[page 1] Sharing APCD with Disabled Leaders from All Over the World APCD Mission Report Regional Workshop on Disability and Development Regional Workshop on Disability and Development, ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines October 2-4, 2002 The Asian Development Bank organized a Regional Workshop on “Disability and Development” on 2 October 2002, at the ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines. After the 11 September 2001 terrorist attack in New York City, developed countries planned to promote prevention of terrorism by working on the prevention of poverty, as well as poverty alleviation. ADB was planning to promote poverty alleviation on the disability population in the Asian and Pacific Region. The World Bank estimated that 20% of poorest population belongs to persons with disabilities. The keynote address delivered by Senator Eita Yashiro, Ex-Minister of the Japanese Government and Past Chairperson of Disabled Peoples’ International, was titled “Promoting Inclusive Strategies for Disability Issues in Development”. He emphasized that ADB should collaborate with APCD in a poverty reduction program. APCD Chief Adviser, Akiie Ninomiya, presented a paper “Strategies for Mainstreaming Disability Issues in Developing Assistance Program”, which emphasized various strategies of the APCD Project such as multi-sectoral, participatory decision-making with persons with disabilities, collaboration with GOs and NGOs; process-oriented, human resources development, grass-root recruitment, community-based, policy advocacy, South to South, as well as collaboration with ADB for poverty alleviation. After showing the APCD introductory video and Mr. A. Ninomiya’s speech, Governments and NGOs representatives expressed their wish to cooperate with APCD. Participants in this workshop were mainly high-level representatives from governments, multilateral development banks, disability organizations, United Nations agencies, and other donor agencies. Disability issues in the Asia-Pacific region were discussed among participants. The following recommendations were given to assist people with disabilities to integrate into society: 1) They must be “visible”, 2) They must have the freedom to express their “voice”, especially between governments and disabled people’s organizations (DPOs), 3) Remove main barriers for people with disabilities and establish an accessible and barrier-free environment, 4) under the UN Charter of Human Rights, people with disabilities have the rights to an equal quality of life, rights, dignity, and services as other citizens. The regional workshop’s outputs were the following: 1) short and long term goals for including disability issues in development work, 2) regional Inside This Issue APCD Mission Reports, Japan, October 2002 Summaries of: The Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (1993-2002) The BIWAKO Millennium Framework for Action (2003-2012) International Organizations: Disability-concerned Roles &Responsibilities APCD Activities Regional News Editorial Message Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) 3rd floor, 60th Anniversary Bldg., 255 Rajvithi Rd., Rajthevi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand Tel : 66-(0)-2247-2619 Fax : 66-(0)-2247-2375 http://www.apcdproject.org Email : info@apcdproject.org Distinguish participants at the Regional Workshop on Disability and Development, Manila, Philippines [page 2] action plan to address disability issues with a poverty reduction strategy, 3) reports on mainstreaming disability issues into development policies, and 4) recommendations to the ADB based on workshop findings. Highlights of the workshops include: 1) strategies on rehabilitation, inclusion and empowerment, architecture and design, the provision of cost-effective assistive technologies and support for disabled people’s organizations, 2) identification and development on cross-cutting issues and 3) workshops comprised of keynote addresses, panel presentations, workshop groups, and presentation of reports. The APCD is seeking collaboration with ADB in the future. DPI the 8th Regional Assembly and the 20th Regional Training Seminar Disabled People’s International Asia- Pacific Region, The 8th Regional Assembly and the 20th Regional Training Seminar on Capacity Building of Person with Disabilities Shanghai, China, October 8-12, 2002 The regional assembly and training seminar consisted of participants from 28 countries within the Asia-Pacific region. On the opening day, APCD Chief Adviser, Prof. Akiie Ninomiya, introduced APCD at the Plenary III session. He encouraged persons with disabilities to be active and cooperative stakeholders in the APCD project, as well as policy-makers; he also encouraged Disabled Peoples’ International, Asian and Pacific Region to support and collaborate with APCD. On the third day, Ms. Venus Ilagan, Chairperson of DPI, Asia-Pacific Region chaired a panel discussion on “Post Decade Action in Connection with APCD, Convention and the Millennium Framework of Action”. Ms. Yukiko Nakanashi, Chairperson of the APCD Committee Japan, Mr. Topong Kulkhanchit and Mr. Prayad Punong-ong, Thai APCD Sub-committee members, and Mr. Shoji Nakanishi, APCD HRD Collaborator, as well as Mr. Akiie Ninomiya participated in creative discussion. The Shanghai Declaration of DPI clearly stated that “DPI will collaborate with APCD and its program in order to promote the empowerment of persons with disabilities and a barrier-free society. The Disabled Peoples’ International Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly declared concerns on: 1) working towards increasing the national membership with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, 2) organizing a “Leadership Training Seminar” for young leaders in the disability area, 3) empowering women with disabilities as leaders in disability areas, 4) promoting “Independent Living”, 5) achieving a barrier-free society for persons with disabilities, and 6) supporting persons with disabilities’ grass-root level organizations. At this event, it was also declared to commit a joint effort in the following areas: 1) the UN International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) targeting Human Rights of People with Disabilities in the Asia-Pacific Region, 2) the implementation of UNESCAP’s Biwako Millennium Framework for Action, 3) to collaborate with the Asia- Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), and 4) to achieve a comprehensive and integral international connection to promote and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. The 20th DPI Asia Pacific Regional Training Seminar, Shanghai, China Special Thanks: APCD Project would like to express appreciation for two important contributions towards the APCD project. First, our honor and gratitude to Thailand's HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for contributing US$50,000 from the Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) International Disability Award Prize rewarded to Thailand in 2000. We are also delighted to express special thanks to Ms. Yukiko Nakanishi, the President of Asia Disability Institute and Chairperson of JICA’s Advisory Committee on APCD, who kindly contributed her reward from the 6th Annual Kazuo Itoga Memorial Prize (? 2,000,000) for the implementation of the APCD project. This prize is devoted “to honor leading figures in the field of welfare for the disabled, in Japan and the Asia- Pacific Region.” We are indeed honored to have two prestigious award funds to the APCD project. We, APCD, plan to organize an APCD Foundation for future contributions and support. FDR’s Bust Ms. Yukiko Nakanishi was presented an Itoga award. [page 3] Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) 6th World Assembly Disabled People’s International (DPI) 6th World Assembly , Sapporo, Japan 15-18 October 2002 This DPI World Assembly organized by persons with disabilities had approximately 3000 participants from 109 countries and 4000 volunteers and staff members attending. The main theme of the Assembly was “Freedom from Barriers: Celebrating Diversity and Rights” due to the living conditions of persons with disabilities facing deplorable conditions, isolated and excluded from their communities by barriers of policy, environment and attitudes. Forty different workshops such as Human Rights, Independent Living, Access, etc. were held concurrently. Ms. Yukiko Nakanishi, President of the Asia Disability Institute and Chairperson of JICA’s Advisory Committee on APCD chaired a workshop on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, discussing “Outcomes Learned”. This was followed by a presentation and video of the APCD project by Ms. Naoko Ito, JICA Expert explaining APCD’s vision, goals and stakeholders. One Japanese participant previously confined to an institution for severely disabled persons stated he was so pleased to learn that APCD will play an important role in promoting independent living of persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. Yet another stated, “I am convinced that APCD is a tangible response to the Asia-Pacific regional needs on disability”. Since PWDs rights under the United Nations (UN) Conventions are generally marginalized in monitoring procedures, DPI made the following declarations: “1) We demand a specific international human rights convention that is reflective of the full range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, and a strong convention-monitoring mechanism to ensure the credibility, legitimacy, and efficacy of the convention, 2) demand a voice of our own in the development of this instrument and consultation at all levels on all matters of concern, 3) request the UN Secretary-General to continue providing facilities for development of an International Human Rights Convention for disabled persons, 4) urge all UN members to support this convention and establish a Voluntary Fund, 5) educate the public and their political representatives on the need and benefits of the convention, and 6) encourage every country to adopt and implement anti-discrimination legislation and policies that ensure equalization of opportunity for persons with disabilities”. Osaka Forum Osaka Forum , Osaka, Japan 21-23 October 2002 Solid Alliance among Disability-Concerned NGOs and their Partnership with APCD The Osaka Forum was held in Osaka, Japan from 21-23 October 2002 with the theme “Partnership for Disability Rights.” Two thousand and four hundred persons of 55 nationalities representing governments, UN agencies, international and national non-governmental organizations working for/with/of people with disabilities participated. The Forum consisted of three international and one Japanese national conferences: 1) the 12th Rehabilitation International, Asia and the Pacific Regional Conference, 2) Campaign 2002 to Promote the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 3) the International Research Meeting on Vocational Rehabilitation, and 4) the 25th National Rehabilitation Conference. The theme, “Partnership for Disability Rights”, was symbolic of the current trend of disability-concerned work in the Asia-Pacific region. More recently, diverse disability-concerned organizations work together to achieve their common goals, beyond differences of disability, individuals’ professional status and organizational status. Dr. Benja Chonlatanon, Chairperson of the Thai Preparatory Committee on APCD gave a presentation on the APCD Project, acknowledging the significant contributions of persons with disabilities thus far. Representatives of Inclusion International (II) and WBF articulated their desire to collaborate with APCD and expressed their deep appreciation for the initiatives of the Governments of Japan and Thailand. [Page 4] Mr. Yutaka Takamine, Social Affairs Officer of UN ESCAP, stressed that APCD, which targets people with disabilities in its human resource development program, has great potential to contribute to the region. In the Forum, there was an epoch-making dialogue, “Beyond the Asian and Pacific Decade: New Framework for Regional Cooperation”, among the Asia-Pacific regional representatives of the International Disability Alliance (IDA)-affiliated organizations. They were the Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI), Inclusion International (II), Rehabilitation International (RI), World Blind Union (WBU), World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB), and the World Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry (WNUSP). The Meeting declared to: 1) adopt a convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, 2) promote the second Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 3) urge relevant regional and national organizations to participate in and give support to the Asian and Pacific Disability Forum (APDF), and 4) make active efforts to exchange experience and work jointly with the African Decade of Disabled Persons (2000-2009), the Arab Decade of Disabled Persons (2003-2012) and the European Year of People with Disabilities (2003). High-level Intergovernmental Meeting Otsu High-level Intergovernmental Meeting to Conclude the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (1993-2002) Otsu, Japan, 25-28 October 2002 APCD’s Role in the UN ESCAP Biwako Millennium Framework for Action towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free, Rights-based Society for Persons with Disability in Asia and the Pacific The High-level Intergovernmental Meeting to Conclude the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, held in Otsu city, Japan from 25 to 28 October 2002 was opened by Mr. Yoshitsugu Kunimatsu, Governor of Shiga Prefecture. Other distinguished guests included H.E. Mr. Tetsuro Yano, Senior Vice-Minister of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Issei Anan, Parliamentary Secretary of the Japanese Cabinet Office, Mr. Kim Hak-Su, Executive Secretary of UN ESCAP as well as 300 high-level government representatives from 27 ESCAP countries. Main purposes of this meeting were: 1) to conclude the implementation of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993-2002, 2) to highlight the best policy and program development practices in the implementation of the Agenda for Action, and 3) to adopt the Biwako Millennium Framework (BMF) for Action: Towards an Inclusive, Barrier-Free and Rights-Based Society for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific. Leaders of people with disabilities from developing countries actively participated. Mr. Satoshi Fukushima, Associate Professor of the University of Tokyo, who is deaf and blind, stressed in his keynote address that, “An inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society, which respects and supports all the minority groups, will be able to achieve a fully sustainable development”. The BMF consists of 21 targets and 17 strategies supporting the achievement towards the framework for action. The Meeting adopted the BMF for Action as a “clear guide” for the next decade, to ensure that the paradigm shift from a charity-based approach to a rights-based approach be put into practice to protect the civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights of persons with disabilities. The Meeting recognized the importance of the varied sub-regional priorities and acknowledged that greater emphasis on sub-regional activities and their implementation would help facilitate achieving the targets of the BMF for Action. The Meeting also noted that the involvement of civil society, self-help organizations, and related non-governmental organizations are essential to pursue the targets and strategies in the new decade. Various stakeholders of disability issues actively participated in this meeting to conclude the implementation of the Decade and adopt the framework for action which states that APCD is the Asia-Pacific regional center to implement regional collaboration, indicating, “ Governments, the United Nations system, civil society organizations and the private sectors should collaborate, support and take advantage of the training and communication capability of the center. High-level Intergovernmental Meeting Otsu City, Japan [NL Page 5] Summary: The Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons 1993-2002 & The Biwako Millennium Framework for Action 2003-2012 APCD is the legacy of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons 1993-2002. The need to empower persons with disabilities and promote a barrier-free society became apparent as the Decade progressed. The 12 policy areas of the Decade were comprehensively reviewed at the BIWAKO Millenium Framework for Action in Otsu City, Japan, 25-28 October 2002 and 7 target areas and strategies for the new Decade were identified and addressed. The Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons , 1993-2002 n April, 1992, Governments of the ESCAP region declared 1993-2003 the “Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, with the motto “Full Participation and Equality of Persons with Disabilities”. Twelve policy areas of the Agenda for Action for the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993-2002 included the following: National Coordination Legislation Information Public Awareness Accessibility and Communication Education Training and Employment Prevention of Causes of Disability Rehabilitation Assistive Devices Self- help Organizations Regional Cooperation Throughout the Decade, a regional cooperation mechanism played an important role in coordinating regional actions in developing and monitoring the implementation of the Agenda for Action and the targets. The Regional Inter-agency Committee for Asia and the Pacific (RICAP) Subcommittee on Disability-related Concerns was expanded and strengthened in 1992 with 11 United Nations agencies, representatives of governments, service delivery and self-help non-governmental organizations (SHO) joining the Subcommittee. The Thematic Working Group on Disability-related Concerns (TWGDC) established in 2000 replaced the RICAP Subcommittee and continued to fulfill the goal of the Decade. ESCAP played a major supportive role in the Decade. ESCAP focused on policy areas concerning national coordination, legislation, information, accessibility, assistive devices and self-help organizations of persons with disabilities. ESCAP’s activities towards the 12 policy areas under the Agenda for Action include: National Coordination: ESCAP assisted a number of Governments of regional countries during inter-country seminars and conferences on multisectoral collaboration for persons with disabilities. Technical assistance addressed critical issues faced by national coordination committees on disability (NCCD). A questionnaire survey was carried out in 1997 to assess the progress made in the establishment and strengthening of NCCD in the region. Legislation: In 1995, ESCAP issued two companion publications as model frameworks of legislation to Governments in the region, (Legislation on Equal Opportunities and Full Participation in Development for Disabled Persons: Regional Review and Legislation on Equal Opportunities and Full Participation in Development for Disabled Persons: Examples from the ESCAP Region.) Public Awareness: ESCAP supported regional campaigns that were organized by the Regional NGO Network to promote the Decade in collaboration with host governments and local NGOs. Campaign 2001 was considered the largest regional campaign adopting the Hanoi Declaration that urged Governments in the region to extend the Asian and Pacific Decade, 1993-2002 for another decade. The next regional campaign was held in Osaka, Japan in October 2002. Information: Disability statistics are an important area of information. Two sub-regional workshops on disability statistics were organized in New Delhi, India and Shanghai, China. ESCAP developed a Decade homepage in 1997; http://www.unescap.org/decade providing links to disability-related workshops, information, resources, organizations, reports (especially TWGDC reports), and ESCAP’s publications and activities. [NL Page 6] 5. Accessibility and Communication: ESCAP organized one of two flagship programs to represent this priority area, with one being the development and strengthening of self-help organizations. The first phase focused on the development of regional guidelines for the promotion of non-handicapping environments for persons with disabilities and older persons. In 1995, the guidelines covered planning and building design, access policy provisions and legislation, and the promotion of public awareness to improve access. Phase two focused on the activities and implementation of the guidelines at the municipal level using pilot projects in Bangkok, Beijing and New Delhi. These projects led Governments to examine policies focusing on accessibility for persons with disabilities and encouraging improvement on related regulations. ESCAP initiatives in access promotion contributed to the formation of a regional network of persons with disabilities, architects, and urban planners who participated actively in training government officials and promoting non-handicapping environments at every level of the countries. Education: ESCAP supported the inclusion of children and youth with disabilities within the Education for All campaigns headed by UNESCO. Specific activities covered inclusive education seminars, a forum on the education of children and youth with disabilities and regional surveys on early intervention and education for all. Training and Employment: ESCAP collaborated with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to strengthen employment placement services. Both organizations contributed to RICAP’s training and employment activities within the region, including ESCAP’s input to the Global Applied Disability Research and Information Network on employment opportunities for persons with disabilities through various technologies. 8+9 Prevention of Causes of Disability and Rehabilitation Services: ESCAP focused on Community-based Rehabilitation by developing activities, workshops and providing advisory and technical assistance on the subject. Assistive Devices: ESCAP’s activities resulted in a series of publications on the production and distribution of assistive devices for persons with disabilities. Self-help organizations: The second of ESCAP’s two flagship programs was the empowerment of people with disabilities through their self-help organizations (SHOs). In 1990, ESCAP collaborated with SHOs in the region to develop a set of guidelines on establishing and strengthening SHOs. Self-help Organizations of Disabled Persons was established in 1991 and was translated into five national languages and English Braille. Additional activities included sub-regional workshops on the management of SHOs resulting in the publication of Management of Self-help Organizations of People with Disabilities including regular technical and advisory services in support of SHOs. 12. Other Issues: During the Decade other issues related to disabilities were also addressed. Women with disabilities represented one major issue. ESCAP collaborated with UNIFEM and RICAP to develop a project promoting the advancement of women and girls with disabilities. This project led to a publication entitled “Hidden Sisters: Women and Girls with Disabilities in the Asian and Pacific Region”. ESCAP organized a Regional Training Workshop on the Inclusion of Women and Girls with Disabilities in the Mainstream Gender Equality Initiatives collaborating with the Asia-Pacific Summit of Women Mayors and Councilors leading to the establishment of the Network of Women with Disabilities. Poverty among persons with disabilities is also another main concern. ESCAP’s activities were a Field Study-cum- Regional Seminar on Poverty Alleviation among Rural Persons with Disabilities held in Hyderabad, India in December 1999. This was one of the first seminars to present the issues of poor persons with disabilities in rural areas in the ESCAP region. Funds for technical cooperation for the Decade were contributed by Governments, labour organizations and private companies which enabled ESCAP to promote inter-country cooperation and facilitate national and local implementation in the 12 areas of the Agenda for Action. The purpose of the funds was for personnel support for the secretariat’s Decade promotion activities. In order to review the progress of the implementation of the Agenda for Action, ESCAP organized regional meetings at various points during the Decade. The first review was held in 1995 in Bangkok, Thailand; the second one in 1997 in Seoul, Korea, and the third in 1999 in Bangkok, Thailand. The review culminated with the “High-level Intergovernmental Meeting to Conclude the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993-2002” held in Otsu City, Japan in October , 2002. [NL Page 7] The New Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons: Biwako Millennium Framework for Action: Towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific In May 2002, ESCAP adopted Resolution 58/4 on “Promoting an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for people with disabilities in the Asian and Pacific region in the twenty-first century”. To effectively do so, ESCAP declared an extension of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993-2002 for another decade, 2003- 2012. “Biwako” comes from the largest freshwater lake (“Lake Biwa”, “ko” means lake) located in Otsu city, Japan. “Millennium” indicates that the Framework is being adopted at the beginning of the new millennium and is also structured to supplement the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and targets. The “Biwako Millennium Framework” outlines priorities on issues, action plans, and strategies towards an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for persons with disabilities in the Asian and Pacific region. An “inclusive society” is a society for all, “barrier-free society” refers to a society free from institutional, physical, and attitudinal barriers including social, economic and cultural barriers. “Rights-based society” means a society based on the human rights of all individuals where people with disabilities are also valued and placed at the center of all decisions and activities affecting them. This framework identifies 7 priority areas for action, and strategies to support the achievement of all the targets. The new decade is a paradigm shift from a charity-based approach to a rights-based approach to protect the civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights of persons with disabilities. To pursue the targets and strategies, consultations with and involvement of civil society, inter alia in this decade, self-help organizations and concerned NGOs are very important. Priority areas of the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action are: 1) Self-help organizations of persons with disabilities and related family and parent associations (SHOs) Targets: 1. Government funding and NGO policies are to support SHOs by 2004. 2. Government and civil society should fully include persons with disabilities within the decision-making process. Strategies: - Increase the level of consultations with SHOs. - Set up a Government Policy review panel. - Increase representation of persons with disabilities. - Improve capacity- building. - Engage persons with disabilities in rural areas. - International agencies and NGOs should provide priority to SHOs. 2) Women with disabilities Targets: 3. To create and provide anti-discrimination measures by 2005. 4. Self-help organizations’ policies should encourage promoting women with disabilities by 2005. 5. Women with disabilities should be included in mainstream women’s associations by 2005. Strategies: Promote equal access and non- discrimination. Increase public awareness and information. Engage representation of women with disabilities. Encourage training, leadership, self-help and capacity-building for women with disabilities. 3) Early detection, early intervention, and education Targets: 6. By 2010 75% of children with disabilities should receive full primary education. 7. Children with disabilities should be integrated to MDG on primary education by 2015. 8. Early intervention should be provided to all children by 2012. 9. Ensure that early detection of children with disabilities is provided at a very early stage. Strategies: - Set up legislation to enforce Education for All. - Set up policies, plans, and a budget for Education for All for children with disabilities. - Data collection and target setting on related issues. - Provide early detection and intervention services. - Create accessible schools and school transport by 2012. - Improve the quality of education for all children. - Encourage regional cooperation. 4) Training and employment, including self-employment Targets: 10. By 2012, 30% of the signatories should ratify the ILO Convention (No. 159), 1983 By 2012, 30% of vocational training programs should include persons with disabilities. 12. Reliable data on employment for persons with [PAGE 8] disabilities should be provided by 2010. Strategies: - Examine, ratify and implement the ILO Convention (No. 159), 1983 - Provide employer incentives and have the government as an employer model. - Improve training capacity and access. - Build social partnerships and increase funding. - Support persons with disabilities in entrepreneurship and credit programs. - Collect data and disseminate information. 5) Accessibility: Environment and public transport Targets: 13. Adopt and enforce accessibility standards. 14. Full accessible transport should be new and existing by 2012. 15. Promote inclusive design in loan/grant criteria. Strategies: - Exchange information on accessible environments. - Promote inclusive design principles in professional education. - Provide innovative techniques to enhance accessibility. - Appraise mechanisms on standards. - Include accessibility needs in rural and agricultural development programs. - Create an access “officer post” at various levels. - Encourage self-help organizations to present their needs collectively. 6) Access to information and communication, including information, communication and assistive technologies. Targets: 16. Provide equal Internet access by 2005. 17. Develop international ICT standards and accessibility by 2004. 18. Develop national ICT standards and accessibility by 2005. 19. Develop a standardized sign language, finger Braille, etc. 20. Establish a proper system of employable sign language interpreters and Braille transcribers. Strategies: - Encourage Government laws, policies and programs. - Set up ICT Accessible Unit in the government and encourage private companies to establish an equivalent unit. - Encourage universal, open and non-proprietary standards. - Develop standard character encoding and modeling. - Support donor agencies to include ICT accessibility in award criteria. - Establish a regional working group to develop ICT standards. 7) Poverty alleviation through capacity-building, social security and sustainable livelihood programs Targets: 21. Halve the proportion of persons with disabilities living on less than $1/ day (between 1990 and 2015), Strategies: - Include persons with disabilities in poverty alleviation programs. - Provide data collection, poverty mapping, and funding. - Develop mainstream disability issues - Build strategic alliances among stakeholders. - Develop prevention and rehabilitation strategy. - Organize self-help groups including consumer networks. http://www.dpa.org.sg You can Inform a person in a wheelchair of your intention e.g. when tilting the wheelchair Make sure the seat belt if any) is fastened before moving off Apply the brakes when the wheelchair is stationary, you are transferring and when leaving the wheelchai unattended Ask the person in the wheelchair if they are comfortable especially if they have been transferred. Always maintain at least one wheelchair length behind another "pusher" Ask for assistance if you cannot overcome an obstacle Look ahead to avoid sudden changes in level and other hazards Look out for drain gratings and approach in a diagonal manner Push wheelchair on the walkway rather than on the main road (if possible) [Page 9] Summary of Roles/Responsibilities of International Organizations on Persons with Disabilities United Nations The United Nations (UN) with a total membership of 191 countries is committed to preserve peace through international cooperation and collective security. The UN’s mission on Persons with Disabilities’ issues is “to assist in the promotion of effective measures for prevention of disability, rehabilitation, and the realization of the goals of full participation of disabled persons in social life and development, and of equality.” As affirmed by the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenants on Human Rights and related human rights instruments, Persons with Disabilities are entitled to exercise their civil, political, social and cultural rights on an equal basis with non-disabled persons. United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Provide access to the “Section for Special Needs Education” in the Division of Basic Education. Published “Teacher Training Resource Pack” translated into more than 20 languages used for worldwide purpose in pre- and in-service training units. Launched an “Inclusive Schools and Community Support Programmes” in 1996 for participating countries to experience inclusive schooling for the development of national policies and applications. International Labour Organization (ILO) Promote the role of employers’ organizations and groups by increasing opportunities for people with disabilities. Promote the issues of disability among trade unions. Develop the regional website www.ilo.org/abilityasia Promote awareness of international labour standards (ILO Convention 159 concerning Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Disabled Persons). Protect workers from becoming disabled. World Health Organization (WHO) Promote the concept and rehabilitation of community- based rehabilitation. The definition of health following the WHO Constitution is “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The goal of the WHO Disability and Rehabilitation Programme is to enhance the quality of life and offer equal opportunities for all persons with disabilities throughout their life span. Develop a new definition of “Disability”: International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Provide training programmes for farmers with disabilities in mushroom production, integrated pest management, sericulture production and food processing. International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Raise funds to develop programmes for women, including women with disabilities and enhance ICT skills. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Develop the UNDP Disability Action Group. Promote Community-Based Rehabilitation. Include persons with disabilities into the mainstream program on sustainable human development. Promote new approaches to the socio-economic integration of persons with disabilities. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Prioritize assistance and implement specific projects for refugees with disabilities. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Build joint technical capacity by developing training materials, workshops, guidelines with indicators for early detection, and designing effective interventions. Include access to mainstream education and other social services for children with disabilities. Support childhood disability programmes and provide technical assistance in collaboration with Rehabilitation International. World Bank-Disability and Development Division Integrate disability into the World Bank’s poverty alleviation efforts. Address needs of poor disabled people in developing countries around the world. Asian Development Bank (ADB) Assist ADB’s structure to have a greater awareness about disability issues and provide tools for including disability issues in its activiites. Identify disability issues in poverty reduction covering 4 countries in the region. Include disability issues in the Social Protection Strategy. [Page 10] Activities of the APCD Project APCD Activities in Brief October – December 2002 In October, several remarkable events for people with disabilities took place in Japan; the DPI 6th World Assembly in Sapporo, Campaign 2002/Osaka Forum in Osaka and the UN ESCAP High-Level Intergovernmental Meeting in Shiga. All these events, we believe, will help people with disabilities and encourage them to move forward into a new stage of development in the disability movement. The above events were also especially meaningful for the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability Project (APCD Project), since our goals, visions and spirit were closely reflected in these events. The APCD Project actively participated in those meetings as well. Mr. Ninomiya, Chief Adviser of the APCD, showed a video of APCD and gave presentation on the Project and Ms. Ito, JICA expert on human resource development, had a group session/discussion with a variety of participants from all over the world. The favorable responses from participants confirmed the significance of APCD’s programme for persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific Region. The APCD Opening Ceremony was held at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok on 3 December 2002, the International Day for Disabled Persons, with approximately 300 participants. Excellent speeches were delivered by Mr. Chaturon Chaisaeng, the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Anurak Chureemas, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security, and Ms. Keiko Okaido, Deputy Executive Secretary of ESCAP. In addition, Mr. Atsushi Tokinoya, the Japanese Ambassador and Mr. Yutaka Fujimoto, Senior Vice-President of JICA extended congratulations on the opening of the project. APCD representatives also participated in the Sixteenth National Conference on Mental Retardation in Calicut, Kerala, India from December 29-31, 2002. They gave a presentation on the APCD project, and exchanged knowledge, experiences and ideas with Indian colleagues. Plan of Activities January – June 2003 January 6th: 2nd APCD Newsletter 27th -1st February: Independent Living Training, Thailand, 27 January - 1 February 2003 31st: Deadline of the APCD logo contest February 2nd week: Mission to Viet Nam 25th – 11th March: Non-Handicapping Environment Training: Regional Training Course for Trainers on the Promotion of a Non-handicapping Environment for People with Disabilities, Bangkok, Thailand 25th – 28th: Representatives of the South African Decade of Disabled visit the APCD project March 1st week: Mission to Fiji 3rd week: Mission to Cambodia April 1st Week: 3rd APCD Newsletter June 3rd Week: CBR training APCD Mission Team to India Year 2003 January February March 2nd Newsletter 6 Independent Living Training 27-1 Deadline of the APCD Logo Contest 31 Mission to Viet Nam Non-handicapping Environment Training 25-11 Mission to Fiji Mission to Cambodia Year 2003 April May June 3rd Newsletter CBR Training [Page 11] Regional News!!! U.N. ESCAP Report: Most of the World’s Disabled Persons Live in South, Southeast Asia According to UNESCAP, nearly two-thirds of the world’s disabled people live in South and Southeast Asia. They are poor and face discrimination which deprives them of social opportunity. Their disabilities mainly result from food/nutritional problems, road accidents, aging, alcohol dependence and schizophrenia. Women and girls with disabilities face the most severe discrimination. ESCAP said that there is a strong need to improve community access to education, training and rehabilitation for persons with disabilities in the region. For more information, http://www.disabilityworld.org Discrimination against Disability in Fiji Twenty percent of the communities in Fiji and Australia tolerate discrimination against people with disabilities, Graeme Innes, Deputy Disability Discrimination Commissioner for the Human Rights Commission in Australia, says. He went on to say that politicians in Fiji should move to rectify discrimination of disabled people in the country. Finally, he pointed out that many people with disabilities seeking jobs were unemployed because either the facilities were inaccessible or the attitude of employers meant that they were just not chosen for the jobs. For more information, http://www.fijilive.com Rights of the Disabled in Fiji The Fiji Human Rights Commission urged the Government to create a barrier-free and rights-based society for all disabled people living in the country by means of setting up a Cabinet committee to discuss the proposed UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and the Implementation of the Disability Action Plan. The Commission also suggested that this committee should include representatives of people with disabilities and take immediate action as it not only benefits people with disabilities but also people in general. For more information, http://www.fijilive.com Long Wait for Disability Law in Cambodia Draft legislation to protect the rights of people with disabilities has been caught in the planning stage for six years despite the large number of people affected by it in Cambodia. In order to accelerate the draft process, it might be necessary to seek the help and full support of Prime Minister Hun Sen who lost one eye during the war and is keen to help people with disabilities. For further information, http://www.PhnomPenhPost.com * Any disability-related news is welcome to be included in our newsletter. Please submit your news to us!! Widening the Net’02 Series Seminar on “Universal Web Accessibility-Building Digital Ramps” in India A seminar on Universal Web Accessibility-Building Digital Ramps was organized by Enabling Dimensions India on 20 November 2002 to raise a social awareness on universal web accessibility. This seminar addressed the diverse needs of people with disabilities for equal access to electronic information. It also included the issue of web accessibility for the purpose of improving the quality of lives of people with disabilities. Dr. M.M. Pant, former Pro Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU, said that “We will be setting up a larger group of organizations to further the cause of equal access to electronic information. We are also organizing a training workshop for web developers to educate them how to develop accessible websites on the occasion of World Disability Day. We will also be approaching IT secretaries of various state governments to ensure that at least the government websites are accessible.” For more information, http://www.icdri.org PNG’ s Representative in DPI Seminar and World Assembly Mr. John Dable Nebare reported that there were many disabled people in Papua New Guinea (PNG) but no opportunities and incentives were created for them to live independently. After being invited to attend the 20th Asia and Pacific Regional Disabled People International Training Seminar held in Shanghai, China from 8-12 October 2002, and the DPI Sixth World Assembly in Sapporo, Japan from 15-18 October 2002, PNG’s participation in these internationally recognized meetings has opened the door for disabled people in the country. He added, “the physically disabled will be considered for assistance in terms of seeking cures, caring, education and promotion of a barrier-free environment for them”. In the meantime, he urged all disabled people in PNG to co-operate and help the PNG NADP because there will be no success without cooperation. He also said that he would never forget the opportunity he had to participate and represent PNG in the international meetings in October 2002 and vowed to commit himself towards strengthening the national assembly. For more information, http://www.thenational.com International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December 2002 According to the United Nations, the theme of the International Day of Disabled Persons in 2002 was “independent living and sustainable livelihoods.” This does not only mean highlighting the link between independent living and sustainable livelihoods but also their important role in developing and achieving full participation and equality in all aspects of life. The theme also linked human rights and development issues, whereby human rights issues are addressed through a systematic guarantee of access for all people. In essence, it highlights recent efforts to find innovative approaches to achieve the long-held goal of full [Page 12] and equal participation of persons with disabilities in the lives of their societies. The following activities were organized in many countries in the Asia-Pacific region to celebrate the International Day for Disabled Persons on 3 December 2002. Viet Nam Hanoi Outdoor event at Lenin Park by groups of persons with disabilities and Disability Forum Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Disabled meeting at Suoi Tien; 5000 disabled persons and 300 volunteers participated. Writing competition with the topic on “Reaching out and Integrating” by Sai Gon Giani Phong Newspaper and HCMC Association of Support for Persons with Disabilities and Orphans Seminar on “Implementation of the PWD Ordinance in Everyday Life” by HCMC. A Picnic at Tuc Mac Park; 120 disabled persons participated. Ha-giang, Music show Philippines A whole day awareness campaign on disability rights A disability sports Olympics A one-day medical mission A symposium on special needs education A medical symposium Australia The Australia Council joined art agencies across Australia in recognizing the contribution of artists with disabilities. Thailand A seminar on “Thailand’s Preparation to Progress towards the Convention on the Protection of Persons with Disabilities’ Rights” A seminar on “Vocational promotion and development of people with visual impairment after the Year of Employment Promotion” The 8nd Bangkok Handi Marathon Amazing Bowling game Storytelling by sign language Miss Wheelchair contest in Thailand 2002 Editorial Message This second edition includes summaries of the many conferences held in October 2002 which confirms the vital role of regional cooperation concerning people with disabilities. APCD strives to be an effective channel in the new Decade to empower persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. Regional news to be included in future issues is welcome. Let’s work together! Thank You Pat Watanasin APCD ICT staff