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Seminar for South-to-South Cooperation for Decade of People with Disabilities: Orientation to APCD

12 December 2003, Bangkok, Thailand

Delegates and honor guests at the seminar
H.E. Mr. Sora-at Klinpratoom, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Royal Thai Government delivered the inaugural speech emphasizing the importance of APCD in facilitating inter-regional cooperation between the Asia-Pacific and African Regions to empower persons with disabilities (PWD) and build a barrier-free society. Ms. Thelma Kay, Chief, Emerging Social Issues Division, UNESCAP, reaffirmed 7 priority areas of the Biwako Millennium Framework towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free, and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific (BMF) as well as the African and Arab Decades of Disabled Persons.

Representatives from 10 developing countries in the Asia-Pacific Region exchanged information with delegates from 9 African countries on the Decades of Persons with Disabilities.

The BMF emphasizes inter-regional collaboration, especially regarding the African Decade of Disabled Persons 2000-2009. JICA held a training course for National Organizations of Persons with Disabilities from Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zambia. UNESCAP Social Affairs Officer, Ms. Kay Nagata spoke about the UN involvement with the two Regional Decades. Keynote speaker, Mr. Sundar Vadan, Commissioner for Disabled Welfare, Government of Andhra Pradesh, India emphasized that collaboration between the Government and NGO Sectors created the most effective, productive and harmonious project for community-based development with persons with disabilities, especially for the development of self-help groups as well as community-based rehabilitation. The population of the province of Andhra Pradesh is approximately 65 million which is similar to the population of other countries such as Thailand.

The World Bank is developing a community-based poverty alleviation program in Andhra Pradesh Province. Mr. Vadan encouraged Government representatives from Afghanistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu, and Viet Nam, to focus on the community for empowerment of PWD along with poverty alleviation. The African delegates were impressed by the community-based approach as well as the participation and collaboration of the Government and NGOs.

H.E. Mr. Abdullah Wardak, Minister of Ministry of Martyrs & Disabled, Government of Afghanistan, Chairman of the session, stated that international collaboration and cooperation on disability issues is necessary for the most productive and effective results. Each Government representative reported on their Government policy, development and movement on disability concerns.

Vietnamese delegate, Mr. Nghiem Xuan Tue, Director of the National Coordination Committee on Disability in Viet Nam, shared that comprehensive inter-ministerial coordination with NGO participants is a necessary and effective Government organizational function. For this reason, the Government can collaborate with other Ministries and NGO sectors for specific programs.

APCD exchanged the Memorandum of Meeting with Afghanistan, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. APCD also discussed a tentative APCD mission plan for 2004 with each delegate. These Government delegates will be liaisons for APCD's future missions.

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Mission to India

19-28 November 2003
The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) undertook a mission to India from 19 to 28 November 2003 and identified the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment as the Government's focal point. The APCD mission had two teams: One team visited the State of Andhra Pradesh to conduct research and gather information about self-help organizations and the other team conducted data base research at the 6th International Abilympics India in New Delhi.


APCD Mission Visitation to the community in the state of Andra Pradesh
The Government of Andhra Pradesh had set up an Independent Department for Disabled Welfare in 1983 and developed a State Action Plan on Disability from 1998-2012, affirming the action of campaigning for the rights of PWD and to incorporate the Persons with Disabilities Act with the State Government in 1995.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh set up an autonomous public agency VELUGU, which is the Andhra Pradesh Rural Poverty Reduction Project funded by the World Bank with 8-10% of the total budget to be used for poverty alleviation for PWDs. Mr. B.N. Yugandhar, an APCD resource person, was the first Chairperson of the VELUGU Group and is now the Managing Trustee of COMMITMENTS which is promoting poverty alleviation by organizing self-help groups.


Visitation to a Vocational Rehabilitation Center for Handicapped
COMMITMENTS organized 103 self-help groups of PWDs, and will be reaching out to 1,653 PWDs by the end of 2003,covering 94 villages of the 5 mandals. Twenty-six self-help group training programs were conducted for 65 Sangams, with an average of 40-45 trained at one time. About 1,000-1,100 PWDs benefited from this training. Sixty-six community awareness programs were held in 60 villages of the 4 mandals and approximately 33,080 people were informed about disability issues. Five to twenty members of each self-help organization meet regularly every week, sharing their life experiences and supporting each other. Each member countributes about 5 rupees per week, which becomes a micro-finance program.


APCD Information Gathering at the 6th Internatinal Abilympics, New Delhi, India
COMMITMENTS' appproach to organizing self-help groups of PWD is rather unique. Firstly, they organize self-help groups of village women, who are traditionally in charge of households, community activities and the raising of their children. COMMITMENTS then organizes self-help groups of PWD simultaneously as self-help groups of women to support each other. Their approach is to empower women with disabilities first, and then the empowered women with disabilities are to train, and educate the community as well as conduct information gathering and dissemination at the grass-roots level.

The APCD mission met with Mr. Javed Abidi, Executive Director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People. This organization has the Disability Network Information Service covering all the States of India and will collaborate with APCD's Information Service.

The mission also visited the Rehabilitation Institute for the Handicapped, the National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped and the Devnar Foundation for the Blind. The APCD mission team had a meeting with representatives from organizations of PWD in Andhra Pradesh which showed interest in becoming Associate Members of APCD.

The Second mission team interviewed 62 organizations from 10 countries at the Sixth International Abilympics in New Delhi.

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Asia & Pacific Disability Forum (APDF)
Inaugural Meeting & Conference 2003

"Disability in the New Millennium"
YMCA Fort Canning Lodge
26-28 November 2003

Activities during the APDF Inaugural Meeting and Conference 2003
APCD had the opportunity to join the APDF Inaugural Meeting & Conference. APDF followed the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981, the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons in 1983-1992, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) at its 48th session in Beijing, 1992, where the period 1993-2002 was declared as the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons.

From 1993-2002, the Regional NGO Network (RNN) was responsible for organizing Annual Campaigns to raise awareness of, and to mobilize support for the Decade goals.

The Osaka Forum, held in October 2002, signaled the end of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (1993-2002) and the dissolution of RNN. The idea of forming a new regional NGO network on disability was mooted and welcomed by various sectors to strengthen regional initiatives and momentum to meet the rising expectations and demands of the New Millennium. Thus, the formation of the new network became the "Asia and Pacific Disability Forum".

The objectives of the APDF are as follow:

To support the UNESCAP resolution 58/4 on "Promoting an Inclusive, Barrier-free, and Rights-based Society for People with Disabilities in the Asian and Pacific Region in the 21st Century".
To promote the 2nd Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 2003-2012, through the implementation of the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific.
To empower persons with disabilities in the Asia and Pacific Region.
To provide, exchange and disseminate information on disability-related matters to member organizations.
To promote and encourage research and development on disability-related issues.
To promote and advocate for technical and other assistance for persons with disabilities.
To develop collaborative partnerships and work closely with related international, regional, and inter-regional organizations/forums/working groups.
To undertake such other tasks in relation to persons with disabilities in the Asia and Pacific Region as shall be determined by APDF at its General Assembly.
The Singapore Declaration was drafted as the resolutions of the APDF Inaugural Meeting and Conference, 2003. Participants adopted the new approach of empowering individuals with disabilities to promote self-help organizations, ensure the paradigm shift from a charity-based approach to a rights-based approach, as well as promote protection of the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities.

APDF initiated collaborative efforts with the United Nations and its agencies, governments, NGOs, and other relevant agencies in the region to promote progress towards the Comprehensive International Convention on the Promotion and Protection of Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities; to generate public awareness, and advocate issues concerning individuals with disabilities. APDF seeks the assistance and collaboration of Governments in the region to extend support to self-help organizations for their participation in the implementation of the BMF and in meeting the objectives of the APDF.

APDF calls on Governments in the region to provide the BMF and objectives of APDF in accessible format for all individuals with disabilities, establish a consultative approach through partnership among Governments and NGOs of and for individuals with disabilities, level the playing field for individuals with disabilities through the appropriate use of early intervention program for infants and children and assistive technology in striving towards an inclusive education and employment, integrate individuals with disabilities into the community by ensuring that their fundamental concerns of accessibility, education, and employment are adequately addressed, and bridge the divide between individuals with disabilities and mainstream individuals as the 21st century will bring greater challenges for both Governments and NGOs.

APDF"s goals and targets follow the 7 priority policy areas of the BMF. Relevant to APCD, one of APDF"s objectives is to develop collaborative partnerships and close working relationships with the UNESCAP, the Thematic Working Group on Disability-related Concerns (TWGDC), UN Agencies, APCD and other regional and inter-regional forums. APCD will collaborate closely with related organizations to build networks towards the empowerment of PWD in the region.

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International Conferences

"Regional Workshop towards a Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities"
Bangkok, Thailand, 14-17 October 2003
This Regional Workshop was held to formulate a draft text of the Convention on Disability based on discussion resulting in the Bangkok Recommendations, which were part of the final report of the Expert Group Meeting and Seminar on an International Convention to Protect and Promote the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities held in June, 2003.

The draft is intended as a contribution to the discussions on the Elaboration of a Comprehensive Convention on the Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which are being conducted within the Ad Hoc Committee.

The draft Convention proceeds on the basis that PWD are entitled to employment, equality, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. It reaffirms rights explicity.

The preamble of the draft Convention includes:

Part I: definitions, a statement of overarching principles, a reaffirmation of existing human rights and fundamental freedoms, the general obligations of State parties, and refers to specific subgroups of PWD.
Part II: a statement of a number of civil and political rights.
Part III: a number of rights belonging to the economic, social and cultural fields.
Part IV: a number of other State obligations (including the establishment of national procedures, the collection of statistics, and related matters)
Part V: A proposal to establish a new human rights treaty body comprising independent experts to monitor the implementation of the Convention and provide for reporting, individual complaints and inquiry procedures.
Part VI: formal and miscellaneous provisions, including a provision relating to reservation to the Convention. 
(For further information: www.worldenable.net/bangkok2003/)
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Regional Meeting on an International Convention on Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities
4-7 November 2003, Beijing, China
This Regional Seminar was established to finalize the draft text of the Convention on Disability based on discussions, resulting in the Bangkok Recommendations, which were part of the final report of the Expert Group Meeting and Seminar on an International Convention to Protect and Promote the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities held from 2-4 June 2003. The Bangkok Recommendations were presented at the Second Session of the Ad Hoc Committee held at New York from 16-27 June 2003.

The full draft text was submitted to the Working Group of the Ad Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive and Integral International Convention Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities through the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) which will meet in January 2004.

The Seminar was attended by 27 Government experts from 17 countries of the UN ESCAP region, resource persons and a number of observers from 2 UN agencies and 19 Non-governmental organizations and other entities.

Participants unanimously adopted the "Declaration of Beijing on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities", which is a policy-oriented statement on the question of the elaboration of a comprehensive convention and integral on the rights of PWD, based on the review of existing regional documents developed by regional experts such as the Bangkok Draft and Bangkok Recommendations. The Declaration of Beijing was to show a unified support for the process towards the Convention at the Asia and Pacific level.

Keynote speakers of the event were:

Mr. Shen Zhifei, Deputy Secretary General of State Council Coordination Committee on Disability and Vice-President of China Disabled Persons" Federation (CDPF). He stated that a new legally-binding convention exclusively for PWD is urgently needed. He emphasized that although the convention clearly states all PWD are entitled to the rights, it is most important that State parties take positive measures to ensure a friendly environment for facilitating the realization of those rights.
Ms. Anuradha Mohit from the National Human Rights Commission in India noted a number of crucial aspects in the elaborating process of a proposed convention. She stated that "If the rights of persons with disabilities are set out, there will always be an aspect of duties where such entities as States have to guarantee their realization and remedies have to be provided where the rights are violated."
Three working groups studied 1) Preamble, Objectives, Definitions, General Obligation of States Parties, 2) Rights of PWD (civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights) and 3) State of Obligations/Application of the Convention. At the closing ceremony, Ms. Tang Xiaoquan, President of China Disabled Persons' Federation thanked the resource person, facilitators, rapporteurs, and the participants for their contributions.
(For further information: www.worldenable.net/beijing2003/)

 
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The World Blind Union Asia-Pacific Regional General Assembly and Associated Events Singapore
17-18 November 2003

Programs during the WBU-AP General Assembly in Singapore
Representatives from APCD joined the 2nd General Assembly and Conference of the World Blind Union Asia-Pacific Region held in Singapore from 17-20 November 2003. This event focused on the latest developments in technology for the blind that will provide greater access in key areas of their lives. It will also look at the direction in the Asia-Pacific Region, which is comprised of 18 countries from East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the South Pacific and Oceania. This General Assembly and Conference included persons who can influence and make a difference in the lives of visually-impaired people through technology and legislation. Also included in the event, was the consideration of the proposed amendment to the WBUAP Constitution, which had been adopted at a special meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on 22 September 2001.

APCD's representatives introduced APCD during the WBUAP General Assembly session and exchanged information with the WBUAP regarding future collaboration with the APCD Project. 
(For further information: www.wbuap.org)

 
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UN Regional Coordination Mechanism: Thematic Working Group on Disability-related Concerns United Nations Conference Center, 
Bangkok 1-2 December 2003

Working group at the TWGDC
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) organized the 7th Session of the Thematic Working Group on Disability-related Concerns (TWGDC) from 1 to 2 December 2003. This working group serves as a key coordinating mechanism towards the outcomes of the second Asia and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons.

At the meetings the task forces addressed International and Communication Technology (ICT), Education of All Children and Youth with Disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, Women with Disabilities (WWDs), Self-help Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (SHOs), East Timor and Afghanistan, and the Proposed International Convention of Persons with Disabilities. Specific action plans towards the implementation of the BMF were presented as well as other international disability-related seminars. APCD, as part of this thematic working group, joined the ICT and SHOs task forces, reporting on their implementation of activities related to both areas.

The next TWGDC meeting is scheduled for June 2004 in Bangkok, Thailand.
(For further information: www.unescap.org/sps/newtwgdis.htm)

 
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Regional Symposium on Disability Dhaka, Bangladesh
9-11 December 2003
The National Forum of Organizations Working with the Disabled (NFOWD), the current apex federating body and 151 organizations working in the field of disability in Bangladesh, hosted the Regional Symposium on disability held from 9-11 December 2003. The symposium was organized under the shadow of the BMF to facilitate more clarity and reach out towards a consensus viewpoint on developing practical and achievable plans under the framework. The main theme was "Positive Action for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Standing on Three Pillars; Rights, Organization and Independence". The objective was to facilitate the development of a uniform nature of movement in the context of the Asia-Pacific Region focusing on rights to action, and targeting specific thematic issues towards addressing the needs of PWD for social inclusion.

In addition, the symposium aimed at organizing PWD to demand their rights for leading independent lives within the mainstream of society. The organizers included a set of eleven subthematic areas that could further strengthen and complement the BMF agenda, as follows: the National Policies and Legislation, Education of People with Disabilities, Rights of Children with Disabilities, Rights of Women with Disabilities, Employment Opportunities, Self-Help Initiatives, Community-based Rehabilitation, Accessibility, Information and Communication, Prevention and Early Intervention, and Safe Environment and Social Security.
(For further information: www.disabilityworld.org/conferences/nfowdconf.shtm)

World Summit on the Information Society, First Phase: Geneva
10-12 December 2003
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) was held in two phases. The first phase was hosted by the Government of Switzerland in Geneva from 10-12 December 2003. It addressed a broad range of themes concerning Information Society and adopted a Declaration of Principles and Plan of Action.

The purpose of the Declaration of Principles, was to build a people-centered, inclusive and development-oriented Information Society, where everyone can create, access, utilize and share information and knowledge; to enable individuals, communities and peoples to achieve their full potential in promoting their sustainable development and improving their quality of life, premised on the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This Declaration also focuses on special needs of marginalized and vulnerable groups of society, which includes PWD.

The Plan of Action is an evolving platform to promote the Information Society at the national, regional and international levels. The objectives of the Plan of Action are to build an inclusive Information Society; to put the potential of knowledge and ICTs at the service of development; to promote the use of information and knowledge for the achievement of internationally agreed development goals, and to address new challenges of the Information Society, at the national, regional and international levels. The Plan of Action is confirming APCD's ICT program since it states that "international organizations should publish in their areas of competence, including their website, reliable information submitted by relevant stakeholders on successful experiences of mainstreaming ICTs". Many issues in the Plan focus on disability.

The second phase is scheduled for Tunis from 16-18 November 2005.

 
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Working Group on a Disability Convention
UN Headquarters, New York City, USA
5-16 January 2004
The Working Group established by the General Assembly Ad Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on Protection and Promotion on the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities will meet from 5-16 January 2004 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to present a draft text of an International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

This Group prepared a basis for negotiations from 24 May to 4 June 2004 in New York, to be presented to the Ad Hoc Committee at its third session. In addition to governments, the Working Group includes NGOs, especially organizations of persons with disabilities. The Working Group's 12 NGO representatives from the Landmine Survivors Network, the Inter- American Institute on Disability, Disabled Peoples' International, the European Disability Forum, the World Federation of the Deaf/Blind, the World Federation of the Deaf, Inclusion International, the World Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry, Disability Australia Limited, the World Blind Union, Rehabilitation International, and one national human rights institution, the South African Human Rights Commission.

The Working Group will take into account all contributions submitted to the Ad Hoc Committee by States, observers, regional meetings, United Nations bodies, regional commissions, intergovernmental organizations, national disability and human rights institutions, and independent experts.
(For further information: www.un.org)

The Japan-ASEAN Youth
Invitation Programme 2003:
Components Social Welfare for Persons with Disabilities


Suwapa Prasitwises, APCD HRD Officer
Today's youths will be our future leaders. The Youth Invitation Programme (previously Youth Friendship Programme) established in 1984, aims to build relationships and respect between youth from various countries and Japan. It provides an opportunity for youth to study Japanese culture and exchange experiences in related fields.

The Japan-ASEAN Youth Invitation Programme 2003: Components Social Welfare for Persons with Disabilities organized by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), Sapporo City, Sapporo International Communication Plaza Foundation (SICPF) and other disability-related organizations in Sapporo was held in Japan from 1-23 October 2003. This year's program consisted of 26 youth from 7 countries; Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam. All youth were representatives from disability-related organizations including Ms. Suwapa Prasitwises, APCD's Human Resource Development Officer.

This year's program was hosted in Sapporo, providing participants an opportunity to study disability-related projects in the city. This was the eighth time for the Sapporo International Communication Plaza Foundation to be involved with the program.

There were positive outcomes since the participants were able to understand the procedures of disability-related projects in Japan by visiting various organizations and listening to presentations of social welfare projects for PWDs.

An In-house Seminar was also organized from 10-12 October 2003 for the youth to exchange their experiences on disability issues with 28 Japanese youth.

Apart from all the experience and knowledge received from this program, the ASEAN youth were also impressed with the warm welcome of the organizers and the organizations visited including the volunteer interpreters.

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6th International Abilympics India 2003
23-29 November 2003
New Delhi, India

Brief History

The Abilympics Village
The International Abilympics, first launched in Tokyo in 1981 to commemorate the UN International Year of Disabled Persons, has since been held every four years. They focus on the vocational abilities of PWD, highlighting their skills in a variety of fields. The event also provides opportunities for disability organizations and industry to network and collaborate on breaking barriers. The International Abilympics continues to be a forum to discover and exhibit the talent of PWD. In 2007, the first Integrated Abilympics with work skills is scheduled to be held in Japan.

6th International Abilympics India, 2003
This International vocational event was held at the Indira Gandhi International Stadium, New Delhi, India from 23-29 December 2003 with 1,500 participants from 33 countries.

H.E. Mr. Shri Atal Binhari, Prime Minister of India reiterated in his inaugural speech at the opening ceremony on 24 November 2003, his government's commitment to ensure full opportunities for PWD. He stated, "It is rightly said that the people who are called "disabled", are not really disabled but only "differently abled". They have amazing potentialities which often remain latent, undeveloped, and unrecognized."

H.E. Dr. Satyan Urayan Jatiya, Minister of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, also gave a speech, stating, "In fact, this competition is focused on the abilities of human beings, rather than their disabilities. It encourages and instills confidence in the physically and mentally challenged persons and enables them to realize their hidden talents and potential, helping them contribute to the development of society and the nation." He also mentioned that events like the International Abilympics provide an opportunity for PWD to show their special abilities as to how they can contribute to the development of society.

A fascinating cultural program presented by 225 children with disabilities, as part of the inaugural event impressed the audience so much that they wanted an encore.

Activities
This event which covered 45 vocational and leisure skills provided a unique opportunity to discover the abilities of the PWDs. It also nurtured and provided further training to enable the winners to enhance their skills and participate with greater confidence.

Organizers
The National Abilympics Association of India was the organizer of the 6th International Abilympics, with support from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and Human Resource Development, the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the Hong Kong Foundation, the HPS Foundation, and voluntary organizations, etc.

Side Events
The Exhibition on Aids and Appliances The District Rehabilitaion Centre, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment along with NGOs from India as well as participating countries such as Japan and Pakistan put together an exhibition on aids and appliances for PWD.
The Abilympics Village-A Chromatic Splendor
The Abilympics Village was situated outside the central court of the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The modular village was a series of mud engraved stalls looking very much like rural straw-roofed structures. By exhibiting and selling artifacts, the NGO's and other organizations wished to raise funds for the segment of society they are trying to empower and have developed a sense of pride and respect in 'mainstream' society. Raising awareness within the mainstream was one of the objectives of the NGO's setting up stalls in this convenient arrangement.Others stalls carried articles and works of art by individual artisans who were either impaired in some way or PWD.
The International Conference
The International Conference on "Education Towards Greater Employability for Persons with Disability", discussed issues like challenges faced by teachers, the role of universities and initiatives taken by the UN in this area.
The International Abilympics Federation Assembly
The Assembly meeting of the International Abilympic Federation was held at the IGI stadium, venue of the 6th International Abilympics with delegates from over 30 countries participating in the deliberations. Among the agenda items was the selection of the venue for the Eighth International Abilympics scheduled to be held in 2011. The seventh is scheduled to be held in Japan in 2007.
(For further information: www.abilympicsindia.org)

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APCD Activities in Brief (October-December 2003)

During the last quarter of the year 2003, APCD continued to implement activities towards the empowerment of persons with disabilities in developing countries of the Asia-Pacific Region with great effort. Related to Networking and Collaboration, APCD had a mission to Hyderabad and New Delhi, India from 20-28 November 2003. The Information Support team joined the mission to conduct information gathering and exchange information with representatives from disability-related organizations from several countries in the Asia-Pacific Region, who were participating in the 6th International Abilympics in New Delhi, India. Both missions succeeded in promoting APCD, and building networks and collaborating with associate organizations in India and other targeted countries. APCD was very pleased to welcome the Tibetan Deaf Group from Tibet and to join various regional workshops and seminars on disability-related issues; for example, the Asia and Pacific Disability Forum (APDF) Inaugural Meeting & Conference 2003, the World Blind Union, Asia-Pacific Regional General Assembly and Associate Events 2003 in Singapore, and other UN ESCAP disability-related meetings.

On 12 December 2003, APCD organized a Seminar for South-to-South Cooperation for Decades of People with Disabilities: Orientation to APCD. Participants from ten developing countries in the Asia-Pacific Region participated in this seminar along with delegates from 9 African countries to exchange information on the Decades of Persons with Disabilities.

Regarding human resource development activities, APCD is preparing for future regional workshops, like the Independent Living Seminar, the Non-Handicapping Environment Workshop for National Trainers and Policy Makers, and the Workshop on Human Rights of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Psychiatric Disabilities, all to be held early in 2004. Information Support considers the information exchange through the publication of the 5th and 6th Empowerment APCD Newsletters most helpful as well as making the APCD website accessible on disability-related issues. Also, APCD is working on the second set of country profiles, of Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines which will be publicized in the near future.

APCD will continue to work hard in 2004 towards the empowerment of persons with disabilities in developing countries of the Asia-Pacific Region.

Plan of Activities (January-June 2004)
January
26-31: Independent Living Seminar
February
11-17: Mission to Nepal
18-22: Non-Handicapping Environment Workshop for National Trainers and Policy Makers
March
7-13: Mission to Vanuatu
16-18: Workshop on Human Rights of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Psychiatric Disabilities
April
7th Empowerment APCD Newslette
May
Regional Training on Community-based Rehabilitation

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International Day of Disabled Persons
3 December 2003


The International Day of Disabled Persons at the UNCC, Bangkok
The International Day of Disabled Persons (IDD) aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of PWD in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life. The observance of the Day in 2003 focused on giving a voice to the human experiences of PWD, whom are seldom covered in mainstream media, and when portrayed, they are either stereotyped or presented as an inspiration for "overcoming" a disability.

This year's theme was based on the goal of full participation and equality of PWDs in social life and development, established by the UN General Assembly in 1982. The Secretary-General of the United Nations stated in his message on the International Day of Disabled Persons 2003 that "This awareness is vital if we are to achieve the goal established by the World Programme of Action concerning Persons with Disabilities-namely, the full participation and equality of PWDs in social life and development."

At the Headquarters in New York, the United Nations hosted an event titled, "A Voice of Our Own," the motto of Disabled Peoples' International, a worldwide network of organizations that promotes initiatives to protect the rights and improve the quality of life for PWD. ILO stated that "The voice of women and men with disabilities is being heard more clearly than ever before, at the national and international level, as laws and policies are being adjusted to reflect the new understanding of disability as a human rights issue. It is increasingly accepted that nothing should be done on behalf of PWD without their active participation, as encapsulated in the slogan 'Nothing About Us, Without Us'. When their voice is recognized as legitimate in social dialogue, disabled women and men will be empowered to become partners in the process of economic, social and political development needed to bring about growth with equity in every country, and a globalized world that leaves no one behind. The ILO is committed to making their voice heard."

Activities on the IDD, in other countries of the Asia-Pacific region were also celebrated.

Pacific Islands and Oceania
Solomon Islands: Organized a march to the Government Headquarters where members were interviewed by the media with TV coverage.
Fiji: Fiji Disabled Peoples' Association (FDPA) organized a parade, led by the Fiji National Youth Band. Representatives in the parade met with Mr. Danienl Fatiaki, Chief Justice of Fiji; music entertainment was provided by the United Blind Persons Vision Band. There was a "Speakers Bureau", where PWD representing interesting groups and affiliates gave a 10 minute presentation. Affiliate groups were comprised of speakers from the Mental Health Hospital, Fiji Spinal Cord Injury Association, United Blind Persons of Fiji Association, Fiji Association of Disabled, Fiji Women's Crisis Center, and the Fiji Forum of Non State Actors. In addition, the Fiji Human Rights Commission, Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons, and FDPA also made presentations at the event. Special Children's Schools were also part of the event.
India
The International Day of Disabled Persons or the World Disability Day was, as it called in India, a major day to celebrate for millions of disabled Indians. The theme for this year was to celebrate the spirit of "Inclusion" as in integration of disabled people into mainstream society. It is often said that PWDs are an invisible minority in India, mostly staying indoors due to the complete lack of facilities and accessible infrastructure that could enable them to lead a life well-integrated with civil society. World Disability Day is intended to break this barrier and celebrate the rights of PWDs. As a disability activist once commented: "It is our Diwali, Christmas, Id & Holi-all combined into one!" This is one day of the year when disabled people come out of their homes with families and friends to rejoice! This year a mega event was organized by NCPEDP at India Gate in collaboration with core group members NGOs, namely AADI, Deaf Way, Deepalaya, Council of Architecture, Hemophilia Federation, Leprosy Mission, Voluntary Services Overseas India, Pravah and Swavalamban. Thousands of people turned up at India Gate to support 'Inclusion' of PWD in mainstream society. People showed solidarity at a nationwide campaign. Mrs. Shiela Dikshit, Chief Minister of Dehli, guest of honour, said, "From next year, we must have 'Walk to Freedom and Equality' if we want to sensitize people on inclusion of disabled people in mainstream society. The government is looking forward to creating Delhi as a barrier-free city." The event was filled with various cultural extravaganzas. Other attractions of the day included a talk show. Children jived and danced with popular numbers. Some intellectually disabled went on the stage, dancing in tune with the rhythm. Their sense of music and rhythm left everybody spellbound.

Thailand

The International Day of Disabled Persons in India
Thailand observed the International Day of Disabled Persons, with the theme, "Thai disabled persons can do beyond ones' imagination." The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security organized 24 activities between 5 November to 3 December 2003 throughout the nation to observe this day. The aim was to publicize progress of measures and operational plans concerning PWD and promote public awareness and recognition of the abilities of PWD. All these activities were the result of the cooperation and collaboration of various agencies and organizations in both the public and private sectors.

On 3 December 2003, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security presented plaques of honor to selected organizations which have played outstanding roles in supporting PWD by employing PWD. In addition, approximately 200 people from public and private agencies, DPO, the media, and the general public attended a workshop entitled, "The Voice of Our Own Toward Rights and Dignity", aimed at publicizing knowledge and promoting public understanding of the BMF; public awareness of PWD, recognizing their rights and dignity, opening the floor for PWD and other participants to share their views, and discussing problems and issues concerning PWD.

One can see that each country recognized the importance of this special day by giving PWD and related organizations an opportunity to voice their concerns. APCD will continue to support this special event for PWD in the Asia-Pacific Region.

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Computer Assistive Technologies for Persons with Disabilities

omputer technology has become very familiar in our daily life. It seems without computer technology we cannot live our life in this contemporary world. It is very useful in communication as well as in our daily work.

ersons with disabilities have also benefited greatly from computer technologies, although they continue to face significant obstacles in accessing them. For example, persons with physical disabilities may have difficulty in typing with an ordinary keyboard; persons with visual impairments may not be able to see a screen and thus unable to operate a computer. To assist these persons with disabilities, thankfully, various types of computer assistive devices have been invented. Examples of these are:

Voice Recognition

oice recognition software recognizes the user's voice; whatever is dictated into the microphone will appear as an electronic, word-processed document. The users, thus, do not need to use a keyboard but speak into the microphone to write. This is particularly useful for persons with physical disabilities who are unable to use a keyboard and mouse. It is also useful for intellectual disabilities who cannot speak properly. The users need to train software to properly recognize their voice, otherwise the transcribed text will not follow what the users say and it could be unluckily, somewhat troublesome. Examples of voice recognition software are 1) IBM Via Voice and 2) Dragon Naturally Speaking, etc.

or further information, please refer to:
IBM Via Voice: www-306.ibm.com/software/voice/viavoice/
Dragon Naturally Speaking 7: www.scansoft.com/naturallyspeaking/

On-screen Keyboard

n-screen Keyboard program provides an image of a standard or modified keyboard on the computer screen. The user selects the keys on the screen with a mouse, touch screen or trackball, etc to type words. With this program, only persons able to use a mouse or pointing materials will be able to type. On-screen Keyboard often has a word prediction feature. If the users select one or two letters on the screen keyboard, they can easily find the word they want, which makes typing much faster.

xamples of the On-screen Keyboard program are:
Onscreen (IMG Inc.): www.imgpresents.com/index.htm
Softype: www.orin.com/access/softype/
Milo Soft: www.march-of-faces.org/resources/vkt.html

Word Prediction

ord Prediction software interprets the users' syntax as they type and guesses what words might come next. When the user types the first letter of a word, the prediction software will guess the word. This is very useful for persons having difficulty typing with the keyboard, or able to use a mouse only. Persons able to use only a mouse are usually using a screen keyboard to type, which unfortunately is so slow. Therefore, this software will help the users by guessing the words that the user wants. Then the users just need to select the correct word.

xamples of Word Prediction software are: 
SoothSayer Word Prediction: www.ahf-net.com/sooth.htm

Screen Enlargers/Screen Magnifiers

creen Enlargers/Screen Magnifiers work like a magnifying glass on the computer screen. They enlarge a part of the screen to clearly show the contents. This is particularly helpful for low vision users having difficulty identifying things on the computer screen. Since the contents are greatly enlarged, only a very small part of the contents can be seen on the screen.

amples of Screen Enlargers/Magnifiers are:
Lunar-Screen Enlarger: www.labcomputers.net/lunar_screen_enlarger.htm
MAGIC: www.freedomscientific.com/fs_products/software_magic.asp

Screen Reader

creen Reader is software that works with a speech synthesizer to read aloud everything contained on a computer screen, including icons, menus, text and control buttons. There is also a text-based screen reader which only reads the text out loud. With this software, blind persons are able to operate the computer with voice instruction. However, it is not very easy to operate a computer by sound; blind users, especially computer illiterate blind, require training to use it.

ome Screen Readers available now are:
JAWS: www.hj.com/fs_products/software_jaws5intro.asp
Hal by Dolphin: www.dolphinuk.co.uk/
Home Page Reader: www-3.ibm.com/able/solution_offerings/hpr.html

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Regional News

Southeast Asian Paragames
The Second Southeast Asian Paragames, also called the ASEAN Paragames were held from 21 to 27 December 2003 in Hanoi, Viet Nam at the National Stadium, Quan Ngua Sports Palace and the Hanoi Competition House. The theme was "Solidarity for a World of Peace." This event was comprised of 5 types of sports for athletes with disabilities; athletics, weightlifting, table tennis, badminton, and swimming.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Hy, Vice-Chairman of the National Sports and Physical Training Committee stated at the opening ceremony "The Paragames are a chance for the disabled athletes in ASEAN countries to enhance their friendship and solidarity, and exchange experiences." The game aimed to create an opportunity for the quality of their skills and lives. "The Golden Goat" was the mascot of the 2nd ASEAN Paragames since the year 2003 was considered to be the Quy Mui Lunar year or the Golden Goat year.

Seven hundred and fifteen athletes were divided into 5 categories according to their disabilities such as paralysis, wheelchair bound, visually impaired, cerebral palsy, and mentally retarded. Countries that participated were Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Viet Nam. Three hundred and twelve gold medals were awarded to the athletes during this 7 day event which showed the sport ability and unity of PWD within the ASEAN countries. The 3rd ASEAN Paragames are scheduled for the Philippines in 2005.

Chinese Disabled Performing Arts Troupe Tours USA
Fifty members of the Performing Arts Troupe of the Chinese Disabled Persons Federation performed across the United States in September 2003. The performance of the Chinese Disabled Performing Arts Troupe founded in 1986, includes poetry presented in sign language, piano solos, Beijing opera, instrumental ensembles, acrobatics by amputees, dancers with hearing impairments, and a grand finale with a conductor with an intellectual disability. The troupe performance has received high acclaim by the global community.
(For further information: www.disabilityworld.org)

Braille Magazines
Two magazines., "Insight" and "Double Yum" are the only Braille periodicals produced for the blind in the Philippines . Insight Magazine, written for blind adults is sent out six times a year to 600 braille subscribers and 100 cassette tape subscribers. This periodical features stories and testimonies of blind Filipinos, plus articles of interest about blind people living in other countries. Other sections include tips and techniques for living with blindness, news about the latest technology for the blind, and articles about employed persons with visual impairments. Each article is written in English and Tagalog, as well as the Cebuano, Hiliganyon, and Iiocano dialects.

Double Yum, a biweekly Braille children's reader is sent out to 600 blind children and to classes for blind children throughout the country. This periodical contains short stories for children, poems, and articles by blind children in the Philippines.
(For further information: www.blind.org.ph)

Capacity Building Training/Seminar for People with Disabilities in Asia-Pacific Region (CBTS) Kathmandu, Nepal, 13-17 February 2004
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with the Disabled Peoples' International Asia Pacific Region (DPIAP) and DPI Nepal will support the Capacity Building Training Seminar for Persons with Disabilities in the Asia Pacific Region (CBTS) to be held in Nepal from 13-17 February 2004.

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Editorial Message

Happy New Year in 2004! We are beginning the new year with the 6th Empowerment APCD Newsletter which covers APCD and other regional disability-related activities from October-December 2003. One significant event for persons with disabilities at the international level, was the Annual International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December. APCD appreciated receiving comments about the event from various countries in the Asia and Pacific Region. This is a good sign that we are exchanging information with our associate countries.

Your disability-related information in the Asia-Pacific Region is always welcome as well as comments and suggestions for the Empowerment APCD Newsletter. Thank you for you interest and support.

Seasons Greetings!!!
From APCD Editorial Team