[page 1] The CPRD has entered into force!!! May 3, 2008, was a day to remember for all in the disability field, because the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD) finally entered into force. At a commemorative event held at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) on April 30, 2008, Mr.Monthian Buntan, the president of the Thai Association of the Blind (TAB), a member of the Thai Senate, and also an Executive Board Member of APCD/APCD Foundation, delivered the following inspiring speech to emphasize the significance and potential impact of the CPRD. How important is this Convention? For many of us, the CRPD clearly represents drastic changes within our human history, especially for more than six hundred million of us with disabilities. Being the first international human rights law of the 21st Century, the CRPD will help us move from a charity-based society where persons with disabilities (PWDs) have been kept powerless, isolated, excluded from the development process and faced with all forms of discrimination. The CPRD will serve us like a vehicle which can take us towards a rights-based society where full and effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms is guaranteed for all PWDs. It is what we have been waiting and fighting for tirelessly. The CRPD places an emphasis on the social model and human rights model of disability where disability is not just impairments of individuals as characterized by the old medical model of a charity-based society, but dynamic interaction between characteristics of individuals and their external environment or so-called various barriers. The CRPD contains unique characteristics of being an integral and comprehensive Convention, embracing the concept of social development and human rights, protecting and promoting civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, and very importantly, mandates elimination of discrimination based on disability which includes denial of reasonable accommodation. Convention and Optional Protocol Signatories & Ratifications Convention [Ratified] Bangladesh, China, India, the Philippines [Signed] Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vanuatu, Viet Nam Optional Protocol [Ratified] Bangladesh [Signed] Cambodia, Nepal (as of June 30, 2008, in the APCD’s target countries) [page 2] It took only five years to complete the drafting process of the CPRD because of the UN unprecedented and unconventional approach which lets us from the civil society, particularly disability movement from around the world, participate actively, effectively and vigorously, from home through grassroots meetings, from separate rooms within the UN Headquarters, in the main room where government delegations were conducting formal and even informal meetings. We are here to celebrate this first internet-driven UN Convention, this first international human rights law which mandates accessibility through universal design, assistive technologies and reasonable accommodation, the first UN Convention which recognizes Braille and sign languages, and very historically, the first UN Convention which mandates that the text of itself be made available in accessible formats. As for myself, being born blind, I can say without any hesitation that I am proud of my identity of being a disabled person, but not quite satisfied with disabling conditions from outside. Therefore, I have never turned down any opportunity to be part of the movement, to lead the movement (blindness and disability movement) to fight for changes (positive changes). In 2002, I left my teaching position at a university because I would like to share suffering and celebrate victory with my friends and colleagues on the street. I was elected as president of Thai Association of the Blind (TAB) in 2004 and just recently got re-elected for the second term. With my intention and determination to serve, I have been fortunate to be part of this great Convention since its birth. I can assure you that with my recent appointment as a member of the Thai Senate, I will continue to be part of the process to push the CPRD into its implementation stage in Thailand and beyond. Nothing about Us without Us! As a member and a representative from the disability community, who happened to wear the Thai delegation hat throughout the process, I can say without any hesitation that only through an open, participatory and accessible process, we have been able to come this far. It is such process that should be kept alive all the way so as to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the Convention and so that PWDs will be truly liberated from being the poorest of the poor, the extreme end of isolation, exclusion and all forms of discrimination. It is through this process that we can ensure full and effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with others. Most importantly, it is this process that should set a good standard for UN in coping with other aspects of human rights and social development. Finally, let me remind all of us again that without PWDs this Convention could not have been possible and will not be meaningful to anyone. Therefore, I cannot leave this stage without drawing your attention to the statement which has served as a guiding principle from the past to present and will keep the spirit of this Convention alive and stay in the future. “Nothing about Us without US.” Source: Keynote Speech by Mr.Monthian Buntan at a side event to the 64th Commission Session of ESCAP to commemorate the entry into force of the CRPD and its Optional Protocol, organized by UNESCAP. Photos were provided by UNESCAP as well. [page 3] Mr. Sithipong Khongprayoon, Sukhothai Disabled Association, Thailand In order to utilize knowledge gained from this course, first of all, we need to set up a plan of any CBR project which goes into more detail of the community. A barrier for deaf persons to promote CBR is communication, particularly related to sign language interpreters since communication between deaf and non-deaf persons is quite difficult. In rural areas, there are few sign language interpreters. Deaf people have some ideas on CBR but it is likely that they cannot express their ideas. Mr. Phen Samnang, Director, Disability Development Services Purset (DDSP), Cambodia Most topics in the training were very useful for our work because the training let me know the international perspective. Upon returning to Cambodia, our plan is to broaden the CBR area and also disseminate the CBR concept to people in the community. I think this CBR training is quite good for organizations that work especially with people with disabilities. Mr. Nakhon Thuanto, Special Education Centre Sukhothai, Thailand I am responsible for setting up CBR programmes in 9 provinces of Thailand subsidized by the governmental sector. Although I saw some case studies in the past, it was still unclear. One of the barriers of this training could be language, but after getting to know international participants, I felt more comfortable. Ms. Khemacksone Phetpasack, Occupational Therapy Trainer Assistant, Handicap International Belgium Lao PDR I learned many things for CBR project management because I did not have enough background. It is a long process to design a good CBR project, besides we have to restructure activities in collaboration with different partners. With knowledge I have gained through the training, it must be possible for us to include important components of CBR, such as the concept of the social model. Mr. Jasper Belarmino Rom, Project Manager – Hilwai Rehabilitation Boat Project, Handicap International Philippines One of main problems to promote CBR is that we have some geographical constraints in the Philippines. It is essential for us to take a boat which goes from island to island. In this kind of situation, the balance between the needs of persons with disabilities and external factors in communities is important. In any case, CBR activities should be designed in accordance with a strong link among persons with disabilities. Mr. Zaini Osman, Social Welfare Officer, Kinta Social Welfare Department, Malaysia To find a better way for CBR, both governments and DPOs need to consider the human rights of persons with disabilities, like the rules to have community facilities accessible for disabled persons. In comparison with other countries, the training course is very interesting because we can learn various international practices. [page 4] CDSHOD Expands to Central Asia! CDSHOD, not CBSHOD? You may wonder, as you are familiar with CBSHOD – Capacity Building of Self-Help Organizations of Persons with Disabilities. The past CBSHOD workshops in Viet Nam (2004), Pakistan (2005) and Papua New Guinea (2007) brought together a wide range of stakeholders and offered precious opportunities to consolidate our commitment to and discuss the way forward towards the empowerment of persons with disabilities and the promotion of an inclusive society. In the APCD Project Phase 2, CDSHOD- Regional Workshop on Capacity Development of Self-Help Organizations of Persons with Disabilities – will be implemented. “Capacity Development” is a concept which places an importance on the process of enhancing the problem-solving abilities at individual, organizational and societal levels, while “Capacity Building” primarily focuses on such abilities of individuals. As APCD would like to see the process of change in individuals, then in organizations and extending to the society, the concept CDSHOD has been adopted in its approach. This year, CDSHOD will be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, 21st to 24th October. It will be the first of its kind in the Central Asian region, aiming at bringing together representatives of persons with disabilities, government officials and other stakeholders, to discuss how to strengthen the self-help organizations of persons with disabilities and to promote a sub-regional network among five Republics of: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. APCD’s resource persons will join hands with the leaders of persons with disabilities in these countries to conduct an inspiring workshop. APCD looks forward to the CDSHOD and is excited to welcome our colleagues in Central Asia to our network! Preparation for CDSHOD - APCD Mission to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic in May 2008 The APCD mission team in May 2008 conducted several preparatory meetings in Kyrgyz Republic and Kazakhstan. The mission members included Ms. Saowalak Thongkuay (DPI-AP) and Mr. Ghulam Nabi Nizamani (DPI-Pakistan) as APCD resource persons as well as Ms. Aiko Akiyama (UNESCAP). The Minister of Labor and Social Development of Kyrgyz Republic has agreed to host CDSHOD along with APCD and JICA. Disabled Peoples’ International-Asia Pacific (DPI-AP) and other international organizations are collaborating and supporting the workshop. The initiative of the late Mr. Topong Kulkanchit, APCD resource person, who first visited Bishkek in 2004 as a key leader at the National Seminar of Self-Help Organizations, was instrumental in bringing this movement forward in Central Asia. Kazakhstan While in Kazakhstan from 18 to 23 May 2008, the APCD team met the Vice-Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population and officials concerned with disability. The Government is interested in promoting disability and development, as well as participating in the CDSHOD. The APCD mission team also met with Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) in Astana and at the City Hall in Almaty (about 10 DPOs in Astana and 20 DPOs in Almaty). [page 5] Most leaders of the DPOs expressed their interest in participating in the CDSHOD. Representatives from UNDP, UNICEF, ILO, UNESCO, OHCHR, and other international organizations also got together at the United Nations Building in Almaty to discuss networking and further collaboration. Ms. Lyazzat Kaltayeva, President of “Shyrak” The Disabled Women Association Public Society, and ex-participant of CBSHOD in Pakistan (2005), was essential in organizing the meetings in Kazakhstan. Ms. Kaltayeva has organized the National Seminar on Women with Disabilities as well as an Informal Central Asian Seminar, which included Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Kyrgyz Republic In Bishkek, the mission team was welcomed by H.E. Ms. Abdullaeva U. Avazovna, the Minister, Vice Minister and other officials at the Ministry of Labor and Social Development. The Ministry and APCD agreed to collaborate on CDSHOD and identified the Ministry as the Governmental focal point. JICA Kyrgyz Republic has been a strong collaborator for the preparation of CDSHOD and APCD missions, including translation of documents and the APCD video into Russian. Workshops on Disability Equality Training (DET) and Disability and Development were conducted by APCD resource persons, as well as an orientation on CDSHOD by the mission members, which were attended by about 15 DPOs. Due to interest in the Biwako Millennium Framework (BMF) and the Convention, the DPOs were encouraged to form a National Forum of DPOs, which was registered in mid-June 2008. At the same time, they organized a Committee on the Promotion of the UN Convention, chaired by a blind lawyer, Mr. Tolkunbek Isakov of “Independent Life”. Mission team’s impression Mr. Ghulam Nabi Nizamani (wheelchair user) reported insufficient basic accessibility in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic, and the necessity to promote it in public buildings, such as hotels and restaurants. Some hotels were inaccessible with many steps and narrow toilet doors. Also, he lost his wheelchair during his travels and had difficulty in transferring from the airport to the hotel. The mission team observed that the basic social security policy in the Central Asian countries categorizes persons with disabilities, depending on the ability to work and the need of assistance. While job opportunities are offered to those persons with disabilities who can work without personal attendant care, those with more severe disabilities requiring full-time personal attendant care do not receive such assistance. Despite such difficulties under limited resources, small organizations of persons with disabilities are emerging at the grass-root level. It is hoped that the CDSHOD will be an opportunity for such organizations to share their experiences and strengthen the network among them. [page 6] APCD Mission to Lao PDR on Networking/Collaboration and Deaf 16-19 June 2008 The mission team, consisting of resource persons from the National Association of the Deaf in Thailand (NADT) and the Thai Deaf Women’s Network Federation (TDWNF) and APCD staff, met the focal point and some Associate Organizations of APCD in Lao PDR to develop initiatives of the Laos Disabled People’s Association (LDPA) in collaboration with NADT and TDWNF; to draft an action plan with the Vientiane Capital’s Disabled People’s Association (VCDPA); and to follow up on the ex-participants of the workshop on intellectual disabilities in January, 2008. Young Deaf Leaders in Lao PDR and Resource Persons from Thailand After visiting the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare to share the outline of our activities in Laos on the first day, the mission team visited the Deaf-Mute Unit, LDPA. Through the discussion with Mr. Boonterm Chantalivong, Head of the Deaf-Mute Unit, LDPA, and other staff members, it was agreed that NADT in cooperation with TDWNF will provide training to two young deaf leaders and one sign language interpreter from Laos for one month between September and October, 2008. Draft training contents were designed during the mission based on intensive discussions between NADT, TDWNF, and the Deaf-Mute Unit, LDPA. Following up on training planned in Thailand, some Thai resource persons will visit the Deaf-Mute Unit, LDPA to strengthen their capacity further. Regarding collaboration with VCDPA, Ms.Phengmany Phengphomkong, President of VCDPA, shared that the activities can consist of two parts: taking a video to share their experiences and process with key leaders of VCDPA and people in the communities, which Ms.Phengmany Phengphomkong believes is important in terms of social impact; training of trainers which will be organized between VCDPA and APCD after the video-taking. The objective of the mentioned activities is to develop and strengthen VCDPA in order to implement effective activities for persons with disabilities in Vientiane and other provinces, so their experiences and knowledge can be transferred in the context of capacity development. Discussion with the President of VCDPA and Community Leaders On one hand, the mission team had an opportunity to meet up with a group of ex-participants of the workshop on Intellectual Disabilities (ID). It was reported that some parents groups have been established in Vientiane to share information and design future activities. In response to the expectation raised by persons with ID (self-advocates) and parents, a workshop will be conducted in August 2008 with topics of know-how of self-help groups among self-advocates, peer-counselling among parents, lessons learned by parents of self-advocates, caring skills for children with ID, among others. [page 7] Strengthen Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) through a Participatory Comprehensive Approach (CBR2008), April 21-May 2, 2008 With 29 Participants who are field managers on CBR, CBR workers and representatives of self-help organizations of persons with disabilities who came from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Pakistan and Thailand, the main objective for this training was to strengthen an existing or planned CBR program in developing countries of the Asia Pacific region by enabling the above target group to: 1) share common fundamental values in CBR; 2) understand a comprehensive approach to CBR; 3) equip themselves with practical methods for enhancing community participation in CBR; and 4) develop CBR strategies according to each situation and the needs. All participants discussed how to make networking and collaboration among themselves and resource persons. Sharing information and lessons learned through internet and emails were suggested in the last day’s meeting before the closing ceremony. It is believed that this workshop can facilitate good networking and collaboration among CBR implementers in Asia. Web Accessibility Training, 23-27 June ,2008 “Web Accessibility Training” was organized at APCD training building in cooperation between the Assistive Technology Center (ASTEC), the National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC) and APCD. Fifteen participants from Departments and Divisions under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security including Department of Student Services of Mahasarakham University, whose main task is to take care of the websites of each organization, joined this training. The principle of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, particularly Article 9: Accessibility in order to promote access for PWDs new information and communications technologies and system including internet, as well as the new disability related Act in Thailand, “Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 2007” was highlighted to promote information access through various assistive devices. Resource persons from NECTEC emphasized some programs to make websites accessible such as Joomla, CMS and CSS and the way to check whether the target website is accessible for persons with disabilities. JICA Officers Discuss Better Coordination for Promoting APCD Activities! On 6th June, JICA officers and experts from eight countries (Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam) attended a one-day workshop at APCD to discuss how to strengthen collaboration between JICA and APCD. JICA has been carrying out various activities concerning disability in each of these countries, some of which have been initiated by APCD’s ex-participants. JICA country offices have also been supporting APCD’s activities, such as missions and workshops, in respective countries. The workshop participants confirmed that APCD and JICA country offices could coordinate even more effectively by sharing more information on each other’s activities. JICA country offices are especially keen on keeping in touch with the APCD ex-participants, who are valuable resources in promoting inclusive development! New ideas for collaborative activities with JICA may be initiated by communicating with the JICA office in your country. [page 8] Regional News (April - June 2008) 1. Secretary-General Ban Hails Entry into Force of Treaty on Disability Rights / United Nations, 3 April 2008 Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the entry into force of the first international treaty on the human rights of persons with disabilities, after the required twentieth country ratified the landmark Convention today. "It is a historic moment in our quest for realization of the universal human rights for ALL persons, creating a fully inclusive society for all," Mr. Ban's spokesperson Marie Okabe said in a statement celebrating the rapid progress of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was adopted in December 2006. "The Convention will be a powerful tool to eradicate the obstacle faced by persons with disabilities," she said, pointing to discrimination, segregation from society, economic marginalization, and lack of opportunities for participation in social, political and economic decision-making processes. Today's ratification by Ecuador means that the Convention, along with an optional protocol that will allow individuals and groups to petition for relief, will be legally binding as of 3 May. Tunisia and Jordan also ratified the treaty earlier this week. Through today's statement, the Secretary-General also congratulated the States that have ratified or acceded to the Convention. Some 126 countries have signed the Convention since 30 March 2007, and 71 have signed the optional protocol. "It is estimated that there are at least 650 million persons with disabilities worldwide, of whom approximately 80 percent live in less developed countries," Ms. Okabe noted. As many as two-thirds of United Nations Member States do not have any legal protection for people with disabilities, according to the UN Focal Point on Disability, Akiko Ito, even though they comprise one in 10 of the global population. "The Convention, together with its Optional Protocol, is deeply rooted in the firm commitment of the international community to rectifying the egregious neglect and dehumanizing practices that violate the human rights of persons with disabilities,"Ms. Okabe concluded, calling on all States that have not yet done so to accede or ratify it without delay. In a statement issued this past weekend, more than 20 UN departments, agencies, programmes, and funds pledged their support to implementing the Convention. The newly-formed Inter-Agency Support Group for the Convention said that support will focus on six main areas: policies to support the purpose and objectives of the Convention; programmes including international cooperation; capacity-building of Member States, civil society, and the UN system; research and access to knowledge on disabilities; accessibility; and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Please check www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=26199&Cr=disab&Cr1=convention for more details. Source: UN News Centre 2."Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and Justice for All of Us", Theme of International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 3 December 2008 / United Nations June 2008 “Dignity and Justice for All of Us” is the theme of this year’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities, as well as for the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 2008 is a significant year in the international human rights movement given the entry into force on 3 May of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, legally binding instruments which set out the legal obligations of States to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities, as well as the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This International Day for Persons with Disabilities is a time to make a renewed commitment to these principles of dignity and justice and to ensure implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We are not only entitled to rights, but we also have the responsibility of making universal human rights a reality for all of us. Please check http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=109 for more details. Source: UN Enable [page 9] Guest Visitation to APCD H.E. Ms. Abdullaeva Uktomhan Avazovna, the Minister of Labor and Social Development of Kyrgyz Republic, visited Thailand from 30th April to 2nd May. On 1st May 2008, H.E. Ms. Abdullaeva paid a courtesy call on Mr. Chanyuth Kosirinond, the Acting Permanent Secretary as the representative of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, on the occasion of her visit to APCD. Ms. Kingkaew Inwang, the Secretary General of the National Office for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ms. Kanitta Kamolwat, the APCD Director, and Mr. Akiie Ninomiya, the JICA Chief Advisor to APCD Project, also welcomed. H.E. Ms. Abdullaeva Uktomhan Avazovna expressed her commitment to collaborate on CDSHOD scheduled to be held in Bishkek, the Capital of Kyrgyz Republic, in October 2008. She also visited the office of the Disabled Peoples’ International Asia Pacific Region (DPI-AP) and the Nonthaburi Independent Living Center, where she was briefed on the self-help activities of persons with disabilities. APCD activities Tentative APCD activities for the next 6 months (July - December 2008) October Newsletter Volume 25 17 - 25 Regional Training Seminar on Capacity Development of Self-help Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (CDSHOD) in Central Asia November 4 - 7 Mission to Cambodia December 9 - 11 1st Asia-Pacific Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) Congress July Newsletter Volume 24 21 - 24 Blind Leaders’ Dialogue (Nippon Foundation & FAPCD) 29 July - Mission to Uzbekistan & Tajikistan 6 August August 18 - 22 Mission to Viet Nam 25 - 30 Mission to Lao PDR September 22 - 23 Meeting of NOC and IOC for 1st Asia-Pacific CBR Congress [page 10] What is KM (SbKm) 30 good practices, which demonstrate the positive impact of APCD’s activities, will be documented by July 2012 so that the process of collaborative efforts between various stakeholders and APCD can be shared among them and applied in the context of respective countries. Statistical data and written documents cannot fully capture knowledge and experiences of persons with disabilities, therefore, other medias such as video, illustration and picture-story show, will be utilized. “Story-based Knowledge Management (SbKM)”, one approach to document good practices in the form of stories, will be adopted for the above purpose. Introduction from New Jica Expert – Mr. Ryuhei Sano My life can be summarized as: Experiencing more than 10 years rehabilitation due to a compound fracture of my right hand (injury from an accident at the age of 6); being a baseball player for rehabilitation in my high school days (not as a starter but as a supporter); paying several field visits to community facilities for persons with disabilities in several Asian countries in my university days (believing that “experience without learning is better than learning without experience”); living in a group home for persons with intellectual and psychiatric disabilities (repeating 2 more years to graduate from university for this purpose); working at a NGO alliance (vocational rehabilitation) & an international organization (social inclusion); monkhood in Thailand (1 month in a rural city where almost no foreigners stay); an APCD expert (I have a great appetite for adventure). It is wonderful to work with you all for a better society. [page 11] Xin Chao!! (Greeting in Vietnamese Language) Nice to see all readers again! This time Kana-chan and Juk will show how to speak G, H, I and J. Are you ready??? Starting with G, Kana-chan fists her right hand side; turns left her wrist, and then lifts thumb & index upright. Same step as Kana-chan to say H, but Juk lifts middle finger upright too. Going on with I, Juk grasps his hand with his little finger upright. Similarly, Kana-chan follows the step of alphabet I, and then turns her wrist clockwise for half a way to say J. [page 12] 1st Asia-Pacific Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Congress 9-11 December 2008, Bangkok The 1st Asia-Pacific Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Congress is being jointly organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the Royal Thai Government. CBR practitioners, policy-makers and representatives of disabled people’s organizations (DPOs) from all over the Asia-Pacific region will get together to share their unique experiences and to form a network which will be in line with the new trends of CBR. Relevant information about the Congress is available at the website below. Conference Website: http://www.cbr-asiapacific.org E-mail: secretariat@cbr-asiapacific.org Editorial Message Sawaddee Ka (Greeting in Thai Language)! It is a great honour of APCD to welcome H.E. Abdullaeva Uktomhan Avazovna, the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Kyrgyz Republic, during her visit to Thailand in May, 2008. Interesting details about networking and collaboration in the Central Asia are highlighted in this issue. Please read! In addition, we have paid attention to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as is in a top article of this volume and the theme of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2008 in the corner of regional news. Furthermore, a new topic “knowledge management”, which is one of APCD’s main activities in the Phase II, is picked up. Let’s enjoy! Cheers!