EMPOWERMENT APCD Newsletter Volume 37 October 2011 search ## to go to next content 1 APCD Participates in i-CREATe 2011 2 IDPP Two-Week Residency Program 3 Inclusive Business Roundtable Talk on ICT 4 CBR Asia-Pacific Network News/AAN News 5 WHO-APCD Collaboration on CBR Development 6 Strengthening Sub-Regional Movement in South Asia 7 Announcement, APCD Activities, and What is it?! ## 1. APCD Participates in i-CREATe 2011 The Fifth International Convention for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology (i-CREATe) 2011 was organized by the Thailand National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), the National Science and Technology Development Agency and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Thailand at the Swissotel Nai Lert Park Bangkok, from 21 to 23 July 2011. Policy makers, experts, and key stakeholders shared their knowledge and experiences, and discussed about inclusion of persons with disabilities in society. i-CREATe has gained regional recognition to be an annual ASEAN event endorsed by the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology. The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) participated in the i-CREATe 2011 as one of Supporting Organizations. During the event, the “Make the Right Real” Bag with Braille was presented to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. At the same time, information about APCD’s activities including the Institute on Disability and Public Policy (IDPP) for the ASEAN region, APCD Empowerment Caf? and Inclusive Business were reported. Later, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was reported in the media to be using the “Make the Right Real” bag. [image caption: i-CREATe Opening by H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn] [image caption: APCD’s Sharing Publications with H. R. H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn] [image caption: Thai Media Coverage] ## 2. IDPP Two-Week Residency Program The annual meeting of the Institute on Disability and Public Policy for the ASEAN Region (IDPP) was organized on 18 July 2011 in conjunction with the commencement of the inaugural IDPP two-week residency program for students at APCD, Bangkok, Thailand, 18-29 July 2011. The residency program was arranged by the IDPP in partnership with Mahidol University and APCD. The ceremony was opened with a welcome remark by Dr. Tej Bunnag (Chairperson, APCD Executive Board). Mr. Shuichi Ohno (Executive Director, The Nippon Foundation) and Dr. Derrick Cogburn (Executive Director, IDPP) gave a brief background of the IDPP. All the students are pursuing a Master of International Affairs in Comparative and International Disability Policy degree provided by American University. The program will equip them with knowledge about disability and public policy from different perspectives, so that they can lead changes on disability and public policy in the ASEAN region. APCD has been collaborating with the IDPP for the recruitment of IDPP scholars, partnership building with the universities in the ASEAN region, initiation of the first IDPP course, and also the implementation of IDPP Student Support Initiative. [image caption: IDPP Students with Disabilities and The Nippon Foundation Staff] [image caption: Opening Remark by Dr. Tej Bunnag (Chairperson, APCD Executive Board)] [image caption: Accessible Communication] Interview Dr. Derrick L. Cogburn Executive Director, IDPP Associate Professor, School of International Service, American University Associate Professor, School of Information Studies, Syracuse University The IDPP two-week residency program is extremely important for getting the students together face-to-face. It is an opportunity to meet each other, to start to network, to build bonds that will be important to them over the course of their study. Most of their study will be online. During the two-week residency, they will be exposed to many of the key ideas that are going to form the foundation of their Master’s program. They will be exposed to top-level professors talking about ASEAN affairs and the structure of ASEAN and its geopolitical role in the region and worldwide. It is good that they will be exposed to faculty members including Ambassador Luis Gallegos talking about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Interview with Ambassador Luis Gallegos During the IDPP 2-Week Residency Program at APCD, Ambassador Luis Gallegos, former chair of Ad-Hoc Committee of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and current Chair of the G3ict and the Global Universal Design Commission, visited APCD as a faculty member of the IDPP. What were the major contributions of people in Asia and the Pacific in the drafting process of the CRPD? “The CRPD negotiations began in the first meeting in 2002. The Working Group met on many occasions in New York, normally once or twice a year during a period of five years until 2006. The Asia-Pacific group presented a comprehensive draft convention called the “Bangkok Draft”. As the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee, I presented the Bangkok Draft with some minor changes, as the basis to negotiate the full text of the CRPD. It was an enormous contribution.” From your viewpoint, what is the biggest achievement of the CPRD? “In my opinion, the most important element is that the CRPD permits the disabled and non-disabled community to have universal understanding. It is a good system that allows Committee members with and without disabilities to jointly monitor the compliance of the States with the CRPD.” What is your expectation for APCD in the context of CRPD? “Together with its partners, I believe that APCD has a very important role to play in the Asia-Pacific region in enabling communities to understand that more holistic and more integral policies on disability and diversity will create better societies. In this connection, the establishment of the IDPP is an important step.” Again, the Asia-Pacific region is diverse. The problem here is how we can make the society understand that diversity, including disability, is positive. Disability is not about “them”, but about “us”. It is about all of us.” Interviewing IDPP Students With the fellowships funded by The Nippon Foundation (TNF), 10 students with disabilities from Cambodia, the Philippines, Singapore and Viet Nam participated in the IDPP schooling period. Here are their voices and future visions on disability and public policy in the ASEAN context. Mr. John Paul Cruz (Philippines) I think it a good opportunity to get together and know more about each other. I am trying to understand other disability perspectives in addition to my own. In my case, this experience has expanded my horizon in understanding that I have a disability, but I’m not that unfortunate. Mr. Tran Ba Thien (Viet Nam) Information and knowledge can be very helpful in the future if you can have opportunity to be a policymaker. I believe that I can have same information even I cannot see pictures. I catch all available information, which is very important for me.Ms. Della L. Leonor (Philippines) IDPP students are gaining knowledge, while knowing our weaknesses and strengths. We have also seen the APCD accessibility support, which has made us happy to know in Asia. Collaboration, friendship and ties must develop us with experiences. Mr. U-Wen Wong (Singapore) One of the things I liked is the faculty chat that’s happening here through virtual learning. And they’ve really picked up the right people. Each topic helps me a lot to understand. It has been a wonderful experience. Ms. Eloisa Zepada (Philippines) It has to be interacting with other cultures at the same time, knowing that same concerns are happening in other countries. We have problems locally, and then I heard that their situations are same as well. It’s an eye-opener for me. Mr. Mark Calbay (Philippines) I met a new friends, classmates and great people especially IDPP and APCD staff. I was pretty overwhelmed with the wealth of information at first. But I am happy to learn and challenge new things as great opportunities. Mr. Don De Vera (Philippines) It’s a new thing for me. In the technical aspect, I am an architect in the Philippines. Now I am learning how to develop a policy. I am very much willing to learn more. Ms. Huynh Hong Nhung (Viet Nam) I did not know how to work with other persons with different disabilities. This is my first time to communicate with them. I am learning some experiences about blind and deaf people as well. IDPP program has helped me develop my skills to become a policy maker in the future. Mr. Khy Huy (Cambodia) I find that the two-week residency program at APCD is very helpful for me. I got a lot of information about the program, and gained opportunities to meet new people such as classmates and others in the disability field. Mr. Raphael Domingo (Philippines) It is good that The Nippon Foundation facilitated and gave opportunities to us in the ASEAN countries. It has been my wish to study in a graduate program. Most courses are expensive and not available for us. When this program was announced, I thought this was an opportunity for me to participate. I just got it. ## 3 Inclusive Business Roundtable Talk on ICT SMX Convention Center, Manila, Philippines on 29 September 2011 The Inclusive Business Roundtable Talk on ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) was jointly organized by the SM Supermalls, Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) and The Nippon Foundation (TNF) at SMX Convention Center in Manila, the Philippines, on 29 September, 2011. The Inclusive Business Roundtable Talk on ICT followed the “Brainstorming Meeting on Inclusive Business” organized at APCD on 28 and 29 June 2011. In the Meeting, participants defined the roles of persons with disabilities in business as customers, employees and entrepreneurs. By understanding how to engage persons with disabilities, businesses can maximize the opportunity to expand their markets and utilize available human resources. The participants identified ICT and rural business as the key challenges for persons with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific. More than twenty business practitioners as well as leaders with disabilities participated in the Roundtable Talk, which highlighted key elements of successful inclusive business, such as accessibility of ICT. Advanced Contact Center, Web Courses Bangkok, the United Architects of the Philippines and Genashtim Innovative Learning presented their success stories on inclusive business. Participants assumed the viewpoints of customers, employees and entrepreneurs to brainstorm the business opportunities, challenges and strategies for inclusive business. The key components of inclusive business will be summarized and publicized in a tangible format later. [image caption: Participants at the Roundtable Talk] [image caption: Opening Speech by Senator Monthian Buntan, APCD Executive Board Member] [image caption: Participants Sharing Business Success Stories] [image caption: Group Discussion on Inclusive Business] ## 4 CBR Asia-Pacific Network News/AAN News 4.1 The 2nd Asia-Pacific CBR Congress is scheduled for 29 November-1 December 2011, in Manila, the Philippines. This Congress is jointly organized by the CBR Asia-Pacific Network (Secretariat: APCD) and the National Organizing Committee in the Philippines, which includes representatives of the Government of the Philippines, The organizers and their collaborators are working hard to invite participants and resource speakers to ensure the success of the Congress. One of the highlights of the Congress is the discussion about the “CBR Global Network”, a development expected to take the concept beyond the Asia-Pacific region. For more details and registration, please check the Congress website at www.cbrcongress.com. A pre-congress workshop on Conducting Emancipatory Research in Community Based Rehabilitation will be organized from 27-28 November by the Italian Association Amici di Raoul Follereau (AIFO). The CBR AP Network is also scheduled to conduct the joint Executive Committee and the Regional Council Members meeting from 27-28 November. Among the expected outcomes of the meeting are the selection of the host country for the 3rd Asia-Pacific CBR Congress and the election of a new set of Executive Committee officers. 4.2 The 1st CBR World Congress will be held in Agra, India, from 26-28 November 2012. APCD will be one of the main supporters of this global event. The theme of the Congress is: “Promoting CBR as a global strategy to realize the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”. The main organizer will be CBR India Network with Mobility India as the Secretariat. For further information, please contact the Secretariat: (cbrinsec@gmail.com). ## 5 WHO-APCD Collaboration on CBR Development 5.1Training for Strengthening CBR in Countries of WHO South-East Asia Region 4-9 July 2011, Bangkok, Thailand In response to a request from WHO, APCD in cooperation with JICA conducted CBR training for 16 medical officers working on CBR in some countries of WHO South-East Asia Region, namely, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The resource person, Mr. Shintaro Nakamura from JICA led the training which focused on the new CBR Guidelines, particularly those concerning the Social and Empowerment components. A field visit to Nakornpathom Province was arranged to learn the implementation of CBR activities by self-help groups of persons with disabilities. 5.2 Research on CBR Situation Analysis 11-15 July 2011, Bangladesh and Indonesia WHO and APCD collaborated in conducting a CBR situation analysis in 11 countries of WHO South-East Asia Region, namely, Bangladesh, Bhutan, North Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor Leste. The main purpose of the research is to study the policies and practices of CBR in the mentioned countries. WHO plans to utilize the research results as a basis for a strategic plan for the development of CBR in the region. The research results will be presented in November 2011 at the WHO-South-East Asia Region Office in New Delhi, India. 5.3 Preparatory Meeting for the CBR World Congress 18-20 August 2011, Delhi, India The First Preparatory Meeting for the CBR World Congress was conducted among key stakeholders including APCD. After the opening speech by Dr. Tej Bunnag (APCD Executive Board Chairman), participants discussed the preparation process in details. After the Meeting, APCD met with Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang (WHO SEARO Regional Director, third from the left) and Ambassador Pisan Manawapat (Royal Thai Ambassador to India, second from the left), to update information and progress of APCD’s activities in the WHO SEARO region. 5.4 CBR Online Training Package for Community-Based Inclusive Development 5-6 September 2011, Geneva, Switzerland In recognition of its experience, skills and resources on CBR, APCD was invited to attend the Geneva meeting on WHO CBR Online Training Package. The objectives of the meeting were to outline the online training course, develop a roadmap for its delivery, and identify the key roles of each stakeholder. ## 6 Strengthening Sub-Regional Movement in South Asia South Asian Disability Forum Led by New Leaders with Disabilities The South Asian Disability Forum (SADF) Workshop was organized jointly by SADF, the Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Somity (BPKS), the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) from 19 to 20 September 2011 at the BPKS Complex in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Leaders with disabilities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka attended the forum. Under the capable leadership of Ms. Shirin Akhter (Chairperson), women with disabilities are expected to shape the future direction of the SADF. Make the Right Real in South Asia The Regional Leadership Conference of Persons with Disabilities in South Asia was organized by the Government of Bangladesh through the Ministry of Social Welfare, SADF, BPKS, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), APCD, JICA and the British Council Bangladesh, from 21 to 22 September 2011, in Dhaka, Bangladesh. With the theme “Make the Right Real”, the Conference discussed dimensions of inclusive society and formulated the recommendations for the effective implementation of policies relating to disability in South Asia. (Summary) Dhaka Recommendations to Make the Right Real for Persons with Disabilities in South Asia 1. The governments in South Asia to review existing laws and to harmonize domestic legislation with the CRPD, in close collaboration with SADF and other DPOs, domestic and international NGOs, inter-governmental agencies and regional key partners such as ESCAP and APCD; 2. The governments in South Asia, DPOs including SADF and other stakeholders to support persons with disabilities by providing full access to information in Braille, sign language and in other accessible formats in both national and local languages; 3. The governments in South Asia to provide comprehensive capacity development programmes for DPOs and to ensure their involvement in the implementation of the CRPD; 4. The governments in South Asia to support the proposal of a new Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2013-2022; 5. The governments in South Asia, DPOs including SADF and other stakeholders to collaborate for leadership development, and promote inclusive business development and community- based inclusive development to address gaps and challenges still faced by persons with disabilities; 6. The governments in South Asia to enhance the collaboration with SADF and other DPOs as well as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), regional key players such as ESCAP and APCD, media, human rights organizations and academic institutions; 7. All religious and spiritual leaders to enhance their efforts to eliminate all discrimination against persons with disabilities and to encourage their inclusion in all religious and social rituals; 8. The governments in South Asia to establish a data collection mechanism for comprehensive disability statistics, including the reporting of different impairments, employment situations, public accommodations and services and other socio-economic variables; 9. The governments in South Asia to strengthen social protection programmes and measures to improve the livelihoods of persons with disabilities; 10. The governments in South Asia to mainstream the gender dimension in all relevant policy measures in close consultation with DPOs including SADF and other stakeholders; 11. The Government of Bangladesh, SADF and other DPOs, and other stakeholders in Bangladesh continue to partner with ESCAP and APCD to further regional cooperation from the perspective of the CRPD. 22 September 2011 AAN News With support from the Autism Society Philippines (ASP) and the Association of Parents for Thai Persons with Autism (AU-Thai), a poster has been produced by AAN (Secretariat: APCD) for awareness-raising on Autism. Exchange on HRD and Capacity Building in the Mekong Countries A regional conference called “Mekong Forum” was organized by the Mekong Institute in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, 12-13 July 2011, with the theme, “From the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC): Prospects for Human Resource Development and Capacity Building in Regional Cooperation and Integration”. Participants included senior government officials, professors and researchers, and representatives of NGOs, private firms and the professions. Discussions centered on major barriers and constraints on Human Resource Development (HRD) and capacity building, particularly as experienced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the agriculture sector, and how they can be resolved through cooperative Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). APCD shared its business perspectives in the context of the Mekong region. ## 7 APCD Activities, Announcement and What is it?! 7.1 APCD Activities October Collaboration with Air Asia (Malaysia) 17-21 October November Collaboration with WHO South-East Regional Office for CBR Strategy (India) 3-4 November Collaboration for CBR World Congress (India) 5 November Intellectual Disability Self-Help Group Network Workshop (Cambodia) 14-17 November CBR Global Meeting (Philippines) 27-28 November CBR AP Network Meeting (Philippines) 27-28 November 2nd AP CBR Congress (Philippines) 29 November- 1 December December International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Philippines) 2 December CBR Collaboration (China) 5-7 December Visitation by United Nations Special Rapporteur on Disability (APCD) 13 December JICA Counterpart Training (Japan) 12-24 December United Nations ESCAP Stakeholders’ Meeting (ESCAP) 14-16 December 7.2 Announcement Training of Trainers for “Community-Based Inclusive Development” at APCD, 6-17 February 2012 (2 weeks) Make a critical difference and a concrete change: Attend APCD International Training on TOT for CBID now! APCD is a regional CBID center which promotes an inclusive, rights-based and barrier-free society. We collaborate with all stakeholders in order to enhance the further development of Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) programs under the new CBR guidelines. We strive to empower people with disabilities to enable them to voice their needs, access tools to create change, and tap opportunities to forge their own destiny. We seek to bring about social transformation, by making a positive difference in the lives of persons with disabilities and their families and community, with the ultimate goal of achieving an inclusive society for all. Fee of USD 1,200 includes USD700: Training Cost, Materials, Lunch and Coffee Breaks, Airport Transfers USD500: Fully Accessible Accommodation with Breakfast (two weeks) [Contact] Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, International Training Manager somchai@apcdfoundation.org The application form will be available in November 2011. 7.3 What is it?! Future Direction of Community-based Inclusive Development Because of its multi-dimensional nature, Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) needs networking and building of partnerships at different levels and across different sectors. The goal of Community-based Inclusive Development cannot be reached if there is ‘territorialism’ or dogmatic, ‘either-or’ stances on the part of key stakeholders. Instead of territorialism, all stakeholders need to understand the importance of working together to capitalize on each other’s strengths and work in a complementary manner to fulfill the goals and principles of Community-based Inclusive Development through CBR.