name of an accessible hotel will be confirmed as soon as possible. For more details of the proposed program, please contact CBR AP Network Secretariat at cbrapnetwork@apcdfoundation.org c/o APCD Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand Sub-Theme of CBR Convention 1. Day 1 Introduction to the New CBR Guidelines 2. Day 2 Networking and Collaboration of CBR 3. Day 3 Knowledge Management and Resolution of the Convention P10 ASEAN Regional News The Project for the Institute on Disability and Public Policy (IDPP) is sponsored by the Nippon Foundation and the secretariat is at the APCD Foundation in Bangkok. IDPP Project would like to announce to offer an academic opportunity to study Master’s degree on Public Policy. IDPP Project is promoting disability and public policy by leaders with disabilities to develop professional advocacy for their governments and also society in the ASEAN region. More details will be available soon. If you have any inquiries, please contact IDPP@apcdfoundation.org Farewell Message from JICA Expert It is true when one is having a good time, it goes by fast. I truly enjoyed my two years at APCD and time flew. I learned a lot from working with our partners, many of whom are leaders of organizations of PWDs. It was particularly a great pleasure to work with ex-participants of APCD training programs who were committed and active in their respective countries. APCD plays an important role in bringing various stakeholders together and by working together we can step forward towards a barrier-free society. Let us strengthen our network and continue our endeavor to achieve our common vision. I am going back to the JICA headquarters, but will cherish our friendship and remain thankful for the opportunity given to me. Emi Aizawa (Ms.) Introduction from New JICA Expert Hello everyone. My name is Yoko Isobe, the new JICA Expert on Networking & Collaboration and Human Resource Development. For the past 3 years, I was working in the JICA Headquarters. My major is Special Needs Education for children with intellectual disabilities; I completed my Master and Ph.D in Inclusive Education in the UK. I wish to dedicate myself to further develop an inclusive society for all in the Asia and Pacific region with many passionate leaders with disabilities as well as APCD colleagues who welcomed me from the first day at APCD. Yoko Isobe (Ms.) P11 APCD Activities Tentative APCD activities for the next 6 months (April 2010 – September 2010) April 2010 7 - 9 Blind Future Leaders’ Dialogue in Malaysia 20 - 27 1st Workshop on CBR with World Vision Vietnam 26 - 30 Mission to Brunei and Singapore on Sub-Regional Collaboration May 2010 24 - 28 Mission to Pakistan on Sub-Regional Collaboration June 2010 2 - 4 Workability Asia Conference in Pattaya, Thailand 7 - 18 Regional Training on CBR (ASEAN Countries) 22 - 25 South-to-South Cooperation Seminar in collaboration with UNESCAP 28 - 2 July Mission to Malaysia and Indonesia on Sub-Regional Collaboration July 2010 5 - 9 Mission to the Philippines for CDSHOD preparation 12 - 16 Regional Training on ICT 26 - 30 Mission to Central Asia for Sub-Regional Collaboration August 2010 9 - 20 Regional Training on CBR (Asia-Pacific Countries) 16 - 20 Counterpart Training on CBR for JICA Project in Syria 23 - 31 2nd Workshop on CBR with World Vision Vietnam September 2010 13 - 17 Mission to Myanmar (Follow Up) 20 - 24 Mission to Cambodia (Follow Up) P12 Editorial Message Warm greetings to our dear readers! We hope this year, 2010 has been great so far for all “Empowerment” members. We are now a quarter into the year and active as ever with many activities such as Capacity Development of Self-Help Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (CDSHOD) and our training on Disability, Gender and Development (DGD) in Bangkok, Thailand, which are our feature news for this Volume 31st. The Thai New Year called Songkarn is from 13 to 15 April; many will enjoy the “cool water festival” in the hot sun. APCD will continue to work hard to promote the empowerment of persons with disabilities and a barrier-free society. “Empowerment” APCD Newsletter Editorial Team