Search # to go to the next Chapter Search * to go to the next Topic Summary Report on Third Country Training Programme: Knowledge Creation Forum on Community-based Inclusive Development 2014 (Capacity-building of Persons who are Hard of Hearing) 24 August - 6 September 2014 | APCD Training Building, Bangkok, Thailand Summary Report on Third Country Training Programme: Knowledge Creation Forum on Community-based Inclusive Development 2014 (Capacity-building of Persons who are Hard of Hearing) Organized by Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) In collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand 24 August - 6 September 2014 APCD Training Building, Bangkok, Thailand This report is available in a text format for persons with visual impairments and blind persons free for charge. Please contact info@apcdfoundation.org for further details. #Executive Summary The “Third Country Training Program (TCTP): Knowledge Creation Forum on Community-based Inclusive Development 2014” was organized by the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Government of Japan, Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency (TICA) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Royal Thai Government, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Royal Thai Government. Eighteen international leaders who are hard of hearing from Southeast Asian countries including Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam participated in the Training at the APCD Training Building in Bangkok, Thailand from 24 August to 6 September 2014. The Training aimed to bring together international leaders who are hard of hearing to share their ideas and skills, to develop understanding of Community-based Inclusive Development (CBID), and to create simulated action plans for their respective communities through social interaction and shared experience. The Training also provided field visits to build a productive learning experience on intellectual disabilities and autism movements. A Keyboard Card to “Type Texts” and Microphone Card to “Speak” were used to give options to participants to type texts with wireless keyboard or use a real-time caption service to communicate with resource persons and other participants. A set of communication cards, including a Red Card to “Disagree”, a Yellow Card to “Slow Down”, and a Green Card to “Agree”, was introduced as a form of non-verbal communication. This communication system helped smoothen communication during the Training. To achieve the objectives of the TCTP 2014, three key resource persons who are hard of hearing were invited: 1) Mr. Muhammad Akram (Founder and President of DANISHKADAH); 2) Mr. Kazuhiko Seya (Chief of Division of Medical Care and Technology, All Japan Association of HoH and Late-Deafened People: Zennancho); and 3) Ms. Sachiko Flores, (Expert on Deaf and Hard of Hearing). Dr. Samrerng Virachanang (Vice President of Autism Association of Parents of Persons with Autism); Mr. Suchart O-watawanakul, (President of Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability of Thailand); Mr. Mark Morris (Australia Volunteer International Expert); and Mr. Ghulam Nabi Nizamani, (Chief Executive Officer of CBR Global Network), were also invited to share their experiences about empowerment of persons with intellectual disabilities and autism. *Key Outcomes 1. Leaders who are hard of hearing were provided with the opportunity to share and apply their knowledge, experiences and skills. 2. Country reports on hard of hearing development and action plans for implementation at community level were developed and presented. 3. Networking of agents of change who are hard of hearing in Southeast Asia was strengthened. 4. Communication System for International Training for persons who are hard of hearing was developed. 5. An outline of the guidebook for the hard of hearing was developed. #Third Country Training Program (TCTP 2014) *Course Title Knowledge Creation Forum on Community-based Inclusive Development 2014 *General Objective Empowerment of young persons with intellectual disabilities, autism, and hard of hearing in Southeast Asian countries from the perspective of Community-based Inclusive Development (CBID) *Training Objectives 1) To develop the capacity of young leaders who are hard of hearing in Southeast Asia by providing opportunities to enhance understanding of the CBID concept; 2) To provide a forum for young leaders who are hard of hearing by exchanging information and knowledge on not only hard of hearing but also other emerging groups such as persons with intellectual disability and/or autism; 3) To strengthen regional collaboration between the Asia-Pacific Federation of the Hard of Hearing and Deafened (APFHD) and APCD, with support from TICA and JICA in line with the principles of the Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real”, 2013-2022. *Expected Outcomes 1) Young leaders who are hard of hearing in Southeast Asia will gain information and knowledge on disability and development in the CBID context, including other emerging groups such as intellectual disability and autism, and will be prepared to utilize this new knowledge locally in their home countries; 2) New information and knowledge on hard of hearing will be created, exchanged and elaborated on by young leaders with disabilities and resource persons in Southeast Asian countries and Japan for future implementation. #Programme and Objectives *WEEK 1 Day 1 (24 Aug.) Arrival of participants and check in to APCD Training building Day 2 (25 Aug.) 8.30-9.00 Orientation for Participants, Logistic Matter and Facility 9.00-10.30 Opening Ceremony and Introduction of TCTP CBID 2014 10.45-12.30 Disability Equality Training (DET I) 13.30-15.00 Disability Equality Training (DET II) 15.15-17.00 Latest international Movement and Instruments 18.00-19.30 Welcome Dinner Day 3 (26 Aug.) 8.30-9.00 Recap of the Previous Day 9.00-10.30 Perspectives of Community-based Inclusive Development (CBID) 10.45-12.30 Poverty, disability and Development 13.30-15.00 CBR Guidelines 15.15-17.00 Non-Handicapping Environment (NHE) Day 4 (27 Aug.) 8.30-9.00 Recap of the Previous Day 9.00-10.30 Introduction to the Emerging Groups (Hard of Hearing, Intellectual Disability, Autism) 10.45-12.30 CBID Case Study: Empowerment Component of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities 13.30-15.00 CBID Case Study: Empowerment Component of Persons with Autism 15.15-17.00 1) CBID Case Study: Empowerment Component of Persons who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deafened, and, 2) Study Tour Orientation Day 5 (28 Aug.) 8.30-12.30 Study Tour: Development of Self-advocacy Group for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities of Thailand (Dao Ruang Group) 13.30-17.00 Study Tour: Networking and Collaboration by Autism Groups Day 6 (29 Aug.) 8.30-9.00 Recap of the Previous two Days 9.00-10.30 Working with Emerging Groups 10.45-12.30 Sustainability Development 13.30-15.00 Free Session-based on Request of Participants 15.15-17.00 Facilitation Methodology Day 7 (30 Aug.) 8.30-9.00 Recap of the Previous Day 9.00-10.30 Participatory Training Management 10.45-12.30 Knowledge creation Management I 13.30-15.00 Knowledge Creation Management II 15.15-17.00 1) Review of 1st Week and Elaboration, and, 2) Self-study Brief Orientation *WEEK 2 Day 8 (31 Aug.) 8.30-9.00 Recap of the Previous Day 9.00-19.30 Self-Study Day 9 (1 Sep.) 8.30-9.00 Recap of the Previous Day 9.00-10.30 Group Discussion: Analyzing the Real Absence of HoH 10.45-12.30 Learning more about Persons who are Deaf, HoH, and Deafened I 13.30-15.00 Learning more about Persons who are Deaf, HoH, and Deafened II 15.15-17.00 Development of Networking on HoH Day 10 (2 Sep.) 8.30-9.00 Recap of the Previous Day 9.00-10.30 Establishing Self-help Groups of HoH in Community 10.45-12.30 Establishing Self-help Groups of HoH in Community (Cont.) 13.30-15.00 Developing Self-help Group Guidebook for HoH 15.15-17.00 Developing Self-help Group Guidebook for HoH (Cont.) Day 11 (3 Sep.) 8.30-9.00 Recap of the Previous Day 9.00-10.30 Organizational Management within Zennancho 10.45-12.30 Networking and Collaboration with Partners by Zennancho 13.30-15.00 Experiences of Fundraising by Zennancho 15.15-17.00 1) Funding Methods I, and, 2) Funding Methods II Day 12 (4 Sep.) 8.30-9.00 Recap of the Previous Day 9.00-10.30 Introduction to Action Plan 10.45-12.30 Action plan-based Simulation 13.30-15.00 Action plan-based Simulation (Preparation) 15.15-19.30 Action Plan-based Stimulation (Preparation) Day 13 (5 Sep.) 8.30-9.00 Recap of the Previous Day 9.00-10.30 Action Plan-based Simulation (Presentation) 10.45-12.30 Action Plan-based Simulation (Presentation) 13.30-15.00 Reflection and Evaluation of 2nd Week 15.15-19.30 Certificate Presentation and Closing Ceremony (End at 15.00) Day 14 (6 Sep.) 8.30-17.00 Departure of Participants *Session Objectives 1 Orientation for participants, logistic matter and facility by Mrs. Nongluck Kisorawong 1) To review rules of APCD building 2) To explain do’s and don’ts 2 Opening Ceremony and Introduction of TCTP by Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To understand the framework and underlying principles of the participants for TCTP • Welcome Remarks – Mr. Akiie Ninomiya, Executive Director, APCD • Opening Remarks – Ms. Napa Setthakorn, Director General, National Office for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities – Mr. Yasumitsu Kinoshita, Senior Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency – Mr. Wattanawit Gajaseni, Director, Countries Partnership Branch, Thailand International Develoment Cooperation 3 and 4 DET I and II by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen 1) To understand different disability models and its evolution in order to embrace diversity 2) To understand DET as an effective tool to facilitate people to become agents of change 5 International Movement and Instruments by Mr. Ryuhei Sano 1) To understand about the movement of Disabilities at international level 2) To understand existing, updating international instruments on disability and its function • United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities • Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific 3) To generate ideas on how each organization uses these tools 6 Perspectives of CBID by Mr. Ghulam Nabi Nizamani 1) To deeply understand concepts and theory behind CBID 2) To understand the framework/principles of the Knowledge Creation Forum 7 Poverty, Disability and Development by Mr. Ghulam Nabi Nizamani 1) To understand the relationship between poverty and disability 2) To understand CBID strategies to mainstream disability into economic schemes 3) To understand the current challenges of CBID movement 4) To understand the latest CBID strategies and future CBID direction 8 CBR Guidelines by Mr. Jasper Rom 1) To understand 5 components and its good practices of CBR guidelines 2) To have clear ideas on how to use CBR guidelines into each setting 9 Non-handicapping Environment (NHE) by Mr. Jasper 1) To understand NHE’s background 2) To provide example(s) of successful NHE projects 10 Introduction to the Emerging Groups by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen 1) To understand the background of persons with intellectual disabilities and autism 2) To analyze the connection between principles and practice of CBR and CBID in different contexts, in Asia-Pacific – to introduce case studies 11 CBID Case Study: Empowerment Component of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities by Mr. Suchart O-watawanakul 1) To understand and use empowerment components on persons with Intellectual Disabilities 2) To understand the development of self-advocacy group for persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Thailand 3) To understand the strengthening and development of network for persons with Intellectual Disabilities in the Mekong sub-region countries 12 CBID Case Study: Environment Component of Persons with Autism – Mr. Chusak Janthayanond 1) To understand and use the environment component on persons with autism 2) To understand the structure of networking and collaboration with ASEAN Autism Network 13 CBID Case Study: Empowerment Component of Persons who are Deaf, HoH, and Deafened by Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To understand good practices of empowerment component on deaf, HoH, and deafened communities– inclusive development 2) To gain practical strategies on how to utilize empowerment strategies into participants’ setting 14 Study Tour Orientation by Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To provide basic information for participants before the field trip for effective learning in the fields 2) To review a list of items to bring 15 and 16 Study Tours I and II by Mr. Chris Benjakul 1) To understand the activities of groups of persons with ID and autism 17 Working with the Emerging Groups by Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To understand the importance of the emerging groups in CBID practices 2) To understand how persons with HoH persons work with persons with ID and autism 18 Sustainability development by Ms. Sachiko 1) To identify the elements of sustainability in CBID program 2) To discuss how to apply the ideas to practice 19 Free Session Based on Request of Participants by Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To provide an opportunity for participants to discuss about the topics which are proposed by participants 20 Facilitation Methodology by Mr. Mark Morris 1) To learn and practice necessary facilitation skills for the training 21 Participatory Training Management by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen 1) To provide a concept and methodologies of participatory training framework 2) To gain practical ideas on participatory management cycle of CBID in order to ensure sustainability 22 and 23 Knowledge Creation and Management I and II by Ms. Duangnarumol Dokruk 1) To provide the participants with background knowledge on how to utilize knowledge as an asset for capacity development 24 Review of 1st Week and Elaboration by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen 1) To distribute two evaluation forms 2) To provide a platform for the training participants to critically think of their learning experience and make a connection to their field practice 25 Self-study Brief Orientation by Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To allow participants to ask questions before self-study 26 Group Discussion: Analyzing the Real Absence of HoH in Developing Countries by Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To share participants’ perspectives on HoH community in developing countries 27 and 28 Learning More about Persons who are Deaf, HoH, and Deafened I and II by Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To discuss and analyze the complex communities of deaf, HoH, and deafened 29 Development of Networking on HoH by Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To understand the importance of networking 2) To discuss how to create an effective network among participants, APCD and resource persons 30 Establishing Self-help Groups of HoH in Community by Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To understand what challenges and assistance will be addressed 2) To gain practical ideas on inclusion of people with disabilities in mainstream self-help groups 31 Developing Self-help Group Guidebook for HoH by Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To provide a platform for training participants to exercise and apply their first-hand knowledge into a structured simulation 32 Organizational Management within Zennancho by Mr. Kazuhiko Seya 1) To understand the structure of Zennancho organization 33 Networking and Collaboration with Partners by Zennancho by Mr. Kazuhiko Seya 1) To understand how Zennancho developed its network and collaboration with outside of the organization 34 Experiences of Fundraising by Zennancho by Mr. Kazuhiko Seya 1) To understand how Zennancho fundraises and spends its funding 35 and 36 Funding Methods I & II by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen and Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To introduce the concept of fundraising 2) To understand methodologies of fundraising 3) To provide examples of fundraising by United ID Network Mekong Sub-region and AAN 4) To find correct information on funds 5) To understand the process of applying for funds and grants 37 Introduction to Action Plan by Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To develop a strategy to succeed: • SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis on projects/activities • Specific tasks – what will be done and by whom? • Time horizon – when will it be done? Resource allocation: what specific funds are available for specific activities 38 – 40 Action Plan-based Simulation by Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To provide a platform for training participants to exercise and apply their first-hand knowledge into a structured simulation 2) Participatory activity – providing participants to develop and present an action plan within two years: • Regional – Asia-Pacific Federation of the Hard of Hearing and Deafened (APFHD) network • Each Southeast Asian country 41 Reflection and Evaluation of 2nd week by Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen 1) To distribute two evaluation forms 2) To provide a platform for the training participants to discuss about what they have learned from the field visits and practice of facilitation skills 42 Certificate Presentation and Closing Ceremony by Ms. Sachiko Flores 1) To give feedback, discuss for improvement of the training course in the future 2) Certificate presentation 3) Closing remarks • Mr. Shuichi Ikeda, Chief Representative, JICA Thailand Office • Mr. Akiie Ninomiya. Executive Director, APCD #List of Participants and External Resource Persons *Participants Cambodia Mr. Chhim Kimhean Executive Director, NGO Disability and Development Partnership Indonesia Ms. Ema Salwa Social Worker, Bandung Schools of Social Welfare Ms. Lidya Miranita Indonesian Association for the Welfare of the Deaf Myanmar Mr. Aung Bo Bo Volunteer Teacher, School for the Deaf (Mandalay) Executive Member, Deaf Youth Development Centre (Mandalay) Mr. Kyaw Kyaw Program Director, Deaf Resource Centre/ Myanmar Deaf Community Development Mr. Wai Yan Phyo Project Office Staff, Myanmar Independent Living Initiative (MILI) Mr. Aye Soe Sign Language Trainer, JICA SSWA Advisor, Deaf Youth Development Centre (Mandalay) Mr. Kyaw Zin Win Assistant Teacher/ SL Trainer, School for the Deaf (Mandalay) Executive Member, Deaf Youth Development Centre (Mandalay) Philippines Ms. April Rose Valenzuela Escaros Summer Youth Intern, Bureau of Fisheries and Standards Ms. Karen Anne Castillo Magtalas Laboratory Helper, Scentral Laboratories, Inc. Mr. Raphael De Los Reyes Torralba Program Coordinator, Autism Society Philippines Ms. Rosemarie Enriquez Panlasigue Guidance Counselor for Deaf Learners, La Salle Greenhills – Adult Night High School Staff/Sign Language Teacher, Catholic Handicapped Development, Inc. Thailand Ms. Bhudbhad Bhongcharoensuk Marketing Support Associate, Srithai Superware PCL Ms. Jakrada Attarataya Assistant Researcher, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Ms. Kaewkul Tantipisitkul Research Assistant, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program Ms. Sudarat Makeshine Trainer, The Learning and Skill Improvement Service (LSIS) Vietnam Ms. Do Thi Thanh Interpreter, HCM Sign Language, Handicap International at Dong Nai province Ms. Duong Phuong Hanh Director, Center for Research and Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CED) *External Resource Persons Australia Mr. Mark Morris Australia Volunteer Expert Japan Mr. Kazuhiko Seya Chief of Division of Medical Care and Technology, All Japan Association of HOH and Late-Deafened People (Zennancho) Pakistan Mr. Ghulam Nabi Nizamani Chief Executive Officer, CBR Global Network Mr. Muhammad Akram Founder & President, DANISHKADAH Thailand Mr. Chusak Janthayanond President, Association of Parents of Persons with Autism (AU Thai) Ms. Sachiko Flores Expert on Hard of Hearing and Deafened M.A., International Development, Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. Mr. Samrerng Virachanang Vice President/Expert on Autism Association of Parents of Persons with Autism (AU Thai) Mr. Suchart O-watawanakul President/Expert on Intellectual Disability, Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability of Thailand (APIDT) #Feedback from Participants who are Hard of Hearing Mr. Chhim Kimhean Executive Director, NGO Disability and Development Partnership, Cambodia “After two weeks of training, my knowledge about hard of hearing, deaf and deafened is improved and I am now aware of the issues and needs of hard of hearing, deaf, and deafened persons like me. I will do my best within my organization to mainstream their issues and needs into the action plans of relevant stakeholders so that hard of hearing, deaf, and deafened persons can have access to information with captioning/subtitles on TV, movies and also have access to real-time captioning during meetings, workshops, seminars, and public events. My mission is to remove barriers and improve the quality of life of HoH, deaf, and deafened persons in Cambodia.” Ms. Lidya Miranita Indonesian Association for the Welfare of the Deaf, Indonesia This is the first time I was given an opportunity by IAWD and the Ministry of Social Affairs of Indonesia to represent my country in this Training. Hopefully, this will increase efforts to increase public awareness and advance the rights of persons who are deaf, hard of hearing and deafened. I understand the outcomes and objectives of the Training and I am determined to continue the work. I lost my hearing when I was six years old. My 11-year-old son can communicate with sign language. I communicate with other people by lip-reading and use hearing aid. I work at the ASEAN Disability Forum Secretariat in Jakarta and I teach BISINDO Sign Language in a university. I am active in the Indonesian Association for the Welfare of the Deaf (IAWD) and offer BISINDO sessions to the public at Hotel Indonesia roundabout every morning. Mr. Kyaw Kyaw Program Director, Deaf Resource Centre/ Myanmar Deaf Community Development, Myanmar “After attending the TCTP 2014 program at APCD in Bangkok, I now undertand clearly the meaning of Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deafened. Once upon a time, I just assumed I was “Deaf” but now I have realized and accepted that I am HoHD. From this moment onwards, I will try to promote Community-based Inclusive Development to develop the HoHD community. Moreover, I will connect and network with various groups, including APCD, APFHD and the organizations of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region.” Ms. April Rose Valenzuela Escaros Summer Youth Intern, Bureau of Fisheries and Standards, the Philippines “The Training served as a very accessible platform for all hard of hearing participants to exchange knowledge and experiences, and to gain knowledge on how we going to eradicate the barriers to attain an inclusive society in our respective countries. As I stated in the closing ceremony of the Training: It’s time for us ‘to be heard’, for we are also the voice of the unheard. It’s time for us ‘to be seen’, for we are also the eyes of the blind. Through this Training, I am now ready to voice out and push through our advocacy. I am an agent of change and I believe it’s time for us to be visible in the eyes of the world. Gone are the days where hard of hearing and deafened persons are invisible in the society! It’s time to “Make Our Right Real!” Mr. Raphael De Los Reyes Torralba Program Coordinator, Autism Society Philippines from the Philippines I’m confident that this workshop will be a big help for me in developing my leadership skills not only for persons who are hard of hearing but to other persons with disabilities. As a resource speaker, the Training has given me more knowledge about topics related to hard of hearing, persons with disabilities, and CBID. This workshop will give me and my group an opportunity to meet other hard of hearing leaders in Asia-Pacific. It was also an opportunity for us to meet the people of APCD and learn from their experts in the disability field. And lastly, this Training helped us create a harmonious relationship and friendship with other leaders so that we can continue sharing knowledge and ideas through networking. I will apply all the things I’ve learned in my role as a disability rights advocate and as a hard of hearing leader in my country. More power, APCD! Ms. Rosemarie Enriquez Panlasigue Guidance Counselor for Deaf Learners, La Salle Greenhills – Adult Night High School and Staff/Sign Language Teacher, Catholic Handicapped Development, Inc., the Philippines “I thank you so much for this great opportunity to learn here in APCD. I learned so much and am amazed at having met different persons with the same disability from other countries. We share the same goals, friendships, knowledge, skills and, all throughout the learning process, we grew together despite our differences in views, perspectives, culture, and language. This Training by APCD is very unique for me. It’s also my first time to attend an international training for leaders. As a hard of hearing leader, I will use what I have learned here in APCD and will spread this around the Philippines for a stronger, better and more empowered HoH community. Now, I have so many ideas and challenges in mind, all of which have awakened me and made me aware. This is not the end but a beginning of a new journey to serve the hard of hearing community.” Bhudbhad Bhongcharoensuk Marketing Support Associate, Srithai Superware PCL, Thailand I am Bhudbhad, or Gigi, from Bangkok. I began to lose my hearing since the age of four years old. While in school, I almost felt lonely because I was not able to communicate with others. But I tried hard to develop my skills, and then helped friends so that they become aware of persons who are deaf and are hard of hearing. The APCD Training helped me develop real knowledge about the empowerment and awareness of persons who are hard of hearing. Social media, in particular, play an important role in my life. I aim to empower other persons who are hard of hearing and I wish I could develop an application for mobile phones, which can adapt spoken voice into text and sign language to assist all persons with hearing loss. Additionally, this is not just for the deaf and hard of hearing, but also for the blind and persons with intellectual disability. Ms. Jakrada Attarataya Assistant Researcher, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Thailand “I would like to give great credit and appreciation to APCD and their collaborations because this TCTP for the hard of hearing gave invaluable knowledge and empowerment in building inclusive communities of persons with disabilities, especially its special strategies on planning activities. This Training encouraged me to be a role model as a leader for seeking development in the community through the facilitators’ experiences. It builds up and strengthens networks between emerging groups in the Asia-Pacific region. It also changed my attitude towards other emerging groups such as persons with intellectual disability, autism, and deaf-blind. New knowledge and information gained from this Training are very useful in planning and designing several potential projects for the improvement of living standards of persons with hearing loss in my country, especially education and health care, by beginning with small groups such as a hospital or school using smart strategies.” Ms. Kaewkul Tantipisitkul Research Assistant, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Thailand “Although the term hard of hearing (HoH) is not new in our society, I have never heard of it as referring to a group before because I was living in mainstream society all my life. The Training for HoH helped me to understand other countries’ situations, especially in showing how society has given us our identity. That gives me a clearer picture about what we have to do and what my vision is in planning strategies for HoH in Thailand. It has fulfilled my desire to understand the importance of empowerment, knowledge, skills and attitude, as all of these could provide a much-needed change. These strategies are important in empowering estranged persons who are hard of hearing and help them get rid of barriers. To have a better quality of life, our society needs to have freedom of communication and be assertive in all forms of information. Action creates change! Ms. Sudarat Makeshine Trainer, The Learning and Skill Improvement Service (LSIS), Thailand “I thank you APCD for opening the door of opportunity. This training has been invaluable in helping my country. The Training allowed me to discuss with international participants, experts and APCD staff with varying experiences and vision. As increasing numbers of HoHD persons are now entering mainstream society, it is vital that HoHD persons can participate fully in all aspects of life. One way to achieve this is for other hearing persons to be made aware of HoHD persons’ needs, and to be able to collaborate with HoHD persons. Consequently, I have a greater understanding of CBID, particularly with regard to empowerment and sustainability development, networking, collaboration and fundraising. This Training has given me insights into how we could contribute to deepen the knowledge of Thai government authorities with the ideas of development strategies such as how HoHD awareness and action plans could be run and set up. This will enhance their awareness towards HoHD persons.” Ms. Duong Phuong Hanh Director, Center for Research and Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Vietnam I am the president of Asia Pacific Federation the Hard of Hearing and Deafened (APFHD). With such position, I was lucky to be informed about the program early on. I was really impressed (with the Training) and wanted to discover more about the CBID and how it is used in our society. Learning is really valuable especially if it supplies us with tools, resources, and information to reach our goals that move barriers and create development in the disability field. Being a person with hearing loss, I am empowered and have improved my skills to serve my peers. It’s all worth it! As executive director for the Center for Research and Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, among my plans are to participate in advocacy programs on free assistive devices for persons with disabilities organized by the International Red Cross Committee; to organize an international workshop on “Children with Hearing Loss and Potential of Speech Development”; to present “Inclusive Education for Children with Hearing Loss in Vietnam” at the Asia Pacific Disability Forum in Hanoi; and to train the supporters for children and adults with hearing loss in various cities in Vietnam in 2014 and 2015. #Photos image: Icebreaker activity by participants image: Demonstrating a participatory training activity image: Discussing communication barriers of image: persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deafened image: Field visit to the Association of Parents for Thai Persons with Autism image: Field visit to the Center for Intellectually image: Disabled Innovation at the Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability of Thailand office image: Group photo of participants image: The Booklet on “Voice of Persons who are Hard of Hearing and Deafened in Asia and the Pacific” was utilized in the TCTP 2014. image: Available for Download at http://apcdfoundation.org/?q=content/voices-persons-who-are-hard-hearing-and-deafened-asia-and-pacific #Appendixes - Summary Report on Third Country Training Programme: Knowledge Creation Forum on Community-based Inclusive Development 2014 (Capacity-building of Persons who are Hard of Hearing) in Accessible Formats (Text, Epub and Readable PDF) - Country Report Presentations Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) 255 Rajvithi Road, Rajthevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand Telephone : +66 (0)2 354-7505 | Fax: +66 (0)2 354-7507 Email: info@apcdfoundation.org | Website: www.apcdfoundation.org END