[page 1] Best Practice on Collaboration with APCD - Review of South-to-South Seminar – Introduction APCD has been promoting empowerment of persons with disabilities and a barrier-free society since August 2002, in collaboration with 32 focal points and more than 140 associate organizations in 32 developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. In the last 4 years, APCD focal points and associate organizations, especially former APCD training participants have made great achievements in society in order to bring about "Full Participation and Equality of Persons with Disabilities". Such achievements were shared at the Seminar on South-to-South Cooperation on Disability, 22 September 2006, Bangkok, Thailand, as "The Best Practice on Collaboration with APCD". Reviewing these case studies, we can see the development of the disability movement in the Asia-Pacific region in collaboration with APCD. The Philippines The National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) in collaboration with NGOs, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and APCD, conducted the Training of Trainers on the Promotion of Non-handicapping Environment for Persons with Disabilities from 1-4 March, 2005, with 32 representatives participating from the 17 regions of the country. This was a follow-up program of action of seven former APCD training participants. NCWDP in collaboration with United Nations Department of Economics and Social Affaires (UN-DESA) and APCD, organized a series of ICT trainings such as the National Webmaster’s Interface on Accessible ICT for Persons with Disabilities, May 2006, and Cebu Workshop on Accessible ICT for Persons with Disabilities, October 2005. Through these workshops, more than 75 webmasters were trained and a Manifesto of Commitment to advocate accessible ICT for All, based on the Manila ICT Design Recommendations, was adopted. One of the associate organizations said that the involvement of APCD as a technical support provider has been a great support to the country’s campaign towards full implementation of existing laws to open the general system of Philippine society. In addition, APCD through its training programs provided the opportunity to upgrade the skills and knowledge of people who are involved in the empowerment of Filipinos with disabilities. NCWDP has envisaged a five-year pilot project entitled “Towards a Barrier-Free and Rights-Based Philippines: Creation of Non-Handicapping Environment for Filipinos with Disabilities in the Rural Areas.” This project will bridge the gap between persons with disabilities in urbanized centers and rural areas in terms of access to services. Pakistan Regional Training Seminar on Capacity Building of Self-Help Organizations of Disabled (CBSHOD) was held in Islamabad, 22-26 September 2005, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education, Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP) and APCD, in which more than 70 representatives participated from 15 countries in the region. Furthermore, an Accessible Environment Seminar, December 2005, was also held to promote a barrier-free society in the earthquake affected areas. In total, more than 30 Pakistani people participated APCD’s training such as CBSHOD, Independent Living and Web-based Information Networking. Due to the tireless efforts of former participants, the Special Session on Independent Living in Islamabad in collaboration with STEP, and an Assistive Devices and ICT Accessibility Seminar was held in July 2006 in Karachi in collaboration with the Pakistan Association of the Deaf with more than 60 representatives from all over Pakistan participating. Through these activities, network and collaboration among NGOs and the government became much stronger with a large number of self-help group/organizations of persons with disabilities in Pakistan being empowered. For future development, the Government in collaboration with NGOs is implementing a National Plan of Action for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, and the Islamabad Declaration of CBSHOD. Further, accessibility to the built environment as well as ICT will be widely promoted, and Independent Living Centers are being established in Islamabad and Lahore. [page 2] Thailand There were two best practices presented from Thailand; 1) The Christian Foundation for the Blind in Thailand (CFBT) and 2) Thailand Council for Independent Living (IL). CFBT established collaboration with APCD in 2004 mainly through sending trainees and resource persons for various ICT trainings. Through this collaboration there have been positive outcomes in various aspects. For example, CFBT personnel who received training have gained wider knowledge in the field of ICT accessibility, and expanded it to other colleagues and students of CFBT through its training program. The fruitful experience of instructing in a workshop at an international level resulted in more expertise and confidence. CFBT will extend its objective in working side by side with other related organizations especially APCD in promoting ICT accessibility for persons with disabilities. The Thailand Council for Independent Living was established in 2006 after several trainings on IL and Peer Counseling since 2002. The Council of IL dispatched trainees and resource persons to the trainings to develop their skills and knowledge to establish a standard for a Thai IL Center. Through the training of APCD and the establishment of a Council, a number of persons with disabilities who have been home bound have come out in society and been empowered by living a more independent living life. Fiji Fiji Disabled Peoples Association (FDPA) dispatched participants to various APCD trainings such as the Non-handicapping Environment (NHE), ICT for Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs) and Web-Based Information Networking. The participants have since made great achievements in Fiji society. For example, they organized a workshop on NHE in the Pacific region and started an access audit to evaluate building accessibility for persons with disabilities; computer training for VIPs has been conducted and an accessible website of FDPA was also developed. Also, FDPA produced a 4 page information paper and 7 brochures of the Biwako Millennium Framework according to each of the 7 priority areas for the Government and other stakeholders. Furthermore, FDPA in collaboration with UNESCO and APCD organized the first ever ICT workshop in the Pacific region to which representatives from 7 island countries participated. They learned about information accessibility and assistive devices for persons with disabilities and developed an action plan to promote ICT accessibility based on the situation of each country. The collaboration between APCD and FDPA has been very productive. FDPA gained much information and knowledge from the APCD training and information support. FDPA hopes to continue working on ICT accessibility, a barrier-free environment, and Human Rights for persons with disabilities for Fiji as well as the Pacific. Viet Nam Forty-five persons with disabilities among 66 representatives from Viet Nam from government and NGOs have taken several APCD training courses. They have been promoting empowerment of persons with disabilities and a barrier-free society in Viet Nam. The National Coordinating Committee on Disability (NCCD) in collaboration with NGOs and APCD organized a Training Seminar on Capacity Building for Self-help Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, in Hanoi, 13 - 17 December 2004, to which more than 60 participants from 21 countries participated. APCD also contributed in the drafting of a law on persons with disabilities in Viet Nam, which will be submitted to the National Assembly in 2008. Information provided by APCD through newsletters and website is circulated to many NGOs; some useful information such as training materials have been translated into Vietnamese by the Disability Forum. As the result of these activities, the leadership skills of a number of young persons with disabilities have been strengthened; 100 self-help groups have been established; a CBR network has widely expanded and an e-network of persons with disabilities has rapidly increased. A National Association of Disabled Persons is expected to be established in 2007. In future development, Vietnamese focal points and associate organizations expect more effective network and collaboration with APCD, especially on training and information sharing. NCCD is planning to organize a national seminar/workshop on ICT accessibility, with the Disability Forum willing to share information in Vietnamese and their expand information network, Danang Rehabilitation and Sanatorium Hospital is hoping to train more persons with disabilities and strengthen its CBR network. Conclusion We can see APCD’s focal points and associate organizations have been actively motivated to empower persons with disabilities and promote a barrier-free society. Pakistan Association of the Deaf, one of the APCD associate organization, said “The major change was mobilizing/activating NGOs and the government. Now the disability movement is much more active due to APCD”. APCD is honored to hear this and at the same time, proud of the achievements and efforts being made by APCD’s focal points and associate organizations. APCD is particularly happy to see young and new leaders’ disability movement emerging in the Asia-Pacific region which will enrich the future of disabled persons. We wish you all the success and happiness for a bright future of persons with disabilities in the near future. [page 3] Training Report Refresher Training on Accessible Web-based Information Networking 31 October – 10 November 2006 APCD Training Building, Bangkok, Thailand A Refresher Training on Accessible Web-based Information Networking was held from 31 October to 10 November 2006, at the APCD Training Building, Bangkok, Thailand with 9 participants from 8 countries namely Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand. Objectives of the training were to strengthen national and regional information networking on disability and establish more active information network in an accessible way, especially through accessible websites. Nine participants spent 11 days to learn how to establish and strengthen active information networking at rural, national and regional levels. Ms. Kamolpun Punpuing, Mahidol University and APCD resource person for information networking, presented refreshing ideas on information networking. Ms. Lan Anh, Disability Forum Communication Officer, Viet Nam, and assistant resource person, presented case studies of Vietnam information networking. Ms. Kamolpun and Ms. Lan Anh facilitated group discussions concerning rural, national and regional information networking. If the level of network is different, methods, targets, languages and contents would be different based on the nature of the network. Participants learned about grass-roots networking from 2 Thai resource persons; Ms. Poungkeo Kichtham, Thai Disabled Development Foundation (http://www.tddf.or.th/) and Mr. Sombat Boongamanong, Mirror Art Group (www.bannok.com). Both presented knowledge and experience of how to expand/activate information network at the grass-roots level, and emphasized the potential of ICT for the network. Regarding regional/international network, APCD invited Ms. Debra Perry, Senior Specialist, ILO - EASMAT and Ms. Aiko Akiyama, Disability Expert, UNESCAP. ILO has an accessible website, entitled “Ability Asia”, which provides much information on employment and vocational training for persons with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific region. UNESCAP has just published the “Disability at a Glance”, which provides an overall picture of the disability situation in 28 countries in Asia and the Pacific. Both are eager to know the progress of the disability movement at the grass-roots level. Ms. Wantanee Panthachat, National Electronic and Computer Technology Center, Thailand, prepared a lecture on her activities of assistive devices for persons with disabilities. Mr. Monthian Buntan, President of Thailand Association of the Blind and Member of APCD Executive Board, shared the current progress of information accessibility for persons with disabilities in the frame of the Convention of Human Rights of Persons with Disability For the second week, participants reviewed the web accessibility through the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). They first checked accessibility of their website, and APCD resource person, Mr. Raksak Chairanjuansakun, the Bangkok School for the Blind, instructed them how to make an even more accessible website. Participants tried to develop the website as accessible as possible during the 3 days hands-on session. Participants began each day by giving a summary of the day before to review what they had learned the previous day. Mr. Akram Muhammad, Pakistan, gave sign language training every morning which proved valuable to our training and communication among participants. In conclusion, all participants presented their action plan at 3 levels on how to strengthen a more active information network in their countries; grass-roots, national and regional information networking through a variety of methods such as a website, email, newsletter, radio, annual report, workshop, training and seminar. They emphasized workshops and trainings at the grass-roots level, where access to ICT is limited. Interview Corner: Participants Mr. Maheshwar Ghimire – Nepal Nepal Disabled Human Rights Center (DHRC) is mostly focusing on information networking in Nepal to promote rights based approach. We have strong dissemination networking within the country like weekly radio, monthly journal. But, DHRC is looking to develop very strong information collection system within the country and out to rest of the world. Shortly we will start a newsletter in English to disseminate information with regional level and more around. Our web page will be more accessible, with more information. Ms. Nelia Regala de Jesus – The Philippines 1) “Strong Information Networking is the tool for information accessibility for empowering persons with disability. A network is only effective when its focus is on leveling all playing fields for persons with disabilities, who, in this day and age, are barred from their basic rights such as enjoyment of the right to life, health, work, be educated and all that are open to the next non-disabled person. The bottom line is knowing which information is useful and appropriate in empowering and creating a rights-based society for persons with disabilities, and with them. Since empowerment is not doing anything for a person with disability, but breaking down barriers so he/she could empower himself. Both are powerful tools (Strong Information Networking and Information Accessibility) which are only meaning ful if they are used meaningfully to empower and to create people with disabilities from social/physical barriers towards self worth and dignity.” 2) “Local – Foremost is involving committed groups focused on empowerment of persons with disabilities, willing to share resources and with agreed goals and responsibilities. Business, churches, schools, media, parents support groups, both from government and private sectors. There should be an enrichment and culture of “sharing” and respect on respective mandates. Most of all, it should involve and focus on persons with disabilities as champions and as equal network member. It must have the five important elements: S-haring, H-onesty, A-ccountability, R-respect, E-ncouragement. International – Using also the above, NAWDP as a coordinating body can offer any international partner assistance in coordination, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation and there are often the requirements of overseas partners. With respect and positive collaboration, honoring commitments and showing concrete results make for a productive partnership mostly formalized their memos of agreements/understanding.” [page 4] Refresher Training on Independent Living (IL) of Persons with Disabilities in the Community 13 – 21 December 2006 The objectives of this training was to strengthen the IL movement and Center in target countries by enabling them to develop relevant insights through sharing experiences and good practices on IL, to formulate action plans for strengthening the IL movement and Centers, and to initiate a network of the IL movement among former participants’ organizations. Twenty-five former trainees of the APCD Training of Managerial Personnel of Independent Living Centers for People with Disabilities from Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand participated. The training contents covered the following issues: 1. Sharing Experiences on Managing an Independent Living Center 1.1 IL Movement from a Global View 1.2 Overview of the Situation of the IL Movement in Target Countries 1.3 IL Center Management in Thailand 1.4 Persons with Disabilities Rights’ Protection 1.5 Sharing Experiences on Peer Counseling 1.6 Sharing Experiences on the Management of Personal Assistants 1.7 Public Relations and Effective Networking 1.8 Resource Mobilization 1.9 Further Participation of Persons with Various Disabilities e.g. persons with a hearing impairment, intellectual disabilities 1.10 Understanding more on other approaches to support persons with disabilities in the community: Community-based Rehabilitation/ Self-help Organizations/ Inclusive Development Activities, etc. 1.11 Networking among Participants 1.12 Balancing Advocacy and Services for Persons with Disabilities Field Visits were organized to the Nonthaburi IL Center, the Bangrukpattana and Bangkrang sub-district administrative organizations located in Nonthaburi province. Participants visited two cases at the Nonthaburi IL Center, which build good opportunities for the participants to study the real situation in the community. They also learned the dynamics of the community after becoming involved in the IL program, which participants could apply and adapt in their country. Utilizing newly acquired skills and experiences, participants developed their country action plans in the IL area as follows; Malaysia plans to expand the IL concept in collaboration with the Beautiful Gate Foundation by holding a workshop to share IL skills and knowledge. The Philippines plan to fund raise to establish an IL Center for Persons with Disabilities implementing related-activities, such as organizing a fashion show, selling charity lottery, etc. Pakistan plans to establish three IL centers and collaborate with the public sector to support a Peer Counseling Seminar. Thailand plans to establish IL centers in Chainart, Pratumthani, Chantaburi, and Trad Provinces as well as advocate for a public welfare policy for persons with disabilities. Interview Corner: Participants Mr. Muhammad Imran – Pakistan From this course we had the opportunity to meet people from other countries and share our experiences. So it has given me more knowledge about IL and various cultures. It has broadened my concepts as well. I feel more confident to implement this knowledge in my country’s dynamic cultural environment. Mr. Abner Nguyen Manlapaz – The Philippines The Independent Living (IL) Movement and an IL Center is not like any other group or organization. It focuses on supporting the life of persons with disabilities who wanted to live independently. The IL movement wants to change society to become a barrier-free and rights-based society. The significance of the IL movement has been demonstrated already and that I believe is a living example/model. [page 5] Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology Symposium (ARTS) Seminar 1 November 2006 Singapore Therapeutic, Assistive & Rehabilitative Technologies (START) held the Assistive and Rehabilitative Technology Symposium (ARTS) on 1 November 2006 in Suntec City, Singapore. Approximately 80 persons working in the government and private sectors from Singapore and Thailand participated as well as Mr. Sawang Srisom, APCD Information Support Officer. The seminar was to promote research, development, study and rights to Assistive and Rehabilitative (AR) technology of disabled and elderly persons in order to enhance their quality of life. Experts, engineers and the industrial sector were urged to develop, promote and industrially produce AR devices in Singapore. The seminar started with a report of the overall situation of accessibility in Singapore. Singaporeans with disabilities now enjoy the wheelchair accessible bus, subway and sky train, which have become more and more accessible. The Land Transport Authority has had several plans to improve accessibility such as footpaths, bus stops, etc. Also, laws to protect their accessibility rights do exist, for example, starting from 2006, all new buses must be accessible. Several new related issues were introduced such as the Universal Design for an Inclusive Home, Computer for Caring for Ageing People and Occupational Therapy. Interestingly, some of these issues are already being addressed in Singapore now. Panelists in a discussion on "Policy or Technology" agreed that we first need to articulate policy to address the needs of users, affordability, accessibility and other requirements that facilitate technology development. AR technology must suit the impairment, work and goal of an individual. The seminar covered the following contents: 1. Roles of National Science and Technology Development Agency to Support Persons with Disability: The Challenge to Independent Living 2. Enhancing Accessibility in our Land Transport System 3. Wheelchair Accessible Bus - Singapore Experience 4. Universal Design for an Inclusive Home 5. Initiative of Research and Development of Assistive Technology in Thailand: A Networking Approach 6. Computers for Caring (Using computer technology to take care of elderly persons) 7. Coping With Loss and Business Venture 8. Enhancing Quality of Life through Assistive Technologies; An Occupational Therapy Perspective 9. The Paradox of Academic Research and Commercialization in Assistive & Rehabilitative Technologies 10. Promoting an Assistive & Rehabilitative Technology (ART) Industry in Singapore Mr. Zen Koh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of START center, said that the commercialization of AR devices needs a collective collaboration from several sectors such as research institutes, universities, private companies, etc., in order to promote AR technology to commercialization. [page 6] Mission to Macau 2-5 December 2006 The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) sent a mission to participate in the 18th World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) Regional Secretariat in the Asia-Pacific (RSA/P) Representative Meeting held from 3-5 December 2006 in Macau. The theme was “Sign Language Interpretation System to Realize the Full Participation and Equality of Deaf Persons in Society” organized by WFD, WFD RSA/P, and the Macau Deaf Association. The objectives were to look into issues regarding the protection and improvement of the rights of the deaf, to facilitate regional cooperation and interaction, and to explore future prospects of rehabilitation services for the deaf. The meeting was officially opened by a Representative of Macau SAR Government, Mr. Takeo Ogura of WFD RSA/P, and Ms. Clarissa U Ka Weng, President of the Macau Deaf Association. Twenty-six participants from the following 13 countries attended: China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Mr. Yasunori Shinamoto, Chairman of the 3rd WFD RSA/P Deaf Youth Camp, Youth Section of the Japanese Federation of the Deaf, gave a report on the 3rd WFD RSA/P Deaf Youth Camp held from 31 October – 5 November 2006 in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan with 41 participants from 14 countries (11 developing countries). The camp theme was “One for All, All for One” moving towards establishing a Youth Section in RSA/P region in the future. The next Deaf Youth Camp is scheduled for Indonesia in 2008. Ms. Liza Clews, Sign Language Interpreter/ Trainer from Cambodia reported on the Survey on Sign Language Interpreting in the Asia-Pacific Region with the objective as follows: 1) to find out the past and current information about sign language interpreting in the Asia-Pacific region for the WFD RSA/P, 2) to share information amongst the members of the WFD RSA/P, 3) to share skills and experience amongst working sign language interpreters, and 4) to increase awareness about sign language interpreting. The result shows developing countries of the Asia and Pacific region have a limited number of Sign Language Interpreters compared to developed countries in the same region. Each participating country reported the situation of the deaf in each country, which APCD’s Information Support will utilize update the situation of the deaf within the disability country profile. Mr. Marku Jokinen, President of the World Federation of the Deaf, shared the contents and process of the UN Human Rights Convention on Persons with Disabilities and how the Convention involves the rights of the deaf into the content of the Convention. Mr. Marku clearly stated that “This is the 1st ever international treaty mentioning sign language and the deaf culture. This Convention is a powerful tool for all human rights. The 1st Asia-Pacific Sign Language Interpreters’ (SLI) Conference organized parallel with the 18th WFD RSA/P was attended by 17 participants from Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. Country reports on the situation of the sign language interpreters identified Repetitive Strain Injury or Occupational Overuse Syndrome as a major problem of sign language interpreters due to overload work. Mrs. Kanitta Kamolwat, APCD Director, and Mr. Akiie Ninomiya, APCD Chief Advisor presented APCD activities and a VDO presentation to the 18th WFD RSA/P Representatives Meeting. APCD will further collaborate with the deaf community and the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters and the Asia-Pacific Region to develop activities for the deaf and sign language interpreters. Mission to Pakistan 16 – 21 December 2006 This mission was to collaborate in a Seminar on Independent Living (IL) of People with Disabilities in Islamabad, organized by the Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education, and in a Peer-counseling Domestic Training organized by the Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP) in cooperation with Milestone from 18-20 December 2006; also to facilitate a planned school project in Sesar, Bagh in cooperation with relevant organizations in Pakistan. The Seminar on IL on 18 December 2006 opened with remarks by Mrs. Kanitta Kamolwat, APCD Director, Mr.Kaibara, JICA Resident Representative, and Mr. Aftar, Director of Special Education. The objectives were to promote positive understanding and support for IL of persons with disabilities from relevant senior government officials, professionals, and leaders with disabilities in Pakistan, especially in the earthquake affected areas. Approximately, 60 persons including officials, leaders with disabilities, and professionals participated. Ex-participants of the APCD training in Bangkok shared their report on their post-training activities and emphasized that they and their Pakistani peers with disabilities could gain self-confidence and start IL in the community. Mr. Topong Kulkhanchit, an APCD resource person, explained about the social model of disability, the IL concept stemming from the model, and the current global movement of IL. Ms. Akiyama, JICA Short-term Expert, shared her own experience of being “disabled” and empowered through the participation of IL activities. For her, IL leaders provided support and peer-counseling which brought hope and changed her life to live independently in the community from a passive life in an institution. The Training Course on Peer-Counseling Basics was conducted by STEP and Milestone, which the JICA Short-term Expert and former APCD participants, whom are women with severe disabilities, have been empowered through peer-counseling; they were excellent role models and mentors for 17 women with disabilities throughout the training. The objective was to equip women with disabilities with basic knowledge and skills on peer-counseling in order for them to be future peer-counselors for persons with disabilities, especially for women with disabilities specifically in the earthquake affected areas. At the end of the training, participants regained self-confidence and internal strength to live positively in their communities. Also, a small but new movement and network among women with disabilities has seemingly begun in Pakistan. [page 7] Sri Lanka Mission Report 16 – 20 December 2006 The APCD Mission Team visited the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare (originally Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Social Welfare) on19 December 2006 and met with Ms. Viji Jegarasasingam, Secretary of the Ministry, and Mr. W. H. W. Soysa, Additional Secretary. The Secretary promised continuous support to APCD particularly in information support, especially the country profile. The Mission Team visited the Disability Organizations Joint Front (DOJF) on 17 December 2006 and met with Mr. Kularatne Edirisinghe, President, Mr. Cyril Siriwardane, Program Officer, Ms. Rasanjali Priyadarshani, Training Coordinator and Ms. Darshika Wijesiri, Information Support Officer. DOJF has been distributing APCD information such as newsletters, videos, regional news etc. to the 21 member organizations through its newsletter, emailing list and resource room. DOJF also requested APCD to provide more copies of their newsletter and videos for circulation among the member organizations. On 19 December 2006, at the University of Colombo, the mission team met with the representatives (mostly APCD’s former training participants) of the associate organizations such as DAISY Lanka Foundation, Sri Lanka Council for the Blind and Sri Lanka Federation of the Visually Handicapped. The representatives said that they are particularly interested in APCD’s training report, regional news and especially country profile, which they noted is highly valuable information and would like to help develop it. The Mission Team also discussed APCD’s emailing list, email magazine and training materials of CBR, SHG/SHO, IL and ICT, which they were very interested in receiving. The Mission Team participated in the International Seminar on “Creating a Non-Handicapped Built Environment” organized by the Ministry of Urban Development and Water Supply in collaboration with John Groom Overseas on 18 December 2006 at B.M.I.C.H, Colombo. There were approximately 200 participants primarily from local and central governments. Four out of the six international resource persons were APCD’s former training participants, namely 1) Ms. Anjlee Agarwal, India 2) Mr. Sanjeev Sachdeva, India 3) Mr. Jaime Silva, the Philippines and 4) Dr. Asiah Abdul Rahim, Malaysia. They presented their knowledge and experience gained from APCD to promote and implement the Non-Handicapping Environment (NHE) for persons with disabilities in their own countries. GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADOPTS GROUNDBREAKING CONVENTION, OPTIONAL PROTOCOL ON RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Delegations, Civil Society Hail First Human Rights Treaty of Twenty-First Century The 61st United Nations General Assembly adopted the first new human rights treaty of the twenty-first century in December, 2006, marking the culmination of nearly two decades of work on protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and a major shift in the way the world treats its 650 million disabled people. In opening remarks, Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa ( Bahrain), President of the General Assembly, said all Member States had now committed to promoting and protecting the human rights, freedoms and dignity of all persons with disabilities. The Convention was an “opportunity to reaffirm the universal commitment to the rights and dignity of all people without discrimination” that could likewise provide the much-needed impetus for wider cultural changes in the world’s perception of disabled people. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in a message delivered by Deputy Secretary-General Mark Malloch Brown, said today was the dawn of a new era for people with disabilities, who, for far too long, had been relegated to the margins of society and denied the rights that others took for granted. The Convention was the most rapidly elaborated instrument ever, accomplished in just three years because of the dedication of its supporters, including a large segment of civil society who had lobbied heavily both in person and over the Internet, including with Governments. “Nothing will change overnight but change comes more rapidly with law behind it,” he added. Don MacKay ( New Zealand), Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities, said that, theoretically there was no need for a new Convention as existing human rights instruments already applied to persons with disabilities in the same way they applied to everyone else. Unfortunately, however, that was not the reality. The Convention was a “benchmark for future standards and action”. The key would be effective implementation, which required coordinated action by disability organizations, cooperation among States and the mainstreaming of disabilities issues into development assistance programmes. At the same time, all delegations agreed that the Convention’s adoption ushered in an important paradigm shift towards recognizing disabled persons as rights holders and active members of society rather than objects of charity. Convention Highlights Under the Convention, States parties would guarantee that persons with disabilities enjoyed their inherent right to life on an equal basis with others (article 10). They would ensure the equal rights and advancement of women and girls with disabilities (article 6) and protect children with disabilities (article 7). Children with disabilities would have equal rights, would not be separated from their parents against their will, except in their best interests, and would in no case be separated from their parents on the basis of a disability of either the child or the parents (article 23). States parties would ensure the equal right to own and inherit property, to control financial affairs and to have equal access to bank loans, credit and mortgages (article 12). They would ensure access to justice on an equal basis with others (article 13), make sure that persons with disabilities enjoyed the right to liberty and security, and were not deprived of their liberty, unlawfully or arbitrarily (article 14). According to the Convention, countries must guarantee freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, and prohibit medical or scientific experiments without the consent of the person concerned (article 15); and protect the physical and mental integrity of persons with disabilities. In case of abuse, States would promote the physical and psychological recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of the victim and investigate the abuse (article 16). By other provisions of the treaty, persons with disabilities would not be subjected to arbitrary or illegal interference with their privacy, family, home, correspondence or communication. The privacy of their personal, health and rehabilitation information was to be protected on an equal basis with others (article 22). On the fundamental issue of accessibility (article 9), the Convention requires States parties to identify and eliminate obstacles and barriers, and ensure that persons with disabilities could access their environment, transportation, public facilities and services, and information and communications. Countries were required to promote the right to an adequate standard of living and social protection, including public housing, services and assistance for disability-related needs, and assistance with disability-related expenses in case of poverty (article 28). Also by the Convention, discrimination relating to marriage, family and personal relations would be eliminated. Persons with disabilities would have equal opportunity to experience parenthood, marry and establish a family, decide on the number and spacing of children, have access to reproductive and family planning education and means, and to enjoy equal rights and responsibilities regarding guardianship, wardship, trusteeship and adoption of children (article 23). States would ensure equal access to education, vocational training, adult education and lifelong learning. Under article 25, persons with disabilities had the right to the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination on the basis of disability. They would receive the same range, quality and standard of free or affordable health services as provided other persons and not be subjected to discrimination in the provision of health insurance. The 18-article Optional Protocol on Communications allows petitioning by individuals and groups to the Ad Hoc Committee, once all national recourse procedures had been exhausted. The text of the draft Convention is at http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable Source: Edoardo Bellando, United Nations Department of Public Information [For further information please check http://www.un.org/disabilities/convention/about.shtml ] [page 8] Four Deaf students graduated high school first in Viet-Nam history Eriko Takahashi, Manager, Department of International Affairs, The Nippon Foundation In the fall of 2006, four deaf students graduated from high school for the first time in Viet Nam history. One of the graduates, Ms. Nguyen T. Tran Tien, even succeeded in entering the Lac Hong University as the first deaf student to enter higher education in Viet Nam. Almost all deaf schools in Viet Nam teach at only the elementary level; there is only one deaf school that provides formal junior and senior high school level education. This school was established by Professor James Woodward, a famous American Sign Language linguist, with the collaboration and understanding of the Dong Nai Provincial Department of Education. Before this school was established, there was no means for deaf people to receive secondary education. Professor Woodward wanted to change this situation to provide educational opportunities up to the university level for young deaf people. This project started in 2000, currently has about 40 deaf students. It is located at the Dong Nai Provincial Teachers College, a one-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City. All students are committed to become either teachers in deaf schools or sign language instructors; both are highly important for deaf education and empowerment. Until now, the students have achieved high scores on the Vietnamese National Examinations. In 2003, 2004 and 2005, 100% of the deaf students who took the Junior High School National Exam passed while the passing rate for hearing students in Dong Nai were respectively, 76%, 77%, and 81%. In 2003, one deaf student, Ms. Nguen T.T. Tien ranked 5th out of 1,332 students and in 2005, Mr. Nguyn Howng Lam, ranked 1st out of 990 students. One important feature that makes this school distinct is its emphasis on using local sign language to teach its curriculum. It is atypical because most deaf schools in Viet Nam use oral education. Another important feature is that the school teaches the same subject materials as the standard schools, while most deaf schools leave out certain subjects or content. Classes at this school also move at the same pace as regular public schools. They are able to cover one full year of the school curriculum in one academic year. This is rather uncommon for a deaf school since most in Viet Nam require 2 years to cover 1 year of the school curriculum. The reason for this is the difference in teaching methods. Because the government emphasizes oral education, most of the class time in a typical deaf school is used to teach students how to speak rather than the subject materials. The Nippon Foundation is a foundation based in Japan, and has been supporting a variety of programs for disabled people in Asia. They have been fully supporting this project for 7 years at the cost of approximately US$50,000 per year —a very low cost compared to other projects. This project made an immense impact as a model case to empower deaf persons in developing countries, due to its high performance and cost effectiveness. We believe this school has already proven many great advantages of using sign language for deaf education. It is our hope that deaf schools in Viet Nam and Asia will realize the importance and effectiveness of education through sign language and hopefully adopt the teaching methods of this school. For more details on this project, please read Prof. Woodward’s article on the following website. http://nippon.zaidan.info/seikabutsu/2005/00001/pdf/DeafWorldsPaper.pdf [page 9] APCD Activities in Brief (October – December 2006) Before going into APCD’s activities, APCD would like to congratulate the Disability Community for having the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in December 2006. This was a great achievement after hard work done by persons with disabilities and other related parties. This term, APCD has had the opportunity to learn much about deaf issues and their ongoing activities from different countries at the 18th World Federation of the Deaf Regional Secretariat in Asia-Pacific Representative Meeting. APCD now has plans to further develop APCD programs for the deaf. APCD plans to further cooperate with national organizations in target countries to help develop programs for persons with disabilities, such as APCD supported technical transfer on Independent Living in Pakistan and the Promotion of Non-handicapping Environment in Sri Lanka. Regarding trainings, APCD organized a Refresher Training on Accessible Web-based Information Networking, inviting former participants to follow-up on information networking among the participants’ organizations with APCD. Previous information exchanged served as a resource to develop new action plans for future efficient information sharing. APCD continues to support the Regional Training on Independent Living (IL) for People with Disabilities for 25 ex-trainees from Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand to further expand their knowledge in the area of IL to be incorporated with the theme “community development”. APCD is pleased that both APCD buildings accessible for persons with disabilities have been welcomed as models by various sectors, disabled peoples’ organizations and academic institutions alike that have come in to study the accessibility design. Tentative APCD activities for the next 6 months (January – June 2007) January Newsletter Volume 18 16 – 2 February Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for All: Training of ICT for Persons with Print Disability February - March 12 – 16 Regional Training Seminar on Capacity-building of Self-help Organizations of Persons with Disabilities 27 – 15 March Community-based Rehabilitation Refresher Training April Newsletter Volume 19 2 – 4 Seminar on Networking for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 19 -20 Workshop on Women with Disabilities 30 – 4 May Training on Educational Material Production May 16 – 24 Seminar on Peer-Counseling June 5-13 Training on Non-handicapping Environment 19 – 22 South – to – South Seminar 25 -29 Disability Equality Training [page 10] Regional News 2006 October – December 2006 1. Milestone-Pakistan Activities for Earthquake Victims Pakistan October 2006 In the memory of victims on the 1st anniversary of 8th October, Milestone arranged a five-day training program in collaboration with MercyCorps International in Mansehra & Balakot for paraplegic persons and also distributed about 63 wheelchairs to disabled persons. The training program is based on activities such as Relief & Rehabilitation activities and Independent Living training for persons with spinal cord injuries. Source: Report from Mr. Mian Asim Zafar, President of Milestone 2. Education Access for Youth with Disabilities - An Innovative Effort Viet Nam October 2006 New Zealand's International Aid and Development Agency in Viet Nam has awarded a $10,000 grant to Disability Forum and Blue Dragon Children's Foundation for an innovative project. This project will raise awareness among educators on disability issues and how to assist youth with disabilities to return to education and vocational training. The project will also direct young people with disabilities and their families to the educational services available to them. A user-friendly illustrated book will be produced for the families of young people with disabilities. It will detail their rights and responsibilities in regards to education and training, the legal environment and services in Hanoi and surrounding provinces. Please check www.vndisability.org/forum/tm.aspx?m=116&mpage=1&key=t for more details. Source: Monthly Update - Disability Forum 3. National Action Plan on Disability Approved by the Government Viet Nam October 2006 The National Action Plan on Disability for the period 2006-2010 has been approved by the Government of Vietnam. The Plan has been prepared with contribution and participation of relevant ministries and agencies of the government, Self-help Groups, NGOs, and other organizations. Please check http://vnah-hev.org for more details. Source: Report from Pham Thi Cam Ly, Senior Program Officer of Vietnam Assistance for the Handicapped (VNAH) 4. Seminar on Assistive Technology for Hearing Impairment Thailand 12 - 13 October 2006 Assistive Technology Center (ASTEC) and National Association of the Deaf in Thailand (NADT) organized a Seminar on Assistive Technology for Hearing Impairment: Development for a Better Life; to gather information as well as analyze a guideline for development of assistive technology in Thailand towards the implementation and research suited to the needs of hearing impaired persons. Please check http://astec.nectec.or.th/event_detail.php?id=27 for more details. Source: Assistive Technology Center 5. Observance of World White Cane Safety Day Bangladesh 15 October 2006 On the occasion of World White Cane Safety Day, the Government of Bangladesh and the organizations working with the people with disabilities undertook the following activities: Channel- I, a famous TV Channel of Bangladesh televised and broadcasted a duet musical program. The visually impaired singers and a celebrated singer performed, jointly in cooperation with the Sight Savers International Bangladesh Country Office. Please check www.csidnetwork.org for more details. Source: Report from Centre for Services and Information on Disability (CSID) 6. Asia Pacific Disability Forum Second General Assembly – Bangkok Statement Thailand Thailand 16 - 17 October 2006 The 2nd Asia Pacific Disability Forum (APDF), General Assembly and Conference 2006, with support of UNESCAP, the Council of Disabled People of Thailand and the Royal Thai Government was organized in Bangkok. The theme was "Achieving Rights-based Development through Joint Efforts". For the Bangkok Statement from the conference, please check http://v1.dpi.org/lang-en/resources/details.php?page=734 Please check http://v1.dpi.org/lang-en/resources/details.php?page=734 for more details. Source: Disabled Peoples' International (DPI) 7. Assistive Technology Helpline India 31 October 2006 The National Association for the Blind announced the launch of an Assistive Technology Helpline Service, to offer help on subjects such as troubleshooting problems of visually impaired persons using assistive technology, dissemination of information about the various training courses available in the field of assistive technology, support to trainers and technical support for anyone wanting to set up computer training centres/study rooms anywhere in the country. Please check www.nabdelhi.org for more details. Source: National Association for the Blind 8. Survey Results on the Pakistan Earthquake and People with Disabilities Pakistan November 2006 Special Talent Exchange Program, a cross disability network based in Islamabad, felt the responsibility to first rescue affected members in different areas and then extend services to those in need. Although the efforts and contributions were extremely small compared to the actual need, it was done with a deep feeling and sincerity. The efforts will continue with a warm spirit for the mainstreaming of all people with disabilities; plans are to have an Information Resource Center and a Sheltered Workshop for persons who became disabled, homeless, and jobless. Source: Report from Mr. Zeeshan Ahmed Khan, Special Talent Exchange Program 9. International Day of Disabled Persons 2006, E-accessibility in Islamabad Pakistan 6 November 2006 Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP) is planning to organize a national level forum to pursue the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, particularly its clauses on E-Accessibility in accordance with the theme of International Day of Disabled Persons 2006. For more detail on the program schedule, please check http://step.org.pk/update/index.html. Please check http://step.org.pk/update/index.html for more details. 10. ICT Camp in Malaysia: Breaking the Digital Divide between the Disabled and Abled Persons Malaysia 19 - 28 November 2006 The camp focused on the following activities: exposure to word processing, Internet surfing, Emailing, and assistive devices. The participants were given the opportunities to have their hands on the Personal computers with a screen reader, scanner, embosser, handphone with Talx, PDA with Mobile Speak Pocket and Pocket HAL, and also the notetakers for the blind such as PACMate from Freedom Scientific and Braille note from Humanware. Besides ICT training, they were also exposed to the real life in the mainstream society such as a visit to the wetland botanical garden, amusement park, shopping complexes, riding the sky train known as monorail, and also had the opportunity to witness the FESPIC game for the disabled for which Malaysia was the host. Please check www.mab.org.my for more details. Source: Silatul Rahim Bin Dahman, Information Technology Department Malaysian Association for the Blind 11. First National Computer Camp for the Blind Indonesia 23 - 24 November 2006 With the theme "New Understanding, New Hope toward ICT for All in Indonesia", 100 blind and visually impaired persons gathered at the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology Building, for a computer camp for the blind held by Mitra Netra Foundation, the first of its kind in the country. The two-day gathering challenged all to the common misconception that the blind are unable to compete in terms of equality with the sighted. Please check www.mitranetra.or.id for more details. Source: Report from Nur Ichsan, Head of Research and Development, Mitra Netra Foundation 12. ASIA First Ever Disability Concert Series Lao People's Democratic Republic 25 November - 3 December 2006 Viet-Nam Assistance for the Handicapped was part of an historic international event on 25 – 26 November in Vientiane, Laos and 2 – 3 December 2006 in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam when it partnered with local non-governmental organizations and governments to present Asia's first-ever dis*Ability *Concert Series. The two-day event brought together disabled performers and celebrities from Cambodia, Japan, Laos, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam to present evening concerts. The event also included two days of festivals and exhibitions featuring arts, crafts and other products created by people with disabilities, to acknowledge the United Nations’ International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December. The event was designed to raise awareness about the */abilities/*of disabled people and emphasize their independence and contributions as productive members of society. It will also promote employment opportunities for the disabled across the continent. Please check http://forum.wso.net for more details. Source: Report from Ms. Lan Anh, Disability Forum 13. Community-based Rehabilitation Network (South Asia) Human Resource Development Program The Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) Network (South Asia) in collaboration with the Bangalore University offered Human Resource Development Programmes for CBR to generate trained professionals in the rehabilitation sector using the latest rehabilitation sciences and information technology and to build access to quality rehabilitation services throughout India. Source: CBR Networking (South Asia), cbrnet@vsnl.com, cbrmettrg@vsnl.co.in, www.cbrnetworking.org.in [page 11] International Day of Disabled Persons 2006 Pakistan 1. On 1 December 2006, Sindh Disability Forum (SDF) addressed a press conference at Karachi Press Club, Karachi. Through this there were demands for inclusion in the decision making process in legislative assemblies, accessible transport and environment, and implementation of the 2% quota in government jobs. On 2 December 2006, all member organizations celebrated the day in their respective cities and towns. Most staged rallies and other organizations organized seminars on E-Accessibility. This year the electronic media of Pakistan gave special coverage to IDDP. In this regard SDF collaborated with TV channels GEO TV and Sindh TV for special features on the problems of persons with disabilities. SDF staged a rally from Karachi Press Club to Governor House on 3 December 2006. 2. Special Talent Exchange Program in collaboration with Handicap International organized a national level forum to peruse the UN Convention, particularly its clauses on "E-Accessibility" in accordance with the theme of IDDP 2006. More than 200 people attended. The outcomes were advocacy and understanding about the UN Convention on a large scale among disability stakeholders. Moreover, they are learning about the new dimensions and trends in Accessible Information and Communication Technology as well as awareness on a large scale about the rights of persons with disabilities due to their involvement with Mass Electronic and Print media. 3.Various activities carried out across the country by organizations of Persons with Disabilities were under the flag of DPI-Pakistan; on 25 of November 2006 JICA overseas volunteers in collaboration with the National Training Center for Disabled Persons and DPOs conducted an open forum along with an exhibition of disability stakeholders in Islamabad. 4.On 3 December 2006, the Prime Minister of Pakistan inaugurated the Blind Cricket World Cup in Islamabad and more than 200 persons with disabilities held a march in Islamabad. Nepal National Federation of the Disabled-Nepal (DPI-Nepal) celebrated with a week long activities from the national to the district levels with active participation of its member SHOs, NGOs and relevant stakeholders. The following remarkable achievements observed in the course of IDDP celebration this year include: 1. The Government has officially declared a public holiday for employed persons with disabilities in public and private services on the IDDP from this year on. 2. The Honorable Minister Urmila Aryal and representatives of seven major political parties have expressed commitments to take necessary action for the ratification of the "International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities". 3. The Ministry of Local Development has decided to allocate NPR. 30,000/- for each Village Development Committee for the Disabilities sector. 4. Independent Living Center organized various activities to celebrate the International Day of Disabled Persons 2006 with the financial support of Action Aid Nepal, participated in by DPO's, concerned organizations, human rights workers, civil society, reporters, persons with disabilities and other citizens. The most effective program was the physical barrier-free campaign. The concerned people expressed commitment to making arrangements for a barrier-free path at ground level, constructing barrier-free toilets, making necessary work plans and policies, implementing them and creating an accessible and easy environment for persons with disabilities to receive facilities from the ministries. 5. In Nepal, national celebrations for International Day of Disabled Persons (IDDP), 3 December 2006, provided great opportunities for government, organizations of persons with disabilities and the public at large to focus on the potential of persons with disabilities and to collectively work out strategies on how to break down social and economic barriers. It also supported the theme "E-Accessibility". The celebration created awareness among political parties, government, civil society and policy makers to commit to the participation of persons with disabilities in the constitutional assembly, Substitution Parliament and National Government. The observance of IDDP this year also pushed for the ratification of the "International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" in the forthcoming UN General Assembly. Sri Lanka The DAISY Lanka Foundation (DLF) jointly with the Information and Communication Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) organised a seminar on Web Accessibility for web developers and other key ICT persons to celebrate the International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December 2006. Mr. Samantha Mathara Arachchi of the University of Colombo School Of Computing who attended the APCD Accessible Web-based Information Networking (WBN) Workshop in 2005was a resource person along with Prof. D.P.M. Weerakkody, Vice-Chairman of DLF. Vanuatu 3 December has been celebrated for ten years since 1997. Activities were staged in remote islands such as Tomman Island in Malekula, Loh Island in the Banks, Motalava in the Torres Group and by various communities in Santo. In Port Vila, members of the disability community with their families and friends joined the Sunday service at the Patton Memorial Church. Thailand 1. The Government allocated a budget of 40,000 THB (1,100 USD) for 75 provinces across the country. The provinces raised additional funds to cover all the activities planned by the Provincial Disability Committee. 2. On 30 November 2006 at Santichaiprakarn Park in Bangkok, the Minister of Public Health launched a Joint Project on a Barrier-free Society for All with the government and private sectors working in close collaboration with disabled peoples organizations. The highlight was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that within 6 months accessible toilets and parking spaces will be provided at all gas stations, shopping centers, and private hospitals throughout the country. Some private companies who joined the project are Shell Co., Petronas Co., Bangchak Oil Co., Seri Center Shopping Mall, Robinson Dept Store, Carrefour, etc. 3. On 1 December 2006 Prime Minister Surayut Chulanon presided over the opening ceremony of the International Day of Disabled Persons 2006 organised by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and presented awards to persons and organisations that have been working to support persons with disabilities. A panel discussion followed on the theme "Access to Social Welfare and Information Communication Technology" which was primarily divided into two forums. One was how to pursue the issue of persons with disabilities having access to information and an accessible environment. Ms. Wantanee Pantachart and Mr. Suporntum Mongkhonsawasdi, APCD resource person, as well as Ms. Lasapan Toomsawasdi, APCD Chief of Information Support also participated as lecturers. An exhibition focused on digital and electronic approaches to promote access of disabled persons to ICT. 4. On 1 December 2006 at the Tesco-Lotus Department Store in Nonthaburi province, the Nonthaburi Society of Disabled Persons celebrated IDDP 2006. Aside from this outstanding award presented to government offices and private companies who provided best services for people with disabilities, performances from children with disabilities and a public dialogue on E-Accessibility was organized. Significant recommendations will be proposed to the government and agencies in concern, such as, a Public Internet Center at all Sub-districts to be equipped with voice synthesizer software for the blind and webcam for the deaf. India Thousands of disabled people, their families, friends and activists gathered at India Gate in the heart of the capital to mark World Disability Day by participating in the IBM Walk to Freedom. The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People was instrumental in starting this march ten years ago to highlight the importance of the rights of disabled persons in India. Source: India eNews, http://www.indiaenews.com/india/20061202/30947.htm Conferences & Events 2007 1. India Deaf Expo 2006 - An International Conference on Innovative Technologies and Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing India 5 - 7 January 2007 The purpose of this International Conference, the first of its kind in India, was to provide a platform for Educators, Researchers, Parents of Deaf children, Teachers, Social Workers, Speech Therapists, Audiologists, Sociologists, Psychologists, Linguists and other professionals to socialize with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing people themselves and share their knowledge and experiences, find solutions through discussion and be a part of this revolution for the future. Please check www.indiadeafexpo.org for more details. Source: World Federation of the Deaf 2. Announcement of the 2007 CBR Management Course in The Netherlands Netherlands February 2007 A 4-week International Course in Management of Disability and Rehabilitation is being offered to rehabilitation professionals, disability and development workers, and activists. Candidates should apply well in advance; please fill out the online application form at www.enablement.nl Source: www.enablement.nl 3. FY 2006 Empowerment Seminar for Women Leaders in the Asia Pacific Region Japan 1 - 11 February 2007 National Women's Education Center (NWEC) will organize a participatory seminar on leadership capacity development and empowerment for female government officials, educators, and staff members of NGOs. Objectives are to: (i) develop leadership capacity; (ii) train trainers on leadership; (iii) share information; (iv) create a mutual learning process for leadership training programs; and (v) create an international leader's network. For more information, please contact rese@nwec.jp. Please check www.nwec.jp/English for more details. Source: National Women's Education Center 4. Expert Group Meeting on the Promotion of Social and Economic Participation of Persons with Disabilitites towards the Biwako Plus Five 27 – 28 February 2007 5. CALL FOR PAPERS: DIRIYA 2007 - Mainstreaming Disability into Development Sri Lanka 6 - 7 March 2007 The theme of Diriya 2007 is how disability can be 'mainstreamed' into the development process. The event will examine the barriers that hinder persons with disabilities from actively participating in the development process, discuss how to promote social inclusion and help sensitize policy makers, so persons with disabilities can participate and benefit from development. Deadline for abstracts is on 31 January 2007. Please check http://practicalactionconsulting.org/?id=diriya_2007 or email to diriya@practicalaction.org.lk for more details. Source: Practical Action 6. 23rd Annual Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities United States of America 12 - 13 March 2007 Pac Rim continues to promote cutting-edge opportunities to learn from one another, share resources and ideas that support the quality of life, community inclusion, and self-determination for all persons with disabilities and their families to help shape our world community. Registration is now open and you can take advantage of Early Bird pricing by registering now. Besides, there are opportunities for you and your organization to Exhibit, Advertise, provide Sponsorship, and donate to the annual Silent Auction. Please check www.pacrim.hawaii.edu for more details. 7. Biwako Millennium Framework Stakeholders’ Coordination Meeting, Second Session 01 – 02 March 2007 [page 12] Editorial Message Happy New Year 2007 to all APCD Newsletter Fan Clubs! APCD would like to thank all readers who have kindly welcomed our Newsletter throughout the years. We have been working hard to find the most valuable information for all of you to keep you updated and let you know that you can always depend on us for informative data to be sent to you. APCD has always been very careful will the output of information so that it will be beneficial for all. And as we have always mentioned, APCD will continue to further work studiously to reflect valuable information for you. This will be our BIG New Year gift we would like to hand to you during this special occasion. “Empowerment” APCD Newsletter Editorial Team