[page 1] APCD Foundation New Management and Executive Board Message from H.E. Mr. Tanin Kraivixien Privy Councillor President, APCD Foundation The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability Foundation (APCD Foundation) was established on 7th November 2004 with an initial capital of US $50,000 graciously donated by His Majesty the King of Thailand. This donation was the prize money awarded to His Majesty the King by Franklin Delano Roosevelt Institute (FDRI) for Thailand’s initiatives and actions to take care of people with disabilities. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, on behalf of His Majesty the King, was the nation’s representative to receive the award and prize at the United Nations. The APCD Foundation is under the Royal patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) was created under the joint collaboration of the Government of Thailand and the Government of Japan on the 3rd December 2002. It was later, by an agreement with the Government of Thailand, to become an integral part of the APCD Foundation in 2008. In turn, the APCD Foundation has thereby been transformed into a fully fledged international non-governmental organization in this region. Its overall goal is to promote the empowerment of people with disabilities and a barrier-free society in developing countries in the Asia and Pacific Region. The APCD Foundation is now a regional center on disabilities and development, and has been collaborating with 32 countries in the Asia and Pacific Region. The scope of its activities is wide, varied and extensive. Millions of people with all types of disabilities are to be well-cared for. Some of them can become self-supporting. They will be given moral support and all opportunities available so that when going out into the world, they can go with their heads held high and shoulders squared. On the management side, in order to render effective services, our organization will have to set up the networking and collaboration among disability-related organizations within the Region and beyond. So will a variety of training in different fields, e.g. in Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR), accessibility in built environment, Transportation and Information Communication Technologies (ICT) have to be implemented. However, one of the most formidable tasks to perform will be the fund-raising for the organization’s mission. Having fully realized the great obligation of our organization, we have committed ourselves to our mission with tenacity of purpose. With the full cooperation of all members of a strong Executive Board and with a forceful and experienced team of management, we have hope and confidence that though the road to success will be long and hard, we will move ever onwards towards our noble goal. [page 2] Message from Dr. Tej Bunnag Chairman, APCD Foundation Executive Board Assistant Secretary-General for Administration, The Thai Red Cross Society “APCD will continue to collaborate and develop networking with all stakeholders at all levels, in order to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. Our approach is to mobilize resources and share best practices with all organizations in the disability field.” Message from Professor Dr. Wiriya Namsiriphongphan Member, APCD Foundation Executive Board Lecturer, Faculty of Law Thammasat University “It’s time for APCD Foundation to seek financial support from not only JICA but also other funding agencies. Persons with disabilities have to participate in policy-making and activities-oriented matters to utmost benefit themselves in the Asia and Pacific region.” Message from Ms. Saowalak Thongkuay Member, APCD Foundation Executive Board Regional Development Officer, Disabled People’s International Asia-Pacific Regional Office “I have confidence that the move from the public sector and towards leadership under the Foundation will not impede the strength and passion by which APCD strives to achieve its aims. Founded after Thailand was awarded the Franklin D Roosevelt International Disability Award, the APCD Foundation serves as a strong backbone for further success. APCD has, and will continue to, create meaningful and ameliorate change to the lives of persons with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.” Message from Mr. Suporntham Mongkolsawasdi Member, APCD Foundation Executive Board Managing Director, Father Ray Foundation “In the era of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), an individual can get into good practices and knowledge regardless of differences in economic, political, and social aspects. An important role of APCD is to empower persons with disabilities and utilize our tacit knowledge in order to live a meaningful life according to the context of our society and culture.” [page 3] Dr. Damrong Reinprayoon Member, APCD Foundation Executive Board Director, The Thai Red Cross Society Dr. Wachara Riewpaiboon Member, APCD Foundation Executive Board Health Systems Research Institute Ministry of Public Health Ms. Rubina Suwanpong Member, APCD Foundation Executive Board Ms. Kingkaew Inwang Member, APCD Foundation Executive Board Secretary General, National Office for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Mr. Apinan Phatarathiyanon Member, APCD Foundation Executive Board Director-General, Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Benja Chonlatanon Member, APCD Foundation Executive Board Mr. Smiley Wang Member, APCD Foundation Executive Board Leonard Cheshire Disability East Asia Pacific Regional Office Mr. Akiie Ninomiya Member/Secretary, APCD Foundation Executive Board Executive Director, Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability [page 4] Information is Power through Web-based Networking The “Regional Workshop on Accessible Web-based Information Networking” was organized by APCD to develop and maintain the network of disability-related organizations. With 15 participants from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, information accessibility for persons with disabilities and the universal design principle were highlighted throughout this training. The workshop was very helpful in the sense that all participants could learn the new trend of website management. In developing an accessible website for all, one needs a participatory approach. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) also addresses information accessibility in Article 9. One interesting perspective in the Workshop was when participants discussed which country has the most accessible websites. According to participants, there are many disability-friendly websites in the Philippines. In collaboration with the National Computer Center, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) as the national government agency regarding disability, provides awards to accessible websites. This is one creative way of raising awareness on accessibility. In conclusion, all participants expressed their commitment to make their websites fully accessible as disability-related organizations to promote a barrier-free society from ICT perspectives. [page 5] Family Members Coming Together to Support Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism in Cambodia Family members of persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism in Cambodia are now coming together to find better ways of support. They are forming parents’ groups, knowing they require more support from the government and NGOs. They are aware that their children/siblings/grandchildren with ID/autism have various talents, even though there are certain activities they may not be able to do on their own. They are willing to support persons with ID/autism in their families, but sometimes are unsure how to do so. APCD, in collaboration with its Associate Organization, Komar Pikar Foundation (KPF), organized a two-day workshop, 15-16 September 2009, in Phnom Penh to address such concerns and needs. The target participants of the workshop were 25 family members of persons with ID/autism from Phnom Penh as well as nearby provinces of Kandal, Kampong Chhnang and Pursat. Representatives of NGOs which are supporting persons with ID/autism also joined the workshop. Thai resource persons from the Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability of Thailand, the Association of Parents for Thai Persons with Autism and a newly established self-help group of persons with ID/autism, Dao Ruang Group, shared their experiences. The participants and resource persons, who had many common experiences and interests, got together and actively participated in discussion. The main topic was how to establish and strengthen self-help groups of family members. The participants also showed great interest in what they could do to support their children. The Thai resource persons showed some useful tools and toys made with low-cost materials to help develop skills of persons with ID/ autism. Ms. Praparat Sasean, a self-advocate and key member of Dao Ruang Group, made a DVD presentation to introduce the group’s activities. Voices of the participants: “We would like to set up a national association of parents of persons with ID/autism to promote self-help groups and self-advocacy.” “We should start having regular meetings and share ideas, experiences and information on supporting persons with ID/autism.” “Let us exchange phone numbers and choose leaders who can coordinate among groups!” The participants seemed encouraged and inspired by one another to develop their groups and support their family members with ID/ autism. KPF and APCD look forward to seeing the groups grow, working together and becoming strengthened. [page 6] Strengthening Community-based Rehabilitation and Self-help groups (SHGs) of Person with Disabilities 21 – 29 July 2009 Bangkok, Thailand According to three participants of APCD training in July 2009, a community-based rehabilitation (CBR) program is one effective strategy to empower persons with disabilities, equalize opportunities and be included in mainstream society. My Learning Journey in Thailand The training course consisted of three areas of learning: lectures, field visits, and discussion. The latter had been well prepared and touched on the significance of the BMF and UNCRPD at the community level towards achieving inclusive, barrier-free and right-based societies. Likewise, different concepts of disabilities and experiences among countries in the Asia-Pacific region highlighted the diversity from a charity-based to a rights-based approach. The study visit in the community was the most significant activity. It ideally demonstrated that the success of a CBR program is in the full participation of PWDs, their families and other community stakeholders. It is also largely dependent on the efficient formulation and implementation of programs and services based on the needs of PWDs and taking full advantage of the available indigenous resources. As a blind man, I really appreciated the effort of the facilitators of the training and my co-participants to break the barriers of my impairment by clearly describing the things around me, sometimes allowing me to touch the subject and insuring interactive discussion. Likewise, all of the training materials, resources and support were adequately provided. The training was excellently designed as to the content, methodology and output. There should be more trainings on a regular basis. Mr. Victor P. Rescober President/ CBR Program Director VISUAL Inc. Philippines Philippines [page 7] CBR is like a Taxi Any pilot project of CBR at the grassroot level should be followed by a national strategic plan on CBR and disability policies. Future mechanism and linking network development among CBR stakeholders in a disability-specific national coordination is needed, not only in Thailand but also other developing countries in the Asia-Pacific. CBR is like a taxi. The driver of the taxi is u, PWDs. Promoting full participation of PWDs (SHG) in CBR is meant to empower and create opportunities. So, PWDs have to be the driver for their own taxi! I remember very much the presentations of some resource persons with disabilities during the training (Ms. Suowalak Thongkuay, Mr. Udomchok Choorat, Mr. Teeraryuth Sukhonthavith, and others). They have strong leadership, have clear views of a map of their own lives, and their positioning perspectives towards CBR. I want to say that they are drivers of their own taxis! Mr. Sunarman Director Community Based Rehabilitation – Development and Training Center Solo, Central Java, Indonesia A New Experience in CB/SHGs Besides the training content itself, what impressed me the most is the active participation of participants from the Asia-Pacific countries. They were all great and passionate with energy to work with and for persons with disabilities. I admired the contribution and inputs of my friends in the groups towards the training, especially those who were blind, hard of hearing, had mobility impairment and cerebral palsy. Regarding the trends of inclusion, the presence and participation of all participants were proof to support the ideal concepts of an inclusive society. Back to Vietnam after the training, as a World Vision project assistant being responsible for the implementation of Assistance for Children with Disability Project in Hoa Vang district, Da Nang, I feel more confident to suggest my inputs for some apt adjustments in the Plan of Action in FY 2010. Ms. Ho Thi My Linh Project Assistant World Vision Vietnam/Da Nang Office, Viet Nam [page 8] Developing Management Skills of Self-Advocacy Group of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities /Autism In cooperation with APCD, JICA and Inclusion Japan, the Counterpart Training on Management of Self- Advocacy Group of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) / Autism was conducted in Hokkaido, Japan. In addition to 1 supporter of the self-advocacy group and 1 APCD staff, 3 leaders of Dao Reuang Group (first self-advocacy group of persons with ID and autism in Thailand) participated in the training. First, the participants observed the meetings of self-advocates conducted by Inclusion Japan-Hokkaido. Facilitated by some self-advocates, their meeting went well. Supporters without disabilities provided just a little assistance as necessary. Next day group discussion of the previous day was well arranged and reported by Japanese self-advocates, which caught the interest of the Thai participants. It was also interesting for participants to visit the Potato House, a home-made bakery shop for persons with ID. The shop sells delicious coffee and cookies, as well as provides training for persons with ID, to make, sell, and deliver products to customers. At Tetsunagi-Kobo, a vocational training center for persons with ID, there were various kinds of activities available such as recycling papers, making soap and dish-washing liquid, and drawing pictures. Another impressive approach was identified at Tetsunagi So, a group home for persons with ID. Living together but in respective rooms, persons with ID live their community life with some support from group home staff and volunteers. Having their own jobs, residents at the group home go to work in the morning and return in the evening. One urgent need is a Day Care Center. Parents of children with ID run one community Day Care Center while some staff take care of their children during their working time. This practice in Hokkaido showed participants how self-help groups of parents of children with ID can work and support each other at the same time. One active self-advocacy group in Hokkaido, named Tomorrow, effectively conducted the meeting by themselves by sharing their ideas in a nice atmosphere. According to the participants’ evaluation reports, they learned how to manage a self-advocacy group, conduct meetings, and set up a support center for persons with disabilities in the community. [page 9] Good Practices Documented in Central Vietnam Community for All (DVD) Contents It is quite important for persons with disabilities and their supporters to share their understanding about community-based rehabilitation (CBR) from a social perspective among medical practitioners. The story shares how medical practitioners conducted both medical and social support holistically at one hospital in Danang, Central Vietnam. Collaboration Danang Rehabilitation and Sanatorium Hospital (DNRSH) World Vision Vietnam (WVV) Danang Association of Youth with Disabilities (DNAYD) Danang Health Education and Information Center (DNHEIC) Impact / Episode - In collaboration with DPOs and local governments, the film production process on CBR (DVD briefly) was on a TV program on National Disability Day, which caught the attention of health related workers in particular. - With much effort in line with CBR activities in Danang, Dr. Than Van Chin, the Director of DNRSH has been selected as a CBR Committee Member under the Ministry of Health as a representative from Central Vietnam. Dr. Chin has been promoting the social perspective of CBR as a doctor. Yes, You Can! (DVD) The story focuses on how one self-help group developed its activities as a business in Hoi An, the world heritage town. Their strong commitment let us know why we should work with persons with disabilities no matter what their disability is. Collaboration Reaching Out Vietnam (RO) Mr. Allain Guillemot (Independent filmmaker) Danang Health Education and Information Center (DNHEIC) Disability Resource and Development (DRD) Inclusive Development Action (IDEA) Impact / Episode - According to DNHEIC, it is the first time for them to shoot sign language. APCD’s team was very impressed with the sign language interpreter, Ms. Pham Thi Kim Vui (University of Danang) and the coordinator Ms. Ho Thi My Linh (World Vision Vietnam) who were committed to make the DVD accessible for all. - With support from leaders with disabilities and supporters in other provinces, especially the network of Inclusive Development Action (IDEA) in Hanoi, the Disability Resource and Development (DRD) in Ho Chi Minh, and a network of disability-related organizations in Vietnam, the DVD was shared with various stakeholders. [page 10] A New Initiative for Better Futre “Young Future Blind Leaders’ Dialogue? It was unusual!” This was my thought when I heard about it for the first time. What happened before was “Senior Blind Leaders’ Dialogue.” It is not just cynical, but it is true. Meetings or activities at national, regional, and international levels were usually dominated by senior leaders. But this time, young future blind leaders participated in the new initiative in collaboration with the Nippon Foundation, colleagues from Overbrook School for the Blind, and APCD Foundation from 4-6 August 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting has become a platform where young blind leaders in our ASEAN region exchange ideas, dreams, visions, feelings, and thoughts. We discussed these topics to build a better country, better region, better Asia, and better world, for the blind, for all persons with disabilities, and for everybody. With critical issues, participants argued intensively. Sometimes it was boring and annoying. But other times it was really nice. It is always nice to meet friends from other neighboring countries, share information and experiences, and learn from each other. The most interesting thing was that during the first dialogue in 2008 and the second one in 2009, leaders agreed to the idea of working together regionally. As a person with low vision living in a developing country like Indonesia, I myself have a special interest in regional cooperation. It should strategically impact at the national level. In a country like mine where there is still a lack of educated blind people, I often feel that my country needs my energy, dedication and ideas more than other Asian countries. If I could make a change in Indonesia, it would also bring changes in Asia since my country is a part of the region. I am not an egoistic person who loves only my country. It is not really easy for anybody to come to an agreement on a regional project. All the participants were in different situations in different countries, worked in different fields, with different ways of thinking, different opinions, and different challenges. But this is the real learning process. In this connection, we are lucky to have a person, Mr. Larry Campbell who has experienced working with people with visual impairments at the global level. Sometimes he just listened to the discussion at the edge. If necessary, he “jumped” into the circle of discussion, made suggestions, or even solutions. This process was regarded as a test whether these young blind leaders could really work together to realize a better ASEAN region, better Asia, and better world. Of course I am optimistic…. Aria Indrawati Mitra Netra Foundation Indonesia [page 11] APCD Activities Tentative APCD activities for the next 6 months (October 2009 – March 2010) October 2009 8-10 Mission to Laos 12-23 Mission to Pakistan 19-22 Mission to Myanmar November 2009 9-12 Mission to Malaysia December 2009 14-16 CBR Asia-Pacific Network Meeting January 2010 11-15 Mission to Myanmar 26-29 Regional Workshop on Capacity Development of Self-Help Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (CDSHOD) February 2010 15-19 Mission to Myanmar March 2010 8-10 South-to-South Development Cooperation 8-19 Regional Training on Disability, Gender and Development (DGD) Annoucement APCD’s website is in the process of renewal!!! Our email address has a new domain!!! Please change the bookmark www.apcdproject.org >> www.apcdfoundation.org Please change our contact email address (The domain of other emails is also changed in the same way.) info@apcdproject.org >> info@apcdfoundation.org [page 12] Things have to be changed as it is the rule of natural law. Same with APCD. You will see the big changes of our management from this volume. Particularly, APCD has been fully managed by the APCD Foundation since 1 October 2009. We are always eager for new knowledge and to gain new experience according to the mission of APCD which is unchanged: To promote the empowerment of people with disabilities and a barrier-free society in developing countries in the Asia and Pacific Region. Readers, please keep forwarding helpful information to be shared. Cheers! “Empowerment” APCD Newsletter Editorial Team “The editorial team of EMPOWERMENT Newsletter wishes to sincerely thank Mr. Thong Vinal, Executive Director, Disability Action Council (DAC) in Cambodia, for his contribution of an article on the Cambodian Disability Legislation, which appeared on page 3 of the previous Newsletter (volume 28).”