APCD Newsletter Volume 34: January 2011 ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Established in Bangkok 13-15 December 2010 at APCD, Bangkok, Thailand The ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) was established with “Family Comes First” as a core concept during the ASEAN Autism Workshop organized by APCD in cooperation with JICA in Bangkok on 13-15 December 2010. This newly born network must bring an exciting beginning to the ASEAN Autism community. Being an effective forum in the ASEAN countries, AAN can work at the national and sub-regional levels to advocate for the rights of persons with autism. This unique gathering brought 27 representatives from 9 countries, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Each participant had an autistic person in their family, which illustrated the nature of the Workshop. The Constitution of AAN was thoroughly examined and critiqued by all participants with Mr. Akiie Ninomiya, APCD Executive Director as a facilitator. The Constitution was finally adopted and agreed upon at the Inaugural General Assembly of AAN. The first AAN Executive Committee is composed of representatives from each country. Mr. Chusak Janthayanond, President of the Association of Parents for Thai Persons with Autism is the first AAN Chairperson. The two Deputy Chairpersons are Mr. Malai Hj Abdullah Othman from Brunei Darussalam and Mr. Haji Bistaman Siru Abd Rahman from Malaysia. [image] Parents of Persons with Autism Participating in the ASEAN Autism Workshop Continue on page 8 Receiving Trophy from Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Representatives from nine of the ASEAN countries were honoured when Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya presented trophies to them in recognition of their efforts. The second ASEAN Autism Congress is scheduled to be held in 2012 in Brunei Darussalam, followed by the General Assembly of the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) which was just established in the ASEAN Autism Workshop organized by APCD. Inside Issues ASEAN Autism Network Going for a New Decade with “Make the Right Real” International Day of Persons with Disabilities CBR Asia-Pacific Network Dao Rueng Group Member Receiving the Princess Ngarmchit Award 2010 APCD as One of Best Practices on South-toSouth Cooperation by the World Bank JICA Syria Counterpart Training APDF Meeting Organized at APCD APCD Activities APCD New Publications 2 Going for a New Decade with “Make the Right Real” UNESCAP Committee on Social Development 19-21 October 2010 at United Nations Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand The second session of the Committee on Social Development was held by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) from 19 to 21 October 2010 at the United Nations Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand. The Committee focused on “Mainstreaming disability into the regional development agenda in Asia and the Pacific.” Madam Noeleen Heyzer, the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, launched the campaign “Make the Right Real” to further strengthen the movement. In addition to civil society organizations, UN and inter-governmental organizations, approximately 200 representatives from more than 20 Governments participated to discuss regional trends and emerging issues in the disability field. The Committee strongly supported the establishment of a new decade (2013-2022) to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. The Committee highlighted the full participation of persons with disabilities in the development process. Delegates shared good practices, comprehensive road maps and a long-term action plan. Roadmap to 2012 high-level Meeting June 2010: Expert Group Meeting-cum-Stakeholders' Consultation October 2010 2nd Session, committee on Social Development (CSD) May 2011: 67th Commission Session: report of 2nd CSD 2011~2012: Survery on BMF Implementation & Research on Lielihood March 2012 Regional Consultations: discuss Draft Outcome Document May 2012: 68th commission session: resolution on "beyond 2012" October: 2012 HLM on Final Review May 2013: 69th commission Session: Report of 2012 HLM, including endorsement of outcome document july 2013: regional Consultation: Advocating a new Asia-pacific strategy *** The High-level Inter-governmental Meeting on the Final Review of the Implementation of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (2003-2012) is going to be held in late October 2012 in Incheon, the Republic of Korea. [image] Captioning Available for the First Time at UNESCAP Meeting [image] Accessible Information Supported by IDPP Project (APCD / The Nippon Foundation) 5 Voice of Leaders with Disabilities Participating in UNESCAP Meeting as Government Representatives Ms. Maulani A Rotinsulu Government representative from Indonesia / Indonesian Disabled People’s Association Q: What do you think about the participation of persons with disabilities as one of the government representatives in the UN meeting? A: It is critical for us as persons with disabilities to be a part of the government representatives. During the meeting among government officials, it must be something that they have to refer to us. When the government officials need to ask relevant information, representatives of persons with disabilities can update them immediately since it is about us. Another positive aspect is to develop a good partnership between the government and disabled people’s organizations (DPOs). Such a relationship can give a good impact to society. Mr. Ghulam Nabi Nizamani Government representative from Pakistan / Pakistan Disabled People’s Organization Q: What are the outcomes of the second Asia-Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 2003-2012? A: Actually, the success of APCD itself is a big outcome of the Decade. Since the inception of APCD, a regional strategy on disability called Biwako Millennium Framework (BMF) has been translated into practice. There is no doubt that UNESCAP has recognized APCD as a good mechanism for the implementation of regional collaboration. Now it is time for all of us to think of how to further utilize APCD as a regional center to promote a strong movement on disability and development. For example, one joint initiative between DPOs and APCD is the South Asian Disability Forum (SADF). With this sub-regional forum among DPOs, we have been collaborating with various stakeholders including the business sector. The other day available resources were mobilized by APCD and SADF to the flood affected area in Pakistan. Such good practices can encourage us to promote inclusive development towards an inclusive society. We should keep up powerful initiatives like this not only in the second Decade, but also in the new Decade. Mr. Shoji Nakanishi Government representative from Japan / Japan Disability Forum Q: What is the expected role of APCD towards a new decade? A: Persons with disabilities must be involved in each sector to implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It has been our aim for the past 10 years. In the next 10 years, we hope to implement the components of the CRPD in each country. Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) cannot always talk to the national governments directly. Therefore, APCD as the intermediate organization can facilitate collaboration between the governments and DPOs. 4 Mr. Atif Sheikh Government representative from Pakistan / South Asian Disability Forum Q: How are you going to promote a sub-regional movement? A: Being the chairperson of the South Asian Disability Forum (SADF), I can see a very clear future collaborating with key stakeholders, particularly UNESCAP and APCD. SADF as a sub-regional mechanism among DPOs in South Asia has to develop sub-regional collaboration among them. Moreover, there is a need of strong collaboration between SADF and APCD from the perspective of Asia-Pacific. I must say that the Asia-Pacific region is very big, and it is necessary for us to keep learn.ing from collaborating partners. We know that regional collaboration can be effective since we hope to incorporate a national policy and the UNCRPD into our local practices by following good practices in our region. Dr. Hyung Shik Kim Member of Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities / Korea University of International Studies Q: How can we collaborate among all the stakeholders towards a new decade? A: Whenever I get a question like this one, I argue that we really must have a good communication strategy. For example, everybody should know what APCD has been doing. When people come to a place like this UNESCAP meeting, they just forget about good ideas after going back home. I don’t know clearly how the communication strategy will work, but the list of relevant websites should be available to know what is happening in different parts of the world. There should be someone from now on to seriously look into activities of other countries and truly try to share good ideas and good practices. International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Asia-Pacific Commemoration 3 December 2010 at the United Nations Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) jointly organized an event for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event included a roundtable discussion on “Making the Right Real: Legal Perspectives on Promoting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”. With Mr. Kavi Chongkittavorn (Host of Inside Asia and Former Senior Editor of The Nation) as a moderator of the roundtable discussion, three speakers, Mr. Yoshikazu Ikehara (Attorney at Law, Tokyo Advocacy Law Office), Ms. Panomwan Boontem (President, Association of Thai Deaf Children & Woman Network Federation), and Ms. Yoshimi Horiuchi (Officer, Institute on Disability and Public Policy Project) shared their views on legal perspectives with about 140 representatives from disabled people’s organizations, the governments, and academic and UN agencies. [image] Group photo of the participants 5 International Day of Persons with Disabilities A Roundtable Discussion on Making the Right Real: Legal Perspectives on Promoting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities It is necessary for persons with disabilities in the Asia and Pacific region to promote, protect and ensure full and equal enjoyment of human rights identified in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). In this connection, the establishment of a regional legislative mechanism in the area of regional disability was introduced. The basic function of this mechanism is to share good practices of individual cases on CRPD to all member states. On the contrary, the Japanese ministries still keep the traditional view regarding disability, which has caused some internal conflicts when trying to apply a new system of inclusive education (for example) towards the ratification of CRPD in Japan. However, sharing such experiences and processes may benefit other member countries. Mr. Yoshikazu Ikehara Attorney at Law, Tokyo Advocacy Law Office I would like to suggest that accessible education for deaf students, sign language services and accessible information for deaf persons such as captions on television can be available anytime. These can make the right real. The Government of Thailand needs to put more effort in this. Sign language is very important to raise a voice for deaf persons. We should have more opportunities to learn sign language. Moreover, there are only two universities, Suan Dusit Rajabhat University and Ratchasuda College (Mahidol University) that provide education for deaf persons. Other universities should provide education for deaf persons in order to give more options. Ms. Panomwan Boontem President Association of Thai Deaf Children & Woman Network Federation In order to make the right real, the Institute on Disability and Public Policy (IDPP) would like to support persons with disabilities to become leaders to mainstream disability in government policies. In September 2011, IDPP will welcome the first persons in the master’s program to a virtual graduate school which mainly offers courses and lectures online. Many persons with disabilities cannot readily go around because of poor infrastructure. But in this program, persons with disabilities can attend a full master course program at home via online. Ms. Yoshimi Horiuchi Officer, Institute on Disability and Public Policy Project [image] Sharing the Slogan “Make the Right Real” in Sign Language [image] Roundtable Discussion on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [image] Accessible Roll-Up Developed by APCD 6   CBR Asia - Pacific Network Sharing CBR Experiences between Africa and Asia-Pacific 25-29 October 2010, Abuja, Nigeria The World Health Organization (WHO) Meeting on CBR Guidelines was conducted on 25-26 October 2010 to discuss the next steps on how to promote and disseminate the CBR Guidelines effectively. APCD shared CBR experiences in the Asia-Pacific region and information about the CBR Asia-Pacific Network. Views on collaboration among CBR networks in the different region were shared positively among key stakeholders. The CBR Global Network meeting is scheduled for Manila, the Philippines in 2011. The theme was “Linking CBR with Disability & Rehabilitation”. The new “CBR Guidelines” were officially launched to further promote CBR in African countries. More than 450 participants including practitioners from DPOs and NGOs, WHO officers in Africa and other regions exchanged their experiences on CBR. [image] African Participants Discussing CBR Practices *** Strengthening Community-based Inclusive Development in Asia-Pacific 13-15 November 2010, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Approximately 500 persons including representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities, Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) practitioners, domestic and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government officials from more than 30 Asia-Pacific countries participanted in the Asia-Pacific CBR Convention. It was organized by CBR Network Malaysia in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development of Malaysia, with support of the World Health Organization (WHO), CBR Asia-Pacific Network, and the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD). New “CBR Guidelines” were launched in conjunction with the Convention. Participants agreed to support the preparation of the second Asia-Pacific CBR Congress in 2011. As an outcome of the 3-day Convention, the Kuala Lumpur Declaration was developed by all participants. [image] Minister Y.B. Senator Dato’ Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and Partici.pants in the Closing Ceremony *** First Announcement: Second Asia-Pacific CBR Congress The second Asia Pacific CBR Congress is scheduled to be held in Manila, the Philippines on 29 November to 1 December, 2011. For more details, please see website below: http://www.apcdfoundation.org/?q=category/network-group/cbr-asia-pacific-network 7 ASIA-PACIFIC CBR CONVENTION Nov 13-15, 2010 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Development Introduction of the New CBR Guidelines   Kuala Lumpur Declaration We, the representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities, Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) practitioners, domestic and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government officials, from 32 countries of Asia and the Pacific, in total 553 persons, participated in the Asia-Pacific CBR Convention, from 13 to 15 November 2010 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We sincerely thank the organizers, CBR Network Malaysia in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development of Malaysia, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), CBR Asia-Pacific Network, the Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), and the people of Malaysia for their warm hospitality and kindness and the success of the convention. We declare our collective statement as follows: 1. We acknowledge the significance of the new CBR Guidelines with five components (health, education, livelihood, social and empowerment) in the CBR Matrix developed by WHO, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC). 2. We appreciate the efforts made by all CBR stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region and all countries to raise awareness and to promote Community-based Inclusive Development by mainstreaming persons with disabilities. 3. We encourage all CBR stakeholders including Governments and media in the Asia-Pacific region to develop and support CBR leaders in the effort to promote poverty reduction, particularly by mobilizing persons with disabilities and other human and community resources at the grassroots, national and international levels will continue. 4. We ensure persons with disabilities, families and members of the community participate in CBR at all stages through capacity-building, inclusive education, data collection and multi-stakeholders collaboration in consideration of the gender perspective. Furthermore, we appeal to all CBR stakeholders to consider the following recommendations to strengthen the CBR movement in the Asia-Pacific region; 1. We support the preparation of the second Asia-Pacific CBR Congress to be held in Manila, the Philippines on 29 November to 1 December 2011 and appreciate the initiative to strengthen regional networking and collaboration, while mainstreaming Community-based Inclusive De.velopment as indicated in the new CBR Guidelines. 2. We agree to support the idea of establishing a new decade of persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region (2013-2022), which is being facilitated by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission in Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), with an emphasis on the leadership development of persons with disabilities, CBR/Community-based Inclusive Development and Inclusive Business Development. 3. We recognize the importance of CBR Asia-Pacific Network as a platform to actively promote the new CBR Guidelines, the inclusive Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and other international instruments to strengthen the approach to Community-based Inclusive Development in the region. Unanimously agreed by all participants at the Asia-Pacific CBR Convention, 15 November 2010 8 ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Act for Autism Now! The mission of AAN is to support, assist, facilitate and enhance autism-related family support groups in collaboration with other stakeholders in the ASEAN region and globally. One of the main objectives is to educate, develop, and give opportunities for autism-related family support groups of each member country, helping them to grow towards achieving global standards with reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and other international and regional instruments related to autism. APCD pledges to support this family network and keep up the spirit of, “Act for Autism Now!” In addition, APCD, as the Secretariat of AAN, will continue to collaborate and support this movement to further develop and promote the quality of life for persons with autism and their families in the ASEAN region. [image] Constitution Adopted by AAN [image] AAN Executive Committee Members ASEAN Autism Congress: Partnership for Regional Autism Movement 16-17 December 2010 at the Sofitel Hotel and Maxx Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand Three hundred persons, including parents and family members of persons with autism from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States, participated in the first ASEAN Autism Congress in Bangkok, Thailand from 16-17 December 2010. The Congress was organized by the Khun Poom Foundation and the Association of Parents of Thai Persons with Autism in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). [image] Presentation by Participants from ASEAN Countries [image] Opening of the Congress 9 Bangkok Statement on Autism We, the representatives of persons with autism, family groups and organizations for persons with autism from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States, including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Viet Nam and Thailand, in total 300 persons, participated in the first ASEAN Autism Congress, from 16 to 17 December 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand. We sincerely thank the organizers, the Khun Poom Foundation and the Association of Parents of Thai Persons with Autism (AU Thai) in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with support from the Ministry of Education of Thailand and people of Thailand for their great hospitality and support in the proactive implementation of the Congress. We declare our collective statement as follows; 1. Various efforts on autism made by relevant stakeholders in the ASEAN region are appreciated to promote understanding of persons with autism and their family members. 2. Central and local governments are encouraged to develop and support any initiative on autism, particularly to establish and strengthen self-help groups/organizations of persons with autism and their family members. 3. Health, education, livelihood, social and empowerment components in the context of community-based inclusive development are critical among persons with autism and their family members. Therefore, ASEAN Member States and multi-stakeholder collaborations are essential in this regard. Furthermore, we appeal to the Governments of ASEAN Member States and relevant stakeholders to consider the following recommendations to strengthen the autism movement in the ASEAN region; 1. We encourage ASEAN Member States to consider the perspective of autism in the planning, implementation and monitoring of a national policy on disability in line with the principle of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). 2. We agree to the idea of establishing a new decade of persons with disabilities in the Asia- Pacific region (2013-2022) in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and APCD by highlighting community-based inclusive development to empower persons of disabilities including persons with autism and their family members. 3. We agree to the idea of establishing the ASEAN Decade of Persons with Disabilities, initiated by the Government of Thailand, to mainstream disability in the development agenda. 4. We acknowledge the establishment of the ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) and recognize its importance to enhance the solidarity and unity among persons with autism and their family members, to lead the autism movement at the grassroots, national, regional and international levels. 5. We call for the ASEAN Member States and relevant partners to support the second ASEAN Autism Congress to be held in Brunei Darussalam in 2012. Unanimously agreed by all participants at the first ASEAN Autism Congress, 17 December 2010 10 Joint Collaboration for JICA Syria Counterpart Training in Thailand 21-27 November 2010, APCD Training Building in Bangkok and Field Trip to Nakorn Si Thammarat With a focus on “social participation of persons with disabilities through job assistance in the community”, experiential learning sessions were provided for 8 Syrian participants from 21-27 November 2010. This “JICA Syria Counterpart Training” was composed of lectures, workshops and on site visits. The field trip to Nakorn Si Thammarat province was led by Ms.Supalak Martliam (APCD Human Resource Development Chief) and Mr. Watchaprapol Chuengcharoen (APCD Human Resource Development .Officer) in collaboration with Mr. Naka.mura Shintaro (JICA Senior Advisor at the JICA Headquarters). The learning process was catalyzed through various on-the-spot discussions as well as group reflection. It ended with a problem-solving scenario in response to project challenges that the participants have been facing. [image] Syrian Participants Visiting CBR Sites in Nakorn Si Thammarat Province Dao Rueng Group Member Receiving The Princess Ngarmchit Award 2010 In October 2010, Ms. Praparat Sasean received the “Princess Ngarmchit Award” from Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsavali. Ms. Praparat has been playing a leadership role as a member of the Dao Rueng Group, the first Self-Advocate Group of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Thailand. APCD has been supporting the group to be a model of self-advocates in the ASEAN region. Asia and Pacific Disability Forum General Assembly 17 October 2010, Bangkok, Thailand Following the “Asia and Pacific Disability Forum (APDF) Executive Committee Meeting” and “APDF General Assembly” on 17 October 2010, the “APDF Conference” was held on 18 October 2010 at the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) Training building in Bangkok. The Conference was designed to review the achievement of the 2nd Asian and Pacific of Disabled Persons, 2003-2012, in accordance with the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action (BMF) and the Biwako Plus Five. APCD, as the Conference secretariat, supported a series of APDF meetings. As a result, the synergy between APDF and APCD was created, in particular, logistics, accommodation of persons with disabilities, and the development of the APDF Bangkok Statement. The Conference concluded that collaboration should be further developed towards the suggested new disability Decade (2013-2022). [image] APDF General Assembly APCD as one of Best Practices on South-to- South Cooperation by the World Bank Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability has been identified by the World Bank through its magazine “Development Outreach” as one of 6 best practices among 110 cases of South-to-South Technical Cooperation. The selection is according to the Task Team on South-South Cooperation which affiliates with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). For more information, please check online “Development Outreach” Vol. October 2010 at http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/8da5feef#/8da5feef/56 [image] World Bank’s Development Outreach, October 2010 Applying the New CBR Guidelines into Practice 16 November 2010, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia The Post Asia-Pacific CBR Convention Workshop was held by APCD to follow up 24 international participants mobilized by APCD. Important perspectives on how to apply the new CBR Guidelines in their own villages were intensively discussed to promote community-based inclusive development. [image] Dr. Maya Thomas, CBR Resource Person Facilitating the Workshop 11 Wishing you every happiness this holiday season and throughout the year APCD Activities Tentative APCD Activities for the next 2 months (January - February 2011) Tentative APCD Activities 2011 January February CBR Conference, Myanmar 10-14 Counterpart Training, Japan 16-22 Collaboration with South Asian Disability Forum, Pakistan 26-31 Information Management Mechanism Workshop, Thailand 3-5 Facilitation Workshop, Thailand 21-25 • New Publications • booklet: Community-based Inclusive Development Principles and Practice booklet: Empowerment Starts within Oneself photobook: CBR & Inclusive Development in Asia and the Pacific 12 Page What is it! The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) launched in October the “Make the Right Real” Campaign to accelerate the regional implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Twenty of approximately 50 countries in the Asia-Pacific region have thus far ratified the Convention. The Campaign aims to promote more awareness and action on the Convention through collaboration among Governments, organizations of persons with disabilities and other stakeholders in advocacy, research and capacity-building activities. Already, national-level campaigns have been initiated in some countries. The Campaign website will be launched soon in early 2011. We invite you to join us in the Campaign. Let us make the rights of persons with disabilities real! Nanda Krairiksh (Ms.) Director Social Development Division ESCAP