[page 1]

ICT and Information Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities have been struggling to access information; blind persons are unable to access print materials such as the newspaper, magazines and novels, deaf persons have problems communicating with others, and mobility impaired persons have difficulty in going out to get information. 

To meet these needs, information accessibility has been promoted and assistive devices have been developed; such as Braille, text enlarger, hearing aid devices and sign language. Interestingly, the typewriter and telephone were originally invented to help persons with disabilities, which are now widely used for non-disabled persons. 

In the 21st Century information and communication technologies (ICTs) are widely used to access information. People use ICT in their daily living, business and education. 

In developing countries especially, the majority of persons with disabilities have been excluded from ICT even though there are great potential benefits. 

In Asia and the Pacific, efforts have been made to promote information and communication accessibility for persons with disabilities; the effort of the United Nation Economic and Social Council for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) through the Biwako Millennium Framework (BMF) is substantial. 

APCD has also made intensive efforts to raise information and ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities through its training program. 

APCD also provides an accessible website and publishes a quarterly newsletter, “Empowerment” for information sharing with APCD focal points and associate organizations, and for public awareness of disability issues in the region. Disability country profiles as well as regional news are the main content.   

ICT and Information Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities – from a deaf person’s perspective
Mr. Muhammad Akram, Pakistan Associate of the Deaf, Pakistan

The importance of information is so obvious to live a better life, to make informed decisions, and nowadays there are many ways to be informed about almost everything; information dissemination is so fast that the huge world becomes a global village.
Radio, TV channels, newspapers and the Internet are merging (radio, TV, newspapers) are the main source of information. But are these sources accessible?
As member of the deaf community, I’d like to pinpoint some of the barriers that do not let deaf people access information. 
Obviously, radio is totally inaccessible for the Deaf and we can not do anything in this regard; TV channels are a great means of entertainment, information and education, but TV channels also are not accessible for the Deaf.  But, we can make TV channels accessible for the deaf community unlike the radio.
Two possible ways to make TV channels accessible for the Deaf are:
-	Captioning (displaying text as an alternative to voice)
-	Interpreting (translating voice into sign language)
The 2nd option is best for the deaf community. From captioning only those who can read and understand a spoken language can benefit.
The websites on Internet are another great means of information, education and entertainment.
If we care a few things, we can make the websites more accessible for the deaf community.
For a deaf person, the greatest barrier is the language barrier. Spoken language is not the first language for the Deaf; our native language is sign language. It is suggested the website be made more accessible using clear and simple language and adding content-related images. This not only helps deaf people but also non-deaf people when the text is in English and their first language is not English.
With internet becoming more popular, more websites have started using videos. If there is no captioning or alternate text, these videos are not accessible for deaf people. Please remember there are people who can not listen to the video and need an alternative text or interpreting.
It is the same with flash movies/animations. I received an e-card in which two characters were saying something about being deaf but I wasn’t able to understand anything. I believe it’s just a matter of awareness; technically, it’s not hard to add an alternative text.
Besides these two main accessibility problems, any website that requires voice input is also not accessible for the Deaf; if there are announcements concerning events, etc., make sure there is a visual alternative like popup status / info windows.
To make the websites more accessible: 
-	have a clear, simple, and easy to understand text along with content-related images
-	use captions or an alternative text with a video, preferably in sign language
-	have an alternative option for voice input
-	make sure sound announcements are accompanied by a visual one.


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ICT and Information Accessibility for PWD – from a blind person’s perspective
Wiraman Niyomphol
Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University, Thailand

  
We all know that Information and Communication Technology affects all of society these days. It is hard to avoid the use of computers and various software applications, searching for information via Internet, or using a mobile phone. Technology is advancing all the time. How does a blind persons access information like a sighted person and keep up with these changes?

The fact that the blind cannot see information on the computer screen or read printed documents is a typical barrier.  Thanks to advancement in the field of assistive technology for the Blind, we can now enjoy almost full access to information available. Since we cannot use our eyes to read, we have to rely on other senses such as listening to audio information and reading Braille with our fingers. How can these senses be used to help us access information electronically?

The first and most popular solution is to use speech technology to help in reading information. A special type of software called Screen Reader is generally used to do this task by interfacing with an existing operating system and sending speech output to the sound card. When the Screen Reader is loaded onto a computer, the Blind can hear what was typed from the keyboard and messages from the computer screen will be verbalized. The Blind should be taught how to touch type so that it is not necessary to have special Braille labels on the keyboard. While navigating through information such as document or web pages, text can be spoken by characters, words, lines, or larger portions such as paragraphs or the whole document. The Blind can go through Windows desktop, start the menu, jump into all the applications and review information shown on the screen. We can use Word, Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Excel, PowerPoint and whatever other applications that are installed on that computer.

Instead of using a Screen Reader, a low vision person can use Screen Magnification software to enlarge the text on the screen. In addition to a Screen Reader, a blind person can use a Braille display attached to the computer to provide refreshable Braille access while using speech. Braille translation software and Braille printer are used to produce a Braille hardcopy of documents. Special font and point size can be selected to print documents in larger size for a low vision person. A commercially available scanner used with optical character recognition software can read printed text. Special software loaded to a mobile phone allows full control of various options of the phone. While most of these technologies are made for the blind, many low vision persons who believe in blindness techniques do take advantage of available technologies also.
 
As we move forward, more blind and low vision persons in the region should be given the opportunities to use these technologies by providing equipment with proper consultation and training. While we enjoy access information mostly in English, efforts should be made to research, modify or adapt these technologies for use in different local languages. This is a big challenge to achieve equal access of information in all languages for different levels of blindness and low vision persons.

Principles of Assistive Technology for Persons with Disabilities

Assistive Technology Device: any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. It can only enhance basic skills, it cannot replace them. 

Example
Assistive Devices for Persons with Visual Impairments

CCTV and Magnification Scanning Systems
CCTV - "A closed-circuit television (CCTV) system uses a stand-mounted or hand-held video camera to project a magnified image onto a video monitor or a television (TV) screen".  
       
Stand-alone units        Hand-held camera connected to a monitor or TV

Please see: MagniCam – Innovations http://www.magnicam.com/magnicam 

Screen Magnification Software

ZoomText: magnifies text and graphics programs. 
Magnification levels from 2x to 16x ; 
zoom by full-screen, single line, partial-screen or moving lens; 
 
Please see http://www.synapseadaptive.com/aisquared/zoomtext_9/zoomtext_9_home_page.htm

Screen Reader
JAWS: With its internal software speech synthesizer and the computer’s sound card, information from the screen is read aloud, providing technology to access a wide variety of information, education and job related applications.
 
(Please see: http://www.freedomscientific.com/fs_products/software_jaws.asp )


DAISY Digital Talking Book (DTB)
A new style of reading book for persons with print disabilities – an accessible multimedia talking book developed by the DAISY Consortium
(Please see: http://www.daisy.org/, http://www.daisy-for-all.org/ )

 

*DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System): An open international standard for producing accessible and navigable multimedia documents.
	
On Screen Key Board: a utility that displays a virtual keyboard on the computer screen that allows people with mobility impairments to type data by using a pointing device or joystick.




Key Guard: fits over the keyboard to help prevent unintentional keypresses
 


For more information of Assistive Technologies:
Micro Soft Assistive Technology Product: http://www.microsoft.com/enable/at/default.aspx
IBM Accessibility Center: http://www-306.ibm.com/able/


Monthian Article on BMF and WSIS
APCD Activities on ICT Trainings
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays an increasingly important role in widening the opportunities of persons with disabilities’ lives to access equal participation in social activities. APCD, with its objective to empower persons with disabilities and create a barrier-free society through the use of ICT, implements 3 ICT training courses including: 
1)	Accessible Web-based Information Networking introducing the skills of creating and developing accessible and informative websites, which contribute to APCD's regional information networking.
2)	ICT for All: Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) for persons with Print Disability promoting the concept of DAISY technology and teaching how to produce multimedia talking books with the DAISY format and 
3)	ICT for Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs) training trainers in computer operation for VIPs with assistive devices/software to be able to design and teach appropriate computer training for VIPs.
 
Through these 3 ICT courses, APCD has developed more than 100 human resources from developing countries in the Asia-Pacific Region. ICT accessibility and literacy are greatly and effectively promoted by those trained participants. 

Significant examples of APCD’s former training participants are: 

1) The Philippines: National Council for the Welfare of the Disabled Persons (NCWDP) is fully promoting information accessibility through a series of local and national workshops on an accessible website, in which more than 70 webmasters were trained. Resource for the Blind, Philippine Printing House for the Blind, and Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation for, Interrelation, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV) are also promoting information accessibility through DAISY production. 
2) Pakistan: Pakistan Association of the Deaf (PAD) organized an Assistive Devices and ICT Accessibility Seminar in July. There were more than 60 representatives from Disabled Peoples’ Organizations (DPO) in Karachi learning and raising public awareness on information accessibility and networking. 
3) Fiji: UNESCO and Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons (FNCDP) organized a workshop on Assistive Devices and Information Accessibility in collaboration with United Blind Persons and Fiji Disabled Peoples Association (FDPA). There were representatives of DPO from 7 Pacific Islands. 
4) Cambodia and Thailand: Khrousar Thmey, Association of the Blind in Cambodia (ABC) and Christian Foundation of the Blind in Thailand (CFBT) are providing computer training for visually impaired persons and students. 
5) Viet Nam: DAISY books have been widely produced by Sao Mai Computer Center for the Blind and Vocational Training Center for the Blind.

[page 3]

APCD Activities on ICT Trainings
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
plays an increasingly important role in widening the
opportunities of persons with disabilities’ lives to access
equal participation in social activities. APCD, with its
objective to empower persons with disabilities and create a
barrier-free society through the use of ICT, implements 3
ICT training courses including:
1) Accessible Web-based Information Networking
introducing the skills of creating and developing accessible
and informative websites, which contribute to APCD’s
regional information networking.
2) ICT for All: Digital Accessible Information System
(DAISY) for persons with print disability promoting the
concept of DAISY technology and teaching how to produce
multimedia talking books with the DAISY format and
3) ICT for Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs) training
trainers in computer operation for VIPs with assistive
devices/software to be able to design and teach appropriate
computer training for VIPs.
Through these 3 ICT courses, APCD has developed
more than 100 human resources from developing countries
in the Asia-Pacific Region. ICT accessibility and literacy are
greatly and effectively promoted by those trained participants.
Significant examples of APCD’s former training
participants are:
1) The Philippines: National Council for the Welfare
of the Disabled Persons is fully promoting information
accessibility through a series of local and national
workshops on an accessible website, in which more than
70 webmasters were trained. Resource for the Blind,
Philippine Printing House for the Blind, and Adaptive
Technology for Rehabilitation for, Interrelation, and
Empowerment of the Visually Impaired are also promoting
information accessibility through DAISY production.
2) Pakistan: Pakistan Association of the Deaf
organized an Assistive Devices and ICT Accessibility
Seminar in July in Pakistan. There were more than 60
representatives from Disabled Peoples’ Organizations (DPO)
in Karachi learning and raising public awareness on
information accessibility and networking.
3) Fiji: UNESCO and Fiji Disabled People Association
organized a workshop on Assistive Devices and Information
Accessibility in collaboration with United Blind Persons,
National Council for Disabled Persons and APCD. There were
representatives of DPO from 7 Pacific Islands.
4) Cambodia and Thailand: Krousar Thmey,
Association of the Blind in Cambodia and Christian
Foundation of the Blind in Thailand are providing computer
training for visually impaired persons and students.
5) Viet Nam: DAISY books have been widely produced
by Sao Mai Computer Center for the Blind and Vocational
Training Center for the Blind.


[page 4]

Information and ICT Accessibility - Regional and International Movement
By Monthian Buntan
President, Thailand Association of the Blind
Introduction:
In many recent speeches and papers, I often stress the importance of information as a key to knowledge, knowledge as a key to power and power as the ultimate factor of anything to be achieved by any human being. However, in the case of persons with, the matter of access to information has not always been enjoyed link non-disabled persons. For example, it took over a hundred years for Braille to be accepted and sign languages have struggled even more so just to be recognized by the hearing society. Why are we bothering to mention ICT accessibility here when basic information accessibility needs cannot even be achieved?
Challenging and Overcoming Misconceptions:
Before the global community can address the issue of ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities and move forward effectively to achieve the ideal goal of an “inclusive information society”, several fundamental concepts must be well understood and accepted. The following are just key concepts:
1.	persons with disabilities must be accepted as members of society and enjoy the same level of human rights and fundamental freedoms as those without disabilities without any form of discrimination on the grounds of disability. 
2.	Access to information and communications by persons with disabilities must be fully respected as a human right to freedom of expression. (ICCPR, art. 19) 
3.	ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities is good for all members in society, including but not limited to the elderly, young children, indigenous people who may speak languages with or without scripts, and is technologically achievable now by following the universal design principle and the use of assistive technologies.
4.	All stakeholders within the information society must share the responsibility of making ICTs accessible to all including persons with disabilities. 
5.	ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities makes social, political and economic sense and enhances sustainable development of human society. 
With these concepts in mind, the global community should be ready to move forward. 
How has the world dealt with ICT Accessibility?
Until 1983 when the World Program of Action was declared by the United Nations, there was no clear evidence that the issue of ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities received any attention at the international level. ICT accessibility enjoyed a clear recognition in Rule 5 of the UN Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (United Nations, 1993) Early on, the term “accessibility” was commonly used and received recognition at the national level in the area of physical environment since 1960s mainly in North America and Europe.
Regional Movement in Asia and the Pacific 
The importance of accessibility of information and communication was more widely recognized in the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (1993-2002) as 12 Areas of Concern; No. 3 Information and No. 5 Accessibility and Communication. 
In this Decade, establishment of a national resource centre with an accessible information and database was clearly mentioned as a target. Besides, establishment of standardized indigenous sign languages, and availability of reading material in Braille, large print, computer disk, audio cassette and other suitable formats for people who have difficulty in reading regular print were also recognized as a target. (see more details at: http://www.unescap.org/esid/psis/disability/decade/index.asp)
In the second Decade of Disabled Persons (2003-2012), access to information and communication, including information, communication and assistive technologies was identified as one of the 7 priority areas. 
As targets of the Biwako Millennium Framework (BMF), which is the policy framework of the 2nd Decade, it is mentioned that persons with disabilities should have at least the same rate of access to Internet; Governments should adopt ICT accessibility guidelines for persons with disabilities; and Governments should develop and coordinate a standardized sign language, finger Braille, and tactile sign language. (See more details at: http://www.unescap.org/esid/psis/disability/index.asp)
Combining the Strength within the Disability Communities with Greater Support from Outside:
Until recently, the matter of ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities has been known only among people in the disability field and disability-related industry while the rest within the soon-to-become the information society remain largely ignorant about this matter.
There are two important events at the international level, taking place for information accessibility for persons with disabilities. These two events are different in nature, one being the first disability-related international law and the other serving as a guiding principle of the whole world:
The International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
This convention, once completed, adopted and ratified, will serve as a global mandate upon member states of the United Nations to undertake measures to ensure that persons with disabilities will enjoy the human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with others.  So far, the matter of ICT accessibility has been included in the preamble, general state obligations and has a separate article on its own from the first to the latest draft of the Convention.
UN Disability web site at http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable
The World Summit on Information Society (WSIS)
The first phase of the World Summit on Information Society, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland from December 10-12, 2003, has come up with two documents: Declaration of Principles and Plan of Action. The WSIS documents are the first mainstream (outside disability-specific) global documents which include disability-related text. In these two documents, there are many references to persons with disabilities, such as universal design and the use of assistive technologies, special requirements of persons with disabilities in ICT capacity building, web accessibility standard, etc.
The second phase, which was held from November 16-18, 2005 in Tunis, Republic of Tunisia, came up with two documents in which disability-related text appears, 1) Tunis Commitment and 2) Tunis Declaration on Information Society for Persons with Disabilities. 
(See more details at WSIS web site at http://www.itu.int/wsis)
During both phases of WSIS, there were disability-specific events called "Global Forum on Disability" which came up with the "Geneva Declaration on Inclusive Information Society" for the Geneva phase and "Tunis Declaration on Information Society for Persons with Disabilities", available for downloading at the disability information network (dinf). 
It is with my firm belief that a good strategic approach of linking these two events will help combine the strength of the thematic convention, which is a legal binding instrument at the international level to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities, with greater and wider support of disability-need issues concerning ICT accessibility in the WSIS documents which will be widely recognized and, supported and implemented by society at large. 
Conclusion:
It is a task, responsibility and commitment of all the stakeholders from the grassroots to the global level to choose whether we would like to see the world, in which ICTs will play a significant role throughout the twenty-first century and beyond, more inclusive and accessible for all or to leave it the way it was and still is now which is hostile, cruel and discriminatory. If we choose the first one, the simplest way to start is to adopt the concept that ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities is good for every one. Think of how touch typewriter came into being. Think of how the reading machine for the blind has become so helpful to the publishing industry. Imagine how Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) will contribute to literacy for all. Perhaps, after some thoughts, we may see or feel the light even while being in the tunnel.


[page 5]

Advanced International Training Program on Human Rights and Disability 
ITP Course Asia, May 2006
Stockholm, Sweden

The Program was organized by the Swedish Organizations’ of Disabled Persons International Aid Association (SHIA) and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). Target participants, from regional or national DPOs, government agencies and NGOs working in the area of Human Rights, came from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The long-term objectives were to increase the knowledge and respect in society regarding the human rights of persons with disabilities and ensure that people with disabilities are given equal attention in development strategies and when allocating resources, both regionally and locally. 
	A personal blog, IT program known as a citizen journalist and www.disabilitynet.net were introduced. The seminar also included Organizational Democracy: An Interactive Workshop on our Values and Interpretations of Democracy and Human Rights presented by Mr. Goran Hemberg, the Academy of Democracy. The main point is that making decisions in a democratic way must be done within the framework of an association.     
The other critical issue related to disability is poverty. It is the responsibility of DPOs to approach the government and the authorities concerned to reduce poverty such as the World Bank.  DPOs should give more economical information, technical support and organize a forum for the public to develop a national plan toward persons with disabilities. Implementation, monitoring and an evaluation system should be set up along with a valid indicator.
	The participants also learnt about the Swedish Disability Action Plan which pays attention to a social community based on diversity – from patient to citizen, anti-discrimination to remove barriers for full participation in society for people with disabilities.  A campaign called for a more accessible Sweden 2010 by making the public transport system accessible; authorities are required to present action plans for making premises, information and activities accessible. Easily dealt with obstacles should be removed from other public places. 
	Following the training program, the participants representing 11 countries in Asia formed a group called “Human Rights and Disability Network”.  A joint action plan on building networking among participants and SHIA was declared. The aim of this group is to develop useful tools, a personal blog and www.disabilitynet.net, for the global disability movement in order to increase knowledge on advocacy work, capacity building and methodology development related to human rights and disability issues.
	
Resource: www.disabilitynet.net 



Interview with Ms. Nguyen Hong Ha, APCD Resource Person

1.	What did you gain from the course?

It enriched my knowledge on human rights instruments and provided good examples from different countries, especially from Sweden. It also showed us the advantages and disadvantages of the application of democracy, which inspired the innovative ideas for appropriate applications in different political systems. The Field Studies introduced the philosophy that the Swedish Ministry of Social Welfare, the Stockholm University and other social organizations to see the policy making process as always based on individual needs.

2.	In your opinion, what are the output and outcome of the course?

The output is how to do advocacy and lobby the Government using human rights instruments, based on democracy and the needs of persons with disabilities. The outcome was great, since the participants could practice through role-playing. Practice was a major part of the course, which gave us a chance to make practical action plans. 

3.	How will you utilize the knowledge you gained to achieve the Millennium Development Goals for Persons with Disabilities and the BMF?

The knowledge I gained will be utilized in all our action plans to lobby the Government and advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities and their full participation in the MDG.
      	The most practical utilization will be for our project, Friendly School for Students with Disabilities, which won funding from the World Bank for our proposal on Viet Nam Innovation Day in June, 2006. The Project will promote the rights of students with disabilities to access education and educational facilities.

4.	How will you adapt your blog as a dash board for the disability movement?

This is what I will do in the near future, when I can arrange time.

Comments from Ms. Saowalak Thongkuay, APCD Staff

	I learned what the Human Rights Approach to development means in practice. The approach means all people are seen as having equal dignity, freedom, non-discrimination and protection from the state. Empowerment of people and promotion of a barrier-free society for all will promote human rights and help achieve the Millennium Development Goals.





[page 6]

APCD Project Activities

APCD Activities in Brief (April – June 2006)

	Moving towards the 2nd quarter of the year 2006, APCD has continuously implemented three main activities; Networking and Collaboration, Human Resource Development (HRD), and Information Support. However, one of the most important functions of APCD that never gets mentioned is the Administration team that earnestly supports all activities.
In this quarter, APCD aimed at monitoring networks with focal points, associate organizations, and former APCD participants. Follow-up missions were to Cambodia, Fiji, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Viet Nam. APCD reviewed the significant and active activities implemented by APCD stakeholders in each country; activities of Community-Based Rehabilitation, the formulation of Self-Help Groups, Information and Communication Technology, Non-Handicapping Environment, Independent Living, Information Networking, along with a strong network and collaboration. APCD observed that networks among APCD stakeholders have been formed not only domestically but regionally. Apart from overseas missions, APCD also held a Seminar to Follow-up Thai Ex-trainees at the APCD Training Center; ex-trainees shared their experiences on how they expanded their knowledge in their communities and/or organizations. 
	In addition to APCD’s three main activities, APCD, in collaboration with the Disabled Peoples’ International Asia–Pacific Region co-hosted the EPIC Arts Cambodia on Tour in Thailand Performance. This event aimed to raise public awareness of the disability issues in society.
	APCD welcomed many visitors to the Center. Mr. Takao Toda, Group Director, Human Development Group II (Technical and Higher Education/Social Security), JICA, showed great interest in APCD activities. In collaboration with the International Development Bank (ILO), APCD welcomed and shared information with Ms. Mara Christina Gabriili, General Secretary on disability issues in San Paolo, Brazil.
APCD activities in the next 6 months are:
July
			o Newsletter Volume 16
17 -27			o Mission to Papua New Guinea
18 – 3 August		o Refresher Training on Self-help Groups of Persons with 
Disabilities towards Rights-based and Sustainable Community Development
August
6-9	o Follow-up Mission to Bangladesh
16 – 8 September	o Training of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Visually Impaired Persons
September
21 – 22	o Seminar for South-to-South Cooperation 
October
	o Newsletter Volume 17
25 – 11 November	o Regional Workshop on Accessible Web-based Information Networking

November
21 – 30	o Training for Independent Living for People with Disabilities
December
1-9	o Training for Peer-counselors for People with Disabilities


[page 7]

APCD Mission Report
1) Mission to Cambodia
9 -12 May 2006
	The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) Mission organized a follow-up workshop for APCD ex-trainees with the objectives to 1) help strengthen the capacity of APCD’s Associate Organizations to which high-profile APCD ex-trainees of Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) and Self-help Groups of People with Disabilities (SHG), Web-based Information Networking (WBN) and Information and Communication Technology for Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) belong, by enhancing their insights for effectiveness and sustainability of their projects and 2) network and collaborate among former trainees and other relevant organizations to facilitate a significant impact.
	The mission team was divided into two teams.  Team A conducted a follow-up workshop in cooperation with the National Center for Disabled Persons (NCDP) from 10-12 May 2006 to monitor 12 high-profile ex-trainees of CBR and SHG from the Department of Rehabilitation, Cambodia Trust, Veteran International Cambodia, CARITAS Cambodia, National Center of Disabled Persons, and Cambodia Disabled Peoples’ Organization. These ex-trainees have been monitored actively since returning from their APCD training by facilitating the national disability policy development on SHG of PWDs, promoting participation of more persons with disabilities and community people in their CBR project, supporting PWD at the grassroots level to develop their own SHG, networking with relevant organizations to improve their activities.
	Team B conducted a follow-up workshop for (4) APCD ICT ex-trainees from 10-12 May 2006 with support from the Association of the Blind in Cambodia.  All (4) gave a 15 – minute presentation on their post training activities and provided hands-on training facilitated by Mr. Wiraman Niyomphol, APCD’s ICT Resource Person.
	As for the networking and collaboration among ex-trainees, the Association of the Blind in Cambodia is planning to develop a website to help each other make information accessible.  For example, Mr. Srey will create more links to other APCD ex-trainees’ organization websites and use the DAC website as a tool for disability-related information sharing and service referring. The ICT for VIP group is collaborating to develop a curriculum, create a textbook, identify the difficulties encountered and the need to conduct ICT for VIP.
	The Mission met with DAC to follow up on the networking and collaboration since DAC strongly wishes to collaborate with APCD as a focal point organization. 

2) Mission to the Philippines
15-19 May 2006
	The Mission participated in the “Webmasters’ Interface on Accessible ICT for Persons with Disabilities’ Workshop” organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) held from 16 -18 May 2006 in Cebu City. 
The objectives of the workshop were to 1) facilitate sharing of experiences and the contributions of participants in promoting accessible ICT for persons with disabilities, and assess the impact of the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao Workshops on Accessible ICT, 2) update the participants on the latest trends on Accessible ICT, 3) prepare a national action plan for 2006-2007 on how to best advocate and implement accessible ICT for persons with disabilities, 4) develop a dynamic network of accessible ICT advocates that will boost an accessible ICT for all, and 5) formulate National standards, guidelines, and policies on web accessibility. 
Sixty webmasters from the 3 provinces attended the workshop. Mr. Raksak Chairanchuensakul, APCD Resource Person, provided a presentation on the “Web Accessibility Situation in the Asia and the Pacific” and “DAISY: Digital Talking Book”.  Ms. Nelia De Jesus, former APCD WBN participant & the NCWDP Technical Cooperation Center Chief, coordinated and supervised the workshop program.  Ms. Nelia improved and supported the NCWDP website to become accessible and informative.  As an outcome of the workshop, the participants declared the “Manifesto of Commitment to Provide Accessible ICT for Persons with Disabilities”, and adopted the “Manila Accessible ICT Design Recommendations” as an important guideline for accessible ICT and pledged to be advocates of accessible ICT for All.  
	In addition to this mission, APCD monitored former APCD participants for the ICT for All and Independent Living training.  Participants from the Philippines Braille Printing House, Resource for the Blind, and NCWDP were interviewed. They shared that they have distributed their training experiences and knowledge with colleagues, supervisors, and other related-organizations including the public.
	From the Independent Living training, Ms. Ruiz Geradine, Executive Director of HACI shared her knowledge with HACI IL team members. As the Executive Director of HACI, she works on 1) establishing an Independent Living Center (ILC), 2) surveying of severely disabled persons, 3) co-coordinating with doctors from the Philippines Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM) and 4) advocating IL for Cebu City Development Council and Cebu Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons.
	As an outcome of the three series of training and a national workshop on web accessibility, NCWDP in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development is planning to expand this effort to ASEAN. 


[page 8]

3) Mission to Viet Nam
23-27 May 2006

	The main purpose of this mission was to follow-up with the focal point organization, associate organizations, ex-trainees and gather information. One established an Association in Hanoi, a cross-disability Association and also joined her friend to make websites, which show and sell products of groups of persons with disabilities by many SHGs throughout Viet Nam. Another person became full time staff for a NGO so, she could apply what she has learned to work with persons with disabilities; she works at the provincial level as well as at the community level throughout Viet Nam. 
	APCD follow-up mission interviewed CBR ex-trainees in Danang and visited Chinh Gian sub-district health office, Thanh Khe District. During the visit, the Mission met with a group of persons with disabilities in the community along with a group of persons with disabilities working in a Guitar assembly workshop. The Mission also visited the Hoa Lien Commune, Hoa Vang District, where the People Steering Committee conducts CBR projects for the development of children with disabilities.  A local seminar on “Sharing Experiences for Improvement of the CBR Program in Danang” was organized by the Danang Department of Health attended by 78 participants. 
	Ex-trainees of the ICT trainings were monitored in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Mr. Pham Minh Quan, former ICT for VIP trainee from the Braille Printing Press. Ms. Dinh Viet Anh, former ICT for All participant, actively supported and promoted DAISY production. Former ICT training participants from Ho Chi Minh City have successfully promoted information networking and the use of ICT for persons with disabilities in their organizations and to society. 
	APCD strengthened a collaborative relationship with NCCD, APCD’s focal point to further develop persons with disabilities between both organizations. In addition, the APCD mission exchanged information with the Disability Forum to promote empowerment of persons with disabilities and create a barrier-free society with member organizations. APCD also visited the Hanoi Club of Women with Disabilities which focuses on the living standard of women with disabilities and job placement.  

4) Mission to Malaysia
31 May – 3 June 2006

	APCD collaborated with a disability-related project under the JICA-Malaysia Office by training 5 persons with disabilities on IL and peer-counseling. The project was organized by Dr. Kenji Kuno, Chief Advisor who supported these ex-trainees by organizing a 1 week domestic training on IL and peer-counseling. The first day was a seminar for 30 officials from the Department of Social Welfare to understand the basic concept so that they can become effective supporters for IL; the second day was leaders with disabilities of 2 relevant NGOs, Beautiful Gate and Double Blessing to facilitate the IL movement and 3-day intensive training for 13 selected persons with disabilities to become peer-counselors. Ms. Kanitta Kamolwat, APCD Director and Mr. Suporntum Mongkolsawat, APCD Executive Board and Resource Person of IL presented the IL implementation in Thailand.
	Dr. Asiah Abudul, Associate Professor of the International Islamic University, a high-profile APCD ex-trainee on non-handicapping environment (NHE), organized a NHE forum inviting approximately 30 persons from the federal and local governments, academic institutes on architecture and organizations of persons with disabilities. The Forum was an excellent opportunity for the participants to update their current work related to NHE, raise issues in a direct manner and discuss how to address these issues.
	Through the IL monitoring meeting on 2 June 2006, the Mission discovered that the group of ex-trainees has good teamwork and helps each other with IL activities.  Through the active leadership of Beautiful Gate’s Executive Director, various activities are being conducted to establish a solid foundation for a planned new ILC. Although the IL movement has just started in Malaysia, APCD ex-trainees have become a driving force promoting IL by empowering persons with disabilities at the grassroots level through peer-counseling and cooperating with a wider-range of non-disabled persons in society.

5) Mission to Fiji
10 – 15 June 2006

	The Mission participated the Pacific Sub-regional Information Communication Technology (ICT) Training Workshop for Persons with Disabilities organized by UNESCO and Fiji Disabled People Association (FDPA) in Nadi, Fiji held from 12 -14 June 2006 as a resource person. Objectives of the workshop are to 1) train disabled persons’ organizations (DPO) on the best ICT and adaptive devices for persons with disabilities, 2) train DPO on the formulation of appropriate inclusive ICT policy, and 3) expose DPO on effective use of ICT for disability advocacy programs. As an outcome of the workshop, DPOs effectively use ICT to increase public awareness and promote disability-related concerns. Eleven representatives of DPOs in 7 Pacific countries namely, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. At the end of the training, all participants proposed an action plan on ICT for persons with disabilities through group discussions focusing on 1) inclusive ICT policy, 2) accessible information system, 3) capacity building, and 4) information sharing and network. 
	Mr. Raksak Chairanchuensakul, APCD resource person, provided a presentation on “Introduction on Assistive Devices and Information Accessibility” and hands-on training for “Screen Reader-JAWS and ALTAIR”, “Web Accessibility” and “Digital Talking Book in DAISY” in collaboration with former APCD ICT training participants, Mr. Frederick Miller, FDPA and Mr. Fuata Faktaufon, United Blind Persons.
	The Nadi Declaration was adopted by participants. In the Declaration, they encouraged the government to further pursue seven priority areas in the Biwako Millennium Framework and appreciated commitment of UNESCO, FDPA, and APCD in capacity building of DPOs.
	As part of the APCD follow-up, Mr. Frederick, APCD WBN former trainee created a FDPA website in an accessible format, which contains the achievements of FDPA in the last 10 years, plus a recent profile of FDPA’s activities. Ms. Kaushilya, former APCD participant from the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons (FNCDP) has developed a website (http://www.fncdp.org) in an accessible format. For ICT for VIP extrainees, Mr. Fuata from the United Blind Persons is providing computer training for visually impaired persons.   
	APCD also contacted Mr. Setaraki Mananawai, Executive Director of Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons (FNCDP), APCD’s focal point in Fiji. He fully recognized the importance of ICT for persons with disabilities in the Pacific region. He will further pursue the use of ICT and accessibility for persons with disabilities in the Pacific region. 

6) Mission to Myanmar
13 -19 June 2006

	A follow-up workshop for APCD ex-trainees was organized in Yangon in collaboration with AAR offering its meeting room for the venue. The Workshop in both Yangon and Mandalay aimed to help strengthen the capacity of APCD’s associate organizations, to which ex-trainees belong, by enhancing their insights for effectiveness and sustainability of their responsible projects/activities. It was observed that ex-trainees, especially the ones with disabilities, became motivated and committed to further improve their activities through the Workshop. 
	In Mandalay, APCD held another follow-up training on 16 -17 June 2006 in cooperation with the School for the Deaf under the Department of Social Welfare (DSW) from which 3 teachers were invited in the APCD training courses on SHG and CBR. Also, 2 more ex-trainees are currently engaged in World Vision’s Area Development Program in two townships (Chan Mya Thazt and Amarapura) and facilitate disability issues in the entire community development by developing SHG. From these SHG, 12 persons with disabilities participated in this Workshop along with the ex-trainees. 
	Under APCD’s networking and collaboration activities, the Mission facilitated collaboration between DSW, APCD focal point, and JICA-Myanmar Office to plan a new project on “Supporting Social Welfare Administration. Through the discussion with the Director-General of DSW, the project will focus on the capacity development of DSW with regard to effective collaboration with concerned stakeholders and facilitation of public awareness on disability through “development of a common Myanmar sign language.”

[page 9]

Regional News
April – June 2006

1. National Day of Disabled Persons
29 March 2006
Papua New Guinea

a. Goroko: The National Park was decorated with awareness posters developed by the Committee and provided by Save the Children. The children from Mt. Sion (school for the visually impaired and hearing impaired children) proudly showed the public their ability by using a big truck as a stage to play musical instruments and sing awareness songs.

b. Lae: A parade was organized through Lae with around 100 persons with disabilities marching from Eriko to town and the main market in solidarity for the cause of equal opportunity. The key messages were “why do you stare at my disability, instead of promoting me for my ability!” and “your ignorance is my permanent disability.” 
Source: The Network Issue 7 – Papua New Guinea (http://www.dwu.ac.pg/Network/May 2006.pdf

2. National Centre of Disabled Persons 10th Anniversary
India
3 April 2006
National Centre of Disabled Persons (NCDP) organized an event on 3 April 2006 to celebrate their 10 years Anniversary; 6067 persons came to show their commitment and to support society on disability issues. The aim was to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.  The government and NGOs with disabled people cooperated with significant activities to work towards sustainability in the future.
Source: National Centre of Disabled Persons 

3. Stakeholder Meeting under the ILO/Irish Aid Project for Promoting the Employment and Training of People with Disabilities in Thailand through Legislation (PEPDEL)
30 May 2006
ILO, Bangkok, Thailand
The purposes of this meeting were 1) to develop a common understanding of the PEPDEL project, 2) to review the Project Implementation Guide and revise if needed, 3) to form the national project advisory group and 4) to begin a discussion and prioritize a proposed action for Thailand in promoting the employment and training of people with disabilities in Thailand.  The PEPDEL project targets national legislation and policy-level in the participating countries rather than delivery of direct assistance to people with disabilities. The National Project Advisory Group in Thailand (NPAG-Thailand) under the PEPDEL project is responsible for implementing the project action plan for Thailand. 

4. Epic Arts Cambodia on Tour in Thailand
15 June 2006
APCD Building, Thailand
Epic Arts was formed in 2001 as a registered Arts Charity offering professional dance, art, drama, music and visual art programmes to people of all abilities and disabilities. This month, Epic Arts Cambodia performed many places including Bangkok. Epic Arts Cambodia held a performance at Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability co-organized with Disabled People's International Asia Pacific Region. The show, entitled "The Return", is aimed to raise awareness of disability issues in society with a focus on integration and development. The piece is based loosely around a Cambodia folk story, "Wolf Mountain". The 30-minute show of disabled dancers (wheelchair user and deaf persons) challenges the idea of who is allowed to be seen. After the show, the audience could ask questions after which everybody joined an activity together with Epic Arts.

(Picture)




5. Calling for Contribution to the NGO Library
Viet Nam
The NGO Resource Centre library (NGO RC) contains around 4,000 items including books, articles, reports, journals, etc., which is a valuable resource for our members and other organizations, institutions and individuals. NGO RC would like to encourage all members of the Working Group to contribute their latest publications on development work in Vietnam.
News Source:
	Phan Thu Ha from NGO Resource Centre, http://www.ngocentre.org.vn

6. Support to Vulnerable Victims of Mud/Landslide Tragedy in Southern Leyte, the Philippines
Handicap International
The Philippines

HI – Philippines provides rehabilitation assistance for persons who were left temporarily or permanently disabled by the mud/landslide. Many of the survivors sustained fractures and even amputations. HI, through its Hilwai mobile rehabilitation boat, assists in providing home/community-based rehabilitation services and by providing assistive mobility devices for disabled persons (crutches, wheelchairs, and prosthetics). Hilwai is equipped with a prosthesis/orthosis workshop and provides rehabilitation services to disabled persons in remote island communities in the Visayas. The boat was sent to Banda Aceh in Indonesia in 2004 to give the same types of assistance and services to victims of the tsunami.
Source: Handicap International – Philippines

7. Wheelchair Project Benefits more Disabled Persons and War Victims in Mindanao, Southern Philippines

With funds from the Leahy War Victims Fund managed by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Handicap International (HI) – Philippine Program set up a wheelchair production center in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental in the Southern Philippines. The Wheelchairs for Mindanao Project through which the production center was built, aims to integrate people with disabilities in their communities by improving their mobility through the use of specially-designed, customized wheelchairs, and to provide access to development opportunities. More importantly, the project works so that persons with disabilities may live productive lives and become part of society as active and productive citizens.

Several models have already been developed by wheelchairs specialists and technicians in the production center under its own brand name, Freedom Technology, and each is designed to ensure maximum functionality by the user. 

Source: Handicap International - Philippines


[page 10]

Regional News
July – September 2006

1. 12th ICEVI World Conference 2006
16 July 2006
Malaysia
ICEVI will launch its Global Campaign of Education for All Children with a Visual Impairment during the World Conference. There will be Keynote presentations, plenary sessions, workshops, exhibitions and a poster session. Details can be accessed on the 2006 ICEVI website.
Source: Malaysian Association for the Blind (http://www.mab.org.my/)

2. The 1st Leadership Training Seminar for Women with Disabilities
17 July 2006
Lae, Papua New Guinea
Source: The Network: Issue 7, Papua New Guinea

3. The First Session of the Biwako Millennium Framework (BMF) Stakeholders' Coordination Meeting
17-19 July 2006
UNESCAP, Bangkok, Thailand
Source: http://www.worldenable.net/

4. UN ESCAP Workshop on Regional Follow-up to the Seventh Session and Preparation for the Eighth Session of the Ad Hoc Committee on an International Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities
20-21 July 2006
UNESCAP, Bangkok, Thailand
Source: http://www.worldenable.net

5. 2006 Japan Summer Program
1 August 2006
Japan
MIUSA will offer a 16-day exchange program in Tokyo, Japan in summer 2006 with a focus on leadership through international volunteerism and a cultural exchange. 
Source: http://www.miusa.org/exchange/japan2006/2006japanprograminfo/

6. The Third International Women's Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD 2006)
9 August 2006
USA
The Mobility International USA (MIUSA) invites young women with disabilities for a unique opportunity to strengthen leadership skills, exchange knowledge and strategies, create new visions and build networks of support to improve the lives of women and girls with disabilities internationally. 
Source: http://www.miusa.org/

7. Eighth Session of the Ad Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities 
14-25 August 2006
UN Headquarters, New York
Source: http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/rights/ahc8.htm

8. Inaugural Global Disability Forum (GDF)
29-30 August 2006 
Hong Kong 
This will be a great opportunity for the international community to share some unique and common experiences, and consider the future by exploring some culturally valued initiatives in health, education, social welfare and community work. 
Source: http://www.mvdmc.com/wdpdf/registration.htm

9. e-Access'06 - Technology for All
14 September 2006
United Kingdom of Great Britain
The conference focuses on how digital technology is enabling people with disabilities to achieve greater independence. 
Source: http://www.headstar-events.com/eaccess06/

10. Disability in Developing Countries
18-22 September 2006
Australia
This 5-day course is designed for health programme planners, development workers, health practitioners, particularly those in the allied health professions, nursing, or involved in services for people living with disabilities. 
Source: http://www.aihi.unimelb.edu.au/education.html

11. The FDR International Disability Award
18 September 2006
United Nations, New York, USA
Source: http://www.worldcommitteeondisability.org

12. Annapurna Round Trek 2006
22 September – 6 October 2006
Nepal
Its main objective is to raise the awareness of disabled people themselves and the communities where they live about the human rights of disabled people. The trekkers will be able to act as ambassadors for disabled people in the community by giving them information about human rights and demonstrating their ability to undertake such a strenuous challenge. 
Source: http://www.dhrcnepal.org.np/fundraising.php

13. Training and Employment Project
15 July 2005
Bangladesh
Young Power in Social Action ICTs and the Resource Centre for the Disabled (YPSA IRCD), ActionAid Bangladesh and HSBC Bank are jointly organizing a 4 month long intensive training program for 20 persons with disabilities selected through a competitive process from all over Bangladesh. It is expected that through this training they will acquire market driven skills on a range of subjects including ICT applications, communicative English, adaptive technologies, Digital Talking Book production, management and administration, independent living etc. 
News Source:
	Vashkar Vattacharya, info@vashkar.tk, vashkar79@gmail.com from Young Power in Social Action (YPSA), www.ypsa.org

14. Beautiful Gate Peer Counseling Workshop 2006
25-27 July 2006
Malaysia
	Beautiful Gate will organize provide more practice opportunities for Beautiful Gate Peer Counselors and introduce the concept of Peer Counseling to the staff of Beautiful Gate and disabled members.
News Source:
Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled, www.beautifulgate.org.my 

[page 11]


Editorial Message

Very warm greetings to all our gracious APCD Empowerment Readers! Before moving on, APCD would like to join this auspicious moment in Thailand to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Accession to the throne. 
Moving on into APCD’s 4th Anniversary, we can’t help saying that time really does fly with a lot going on steadily and successfully for the EMPOWERMENT of persons with disabilities in the Asia and Pacific region.  As you can see in this volume, APCD has been holding tight hands with our friends in the region to facilitate collaboration to effectively help each other, whether it is technical and/or information cooperation. APCD is really proud to see our stakeholders and ex-trainees doing significant work for persons with disabilities in their countries and supporting others in the region. APCD hopes this network will continue. 

APCD Empowerment Newsletter 
Editorial Team