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April 30, 2009
Global Road Safety Week-United Nations
We all clearly remember and miss our precious friend and leader of Africa, Mr. Justino João Januário, a former participant of Leaders' Course 2004, who passed away becasue of the road accident on the highway in the Matola city on 30th December 2006. And many of you know that one of the biggest reasons for having disabilities is a car accident. We found the following information in the mailing list of "Disability and Development."
A United Nations General Assembly resolution in 2005, called for the observance of a Global Road Safety Week which is celebrated on April 23-29 each year. The event reflects the growing concern over the problem of road traffic injuries and serves as an opportunity for initiating road safety measures in the years ahead.
According to the World Health Organization’s Global Burden of Disease and Injury Report, road trauma is among the world’s largest public health problems. It ranks with malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS as a leading global cause of death and disability.
Every year, more than a million people around the world are killed, and 34 times that number are injured in traffic accidents. It is predicted that by the year, 2020, 17 million more could perish and over 200 million more could be injured and permanently disabled on the world’s roads. Road traffic accidents are responsible for 25 percent of all deaths due to injury worldwide. Among those between the ages of 15 and 45 years, they are the leading cause of death. Clearly this is unacceptable because road accidents are predictable and can be prevented.
Road traffic deaths and injuries place an enormous strain on a country’s health system and the national economy. On the average, road traffic injuries cost low and middle-income countries one percent of Gross National Product (GNP) and for this reason, road traffic injuries are an obstacle to development.
There is a growing recognition that road traffic injuries can be prevented and a number of countries have shown that by taking action on speeding, drunk driving, the use of helmets and seatbelts, and increasing the visibility of pedestrians, cysclists, and motorcyclists, a significant number of lives can be saved and resources spared.
Prevention measures require political will. Decisions to improve road safety need to be made at the highest levels of government. Many other sectors play a major role—parents, educators, community, media, business leaders, automobile associations, vehicle manufacturers, insurers, and survivors of road traffic accidents and their families, and all road users. They should continue to work for safer roads and lead by example to travel safely and with caution.
http://www.tempo.com.ph/news.php?aid=47106
Posted by jicafriends at 01:12 PM | Comments (0)
April 28, 2009
The First Training of Trainers on Disability Equality Training in Kyrgyz Republic held in Bishkek
The Project for Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities into Society in Kyrgyz Republic, implemented by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development in cooperation with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), organized a training of trainers on Disability Equality Training (DET) from 2nd February till 7th in Bishkek.
The training course was a first of its kind conducted in Kyrgyz Republic. Dr. Kenji Kuno, a JICA short term expert led the course.
Disability Equality Training (DET) is an approach to raise awareness of all people in the society on disability which was developed based on the “Social Model of Disability”. DET has been implemented in the UK since 1970s. It explores solutions that aim to eliminate discrimination and prejudice experienced by People with Disabilities (PWDs).
Uniqueness of DET is that trainers must be persons with disabilities themselves.
Therefore the training was provided to 10 persons with disabilities selected. After the training many of them have already practicing their knowledge and skill in their own field.
*For more information on DET, see the following website;
http://www.detforum.com
‘For the society that appreciates diversity’, Report by a participant of Training of Trainers on Disability Equality Training
It was a great opportunity for me to join the training of trainers on DET.
Before this training, I had conducted DET by myself with some knowledge and information given by my friends and JICA resource persons. But this training provided me with comprehensive knowledge and practical facilitation skill.
Participants of the training were of different age and with different kinds of disability. DET appreciates the diversity in the society like gender, culture and language. Disability is also considered as one of those diversities. I also enjoyed working in diverse atmosphere.
The training began with ice breaking activity. Dr. Kenji, the tutor of the course, explained the meaning and methodology of each activity as for us to be trainers need to know why and how we do those activities.
First we were asked to re-think about what disability meant to each one of us. Then Dr. Kenji explained why Social Model of Disability needs to be introduced. At first it was a little bit difficult for me to understand the theory since I was also influenced by the traditional model of disability such that a person with disabilities can only enjoy social life if medically rehabilitated.
Social Model of Disability is to eliminate barriers such as attitude, rules or regulations and physical structure. And DET is to find solutions to overcome those barriers with participants, now I clearly understand. (See the table below)
After spending three days on theoretical part on basics of DET and Social Model of Disability, next three days were spent to the practice on our facilitation skill. We tried to facilitate, learned to make presentations, led discussions and practiced affirmative comments to lead participants.
Methodologies that I found useful are as follows;
• Showing the special films;
• Group work which helps to understand the goals better;
• Work by the help of slides and use of drawings;
• Learned how to make effective presentation, to identify goals, to develop program structure;
• To analyze situation and make action plan.
After full six days of training, all the participants including myself were well equipped with knowledge and skill on DET. We are ready to be trainers now. I would like to express my great thankfulness to Dr. Kenji and the organizers of the training.
Ukei Muratalieva
Public Association “Nazik-Kyz”
Posted by jicafriends at 05:31 PM | Comments (0)
April 24, 2009
EVMs with braille a first for the visually impaired-India
Today we again found the information related accessible election. It was downloaded from the mailing list of "Disability and Development" with a cooperation of the publisher, Mr. Soya Mori.
24 Apr 2009, 0338 hrs IST, Paul Fernandes , TNN
PANAJI: Many visually impaired voters walked out of voting compartments with their heads held high after they cast their vote unaided and in secrecy for the first time in the 13th Lok Sabha election to the Panaji and Mormugao constituencies.
The Election Commission's move to introduce Braille signage features on electronic voting machines (EVMs) and dummy ballot sheets made the polls memorable to these voters who could read Braille. A few, however, missed out on the opportunity as the facility was unavailable in some booths.
"I have always voted in the past, but this time I could do it on my own and in complete secrecy," Vincent Monteiro of St Cruz, who lost his vision some years back told TOI on Thursday. Joseph Pereira, another visually-impaired voter from Orlim echoed similar feelings of satisfaction. "It was a good experience for me as I could perform my duty as a citizen without taking anybody's help," he said.
Election officials handed these voters dummy ballots, which contained the serial number of the candidates in Braille. "I took some time reading the pamphlet, using my finger tips and sense of touch," Monteiro said. "And doing so gave me an idea about the position of the candidate
on the EVM display panel," he said.
In the past, visually impaired voters were escorted by their family members or friends not only to the polling station but even inside the voting compartment. "Somebody would hold our hand and help us put the stamp on the candidate's symbol of our choice. We had to reveal to them whom we wanted to vote for," Monteiro said.
But on Thursday, the introduction of the two aids allowed them to leave their escorts at the door. "After reading the pamphlet, I stepped into the voting compartment and pressed the button of my choice after making sure it was the right one," he added.
An election official said the EVMs had Braille signage features. "The number of the candidates were serially stuck on the EVM to help them cast the vote," the source said.
However, Luiza de Melo, another visually impaired voter from Candolim, had to use the old method as the booth in her area did not have any special features for the blind. "A family member had to help me press the button," de Melo said, with a noticeable disappointment.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/EVMs-with-braille-a-first-for-the-visually-impaired/articleshow/4441803.cms
Posted by jicafriends at 11:18 AM | Comments (0)
April 23, 2009
Polls could be more disabled-friendly-India
We again found the name of Mr.Javed Abidi, the former participant of Leaders' Course 1995 in the following information. http://www.jicafriends.net/archives/2009/04/who_knows_facil.htmlIt was downloaded from the mailing list of "Disability and Development" with a cooperation of the publisher, Mr. Soya Mori.
Times of India
23 Apr 2009, 0211 hrs IST, TNN
Bangalore : If you ask the government, the answer you'll get is that the physically challenged come under the marginalized sections of society -- along with widows, the aged and other minorities. They aren't much of a vote bank for any political party. The Election Commission too is not doing a lot to make the polls disabled-friendly.
A Public Interest Litigation by Disabled Rights Group (DRG) convener Javed Abidi in the Supreme Court led to the 2007 verdict that mandated all polling booths to be made accessible to the physically challenged.
Director of Diversity and Equal Opportunity Centre (DEOC) Rama Chari told TOI that the Chief Election Commissioner had written to all state election commissioners to follow the SC guidelines in these elections.
Now, a DEOC website http://sites.google.com/site/accessibleelections/seeks to sensitise, create awareness and invite suggestions on how to make the elections more accessible. Disabled rights groups say it's the first election since Independence that will be disabled-friendly. The website gives details on voting rights, facilities, election schedule, manifestos and suggestions to the EC.
While the SC verdict mandates permanent ramps at all polling booths, introduction of Electronic Voting Machines containing Braille numerals, separate queues and sensitisation of poll personnel, the website has several suggestions from the public to the EC.
`Every time I was humiliated'
Shankar Shastry, a 35-year-old paraplegic in Bangalore, has been trying to vote during several elections with different results every time. "I managed to get a voter ID, but every time I went to vote, it was a different humiliation. Once, I had to come back because the queue was too long. The next time, the polling officer treated me very badly and I couldn't get to the inaccessible booth,'' he said.
The website also suggests that EVMs be made voice-enabled the next time for those who don't know Braille. Special care for those with cognitive disabilities are also suggested. There are an estimated 70 million physically challenged people in India.
Posted by jicafriends at 01:35 PM | Comments (0)
UPDATES FORM THE GHANA FEDERATION OF THE DISABLED
jicafriends:
April 7, 2009 is the Inauguration of the National COuncil on Disability at
the Castle Grounds in Osu, Accra, Ghana. With the Vice President of Ghana
His Excellency John Mahama inaugurated the group and installed formally as
the new government of Ghana fulfilled as one of their campaign promises to
inaugurate the Council in their first 100 days of office.
We can barely say now that the provisions of the Persons with Disability Act
of 2006, Act 715 will have a common platform of a monitoring body to
heightened the implementation of the salient features of the law giving way
to the various exercise of human rights and protection for PWDs in Ghana.
The federation also is engaged on the public education and awareness
creation activies on the ratification of the UN Converntion on the Rights of
PErsons with Disability to which GHana is a signatory last April 30, 2007.
Another seen achievement in partnership with President Atta Mills' NDC
Administration is to include PWDs in its appointment in the various
Ministries, Departments and Agencies - to date we have noted 2 appointments
so far, one being the Chairman of the National Council of Disability and
another District Chief Executive (Mayor) is one of the districts in Brong
Ahafo Region.
The federation is embarking on projects also aimed at PWDs access to 2%
allocation in the District Assembly Common Fund and another one to monitor
the implementation of the Disability Law dubbed as Project 715, geared at
monitoring the progress of 715 children with disability in a period of the
present administration of Ghana.
being with the federation this far of 3.1 years, i can clearly say that we
are moving up and soaring high to an informed society of PWD issues facing
the country.
truly my voluntary work encompasses all my expectations which came in this
far and this big. With barely 4 months before I go, all my ishes and hopes
that the Federation will continue to live with the expectations of its
individual memners, DPOs, development partners, media and the public in
general.
http://www.jicafriends.jp/world/organization/friends/ghana.html
Posted by jicafriends at 11:33 AM | Comments (0)
April 21, 2009
Statistical Year Book for Asia and Pacific-ESCAP
This is the second issue of the new Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific. The format was revised in 2007 and attracted encouraging feedback from readers. It is aimed at a non-specialized audience that is interested in this dynamic and diverse region and wishes to see how the economies, societies and environment of Asia and the Pacific are developing in comparison with other world regions.
Rich in information content, the Yearbook includes data, charts and a textual overview of well over 200 indicators, covering all spheres of the work of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, as well as such cross-cutting issues as poverty and gender.
http://www.unescap.org/stat/data/syb2008/ESCAP-SYB2008.pdf
Posted by jicafriends at 05:12 PM | Comments (0)
April 20, 2009
"Towards Deaf Empowerment through Sign Language Research"-Malaysia
The following information was downloaded from the mailing list of "Disability and Development" with a cooperation of the publisher, Mr. Soya Mori.
An International Seminar on Sign Language research, entitled "Towards Deaf Empowerment through Sign Language Research" will be held at the University of Malaya from May 30-31, 2009.
One of the central goals of research on sign language (SL) is the provision of new and relevant ideas which contribute towards empowering the Deaf community and building an equal platform for the promotion of their culture and the fulfillment of their needs in key areas such as education and employment.
The seminar sets the stage for academics, researchers, and leaders of the Deaf community to discuss issues in SL research with international speakers and researchers reporting on sign language research in each of their respective countries. The intended outcome of this sharing will be a more comprehensive understanding of the nature, development, and future prospects of the field.
Participation fee : RM 100< br/> Deaf/ Students (Local) : RM 50
In addition, the seminar will be followed by a three day SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING WORKSHOP to be held from 1-3 June 2009 at the same venue.
The Interpreting workshop will focus on three main areas:
A: The Professional Sign Language Interpreter Language, Linguistics and Interpreting
The Sign Language Interpreter; Code of Ethics and the Deaf Community
B: Skills Development & Practicum
Use of Classifiers in Sign Language Interpreting
Self & Peer Evaluation & Networking
Practical: Consecutive and Simultaneous Interpreting
Legal Interpreting & Documentation
Activities to enhance self learning
C: Research and Technology
Innovative and new technology in Sign language research and interpreting
Fee: RM 200 (Local); Sign Language students: RM 150 (Local) RM 250 (Overseas)
For more information & registration on both programmes, please contact:
Assoc. Professor Dr Zubaidah Ibrahim-Bell (Seminar Director)
c/o Secretariat Mdm Noor Haifa Mohd Yunus
mailto:nhaifa@um.edu.my
Posted by jicafriends at 03:21 PM | Comments (0)
April 16, 2009
South Africa: Braille Ballot to Assist Visually Impaired Voters-South Africa
We would like to introduce you the following information related accessible election.
It was downloaded from the mailing list of "Disability and Development" with a cooperation of the publisher, Mr. Soya Mori.
Chris Bathembu
15 April 2009
Pretoria — Visually impaired South Africans will now have the opportunity to cast their votes secretly for the first time on a Braille ballot sheet during the General Elections next week.
Chief Electoral Officer, Advocate Pansy Tlakula, said the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) had developed the Braille template to ensure that blind South Africans enjoyed similar rights as others at polling stations countrywide.
Advocate Tlakula said each polling station would be provided with one such template for the national election and another for the provincial election.
The templates were produced in Cape Town and South Africa is the second country, after Japan, to produce the model.
According to the IEC, the Braille ballot from left to right will have a number, the abbreviation of the party's name, and raised dots leading to a small window where the voter makes his or her mark.
One in every four booths will be broader with a lower voting table and each queue at the polling stations will feed into an area where such a booth is available.
Speaking to BuaNews on Wednesday, South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB) President William Rowland said the introduction of the Braille ballot was a milestone for the country's visually impaired people.
"For the first time blind people who can read Braille will have a truly secrete vote," Mr Rowland said.
Relevant Links
Southern Africa
Human Rights
South Africa
Being visually impaired himself, Mr Rowland said last week he was given the opportunity to cast two mock ballots at the IEC offices which he found to be easy and effective.
In previous elections visually impaired people were able to cast their votes with the assistance of a person of their own choice over the age of 18.
However, this method will still be used during the elections as the vast majority of visually impaired people do not read Braille.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200904150576.html
Posted by jicafriends at 05:33 PM | Comments (0)
April 14, 2009
Turkish state sees the disabled as unemployable-Turkey
The following information was downloaded from the mailing list of "Disability and Development" with a cooperation of the publisher, Mr. Soya Mori.
ANKARA - State institutions obligated by law to hire 3 percent of their personnel from among the disabled population have failed miserably, satisfying less than one fifth of the quota.
According to the law, at least 3 percent of government employees must be disabled, which, according to calculations, means state institutions need to employ at least 51,000 people with disabilities.
States institutions currently employ 9,966 public servants with disabilities and figures from the Prime Ministry Personnel Bureau indicate that a mere 26 more will be recruited in April.
According to a 2002 study, 12.29 percent of Turkey's citizens are classified as disabled. The Health Ministry has 8,244 vacant positions allocated for members of this group, while the Justice Ministry has 2, 112. The Education Ministry has 15,973 vacant posts that must be filled by disabled personnel.
Recruitment figures announced by the bureau for April show that most state institutions have no intention of addressing the gap. For the April recruitments, disabled personnel were requested by several universities and municipalities and the Culture Ministry, which asked for a single laborer.
http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/finance/11421944.asp?scr=1
Posted by jicafriends at 02:12 PM | Comments (0)
April 13, 2009
Makati wants special poll precincts for disabled, elderly -Philippines
The following information related accessible election was downloaded from the mailing list of "Disability and Development" with a cooperation of the publisher, Mr. Soya Mori.
Updated April 05, 2009 12:00 AM
The Makati City Council has passed a resolution urging the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to create special voting precincts for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.
City Resolution 2009-035, sponsored by Councilor Jejomar Erwin Binay, said citizens should not be deprived of their right to vote simply because of their physical condition.
“Given the circumstances and the special needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities, we believe that we have to make special arrangements so they will not be unduly deprived of their right to vote,” he said.
The Makati City Council said it welcomed the statement of Commissioner Rene Sarmiento that the Comelec is inclined to implement a proposal made earlier by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay asking the poll body to create the special precincts.
“We are optimistic that the Comelec will open these precincts in time for the 2010 elections,” he said.
The city council noted that under electoral laws, physically disabled voters are allowed to have a relative, any person they trust or any member of the board of election inspectors assist them in filling up their ballots. “This courtesy should be extended to senior citizens,” the council said.
The city council also said many PWDs and elderly voters have been unable to vote in past elections because they found it too difficult to stand in line for a long time or to climb up the stairs to reach their respective precincts.
Special precincts should be located at the ground floor of polling places, so as not to add to the physical difficulties of the elderly, they said. – Rhodina Villanueva
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=455336&publicationSubCategoryId=130
Posted by jicafriends at 09:29 AM | Comments (0)
April 10, 2009
Who knows facilities exist for the disabled to vote?-India
We found the name of Mr.JaJaved Abidi, the former participant of Leaders' Course 1995 in the following information. It was downloaded from the mailing list of "Disability and Development" with a cooperation of the publisher, Mr. Soya Mori.
It is about Accessible Election for persons with disabilities in India and we heard that Mr. Jaka Tanukusuma, a former participant of Leaders' Course 2005 is now also working with Election Accessebility auditor team in Indonesia. Hope we can share the information on this webpage.
The secretariat of jicafriends
*******************************************************************************
Deepa Kurup
Lack of publicity on amenities may keep them from voting
All polling booths will have ramps and all EVMs will have Braille readers: Vidyashankar
Disability activists allege violation of 2007 Supreme Court order
BANGALORE: For the first time ever, physically challenged persons will participate in a general election with Braille-enabled electronic voting machines (EVMs), and with ramps installed at every polling centre. Even as this “historic milestone” is celebrated, disability rights activists are irked by inadequate awareness and publicity measures of electoral offices across the country.
“This oversight is in violation of a Supreme Court (SC) order,” alleged Javed Abidi, whose letter to the Chief Justice of India on the mistreatment of physically challenged persons during the 2004 elections resulted in a successful PIL in the Supreme Court.
Mr. Abidi, convener of the Disabled Rights Group (DRG), wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner twice in March, but in vain. “The Supreme Court has very clearly and specifically directed you to not only create special facilities for the physically challenged …but to also give sufficient publicity regarding these measures,” he wrote to the CEC. Mr. Abidi said that the Supreme Court order did not leave scope for any ambiguity. “Given that they had two years to plan, they should have
heeded every word of the order,” he said.
So far, there has not been a single advertisement either in the print media, radio or on television, activists allege. The apex court order, delivered in October 2007, decrees: “Sufficient publicity be given in the print and electronic media… so that persons with disabilities are aware of the facilities beforehand and are thus encouraged to go and exercise their franchise.” The CEC had also put this down in black and white in a letter to State Governments and Chief Electoral Officers in 2007. “Many of the physically challenged persons are not likely to step out to vote because experiences have been full of suffering and humiliation for them,” said Mr. Abidi.
This historic development should have been the highlight of this election — that persons with disability are not an “invisible minority."
http://www.hindu.com/2009/04/10/stories/2009041057440100.htm
Posted by jicafriends at 01:09 PM | Comments (0)
Visually impaired offered touch tours of National Palace Museum
The following information was downloaded from the mailing list of "Disability and Development" with a cooperation of the publisher, Mr. Soya Mori.
Central News Agency
2009-04-08 12:45 PM Fonts Size:
Taipei, April 8 (CNA) The visually-impaired are being invited to take special touch tours of the National Palace Museumhttp://www.npm.gov.tw/en/home.htm the next four Sundays, which will give them the chance to touch replicas of well-known artifacts such as the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone, the organizer said Wednesday.
The tours, which will compensate for the visually impaired's inability to see the museum's exhibits, are aimed at promoting art education for the group, according to the Blinds Welfare Association.
They will take place the mornings of April 12, April 19, April 26 and May 3, and each tour will accommodate up to 12 people, the association said.
Each of the visitors will be assisted by a volunteer worker during the tour and have access to an audio guide offered by the museum and be allowed to touch replicas of selected artifacts and a model of the museum building, the association said.
Those interested in taking part can register with the association by calling (02)2599-1234.
(By Y.F. Low)
http://www.etaiwannews.com/etn/news_content.php?id=914677&lang=eng_news
Posted by jicafriends at 10:59 AM | Comments (0)
April 08, 2009
Ethiopia to host the first ever disabled parliamentarians’conference
The following information was downloaded from the mailing list of "Disability and Development" with a cooperation of the publisher, Mr. Soya Mori.
African Press Agency (subscription)
Ethiopia-Disabled Parliamentarians-Forum
APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Ethiopia will host the first disabled parliamentarians’conference in Addis Ababa from 31 March to 1 April 2009, the organizers said here Thursday.
The organizers, the Ethiopian Federation of National Associations of People with Disabilities said in Addis Ababa that representatives from various African countries are expected to attend the conference, which will be organized to discuss political participation of disabled
parliamentarians and issues related to current affairs.
The president of the Federation, Kasahun Yebeltal, told journalists that the meeting will be the first ever in Africa.
The conference is expected to attract a number of local and international observers.
The two-day meeting will deliberate on issues such as political participation of disabled parliamentarians in their respective countries and on the United Nations conventions on the rights of people with disabilities, among others.
DT/daj/APA
2009-03-27
Posted by jicafriends at 09:32 AM | Comments (0)
April 07, 2009
2009 Asia Try in Taiwan
Hello everyone!
2009 Asia Try in Taiwan is coming up soon. We will walk and promote independent living of PWDs. You will have many special experiences in your life through this activity. You must leave your family, make decisions by yourself and take responsibility for yourself.
This activity has 7 courses for you to choose. There will be 20 people in one group, and you will tell everyone what IL of disabled people is and you must change the society through this activity.
So we hope you and your friends will join us. We will take a risk, walk, camp and make speeches on the streets. Kick out all the boring and unfair things! Don’t hesitate, just join us right now!!!
Date：2009 Sep. 1－Sep. 10
The deadline for signing up: ：2009 May 31
The Blog of 2009 Asia Try in Taiwan：http://www.vitality.org.tw/try/
E-mail：uitty1116@vitality.org.tw
NEW VITALITY INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSOCIATION, TAIPEI
Related information on "2007 Asia Try in Korea"can be obtained from the
following page,
http://www.jicafriends.net/archives/2007/08/2007_asia_try_i.html
Posted by jicafriends at 02:35 PM | Comments (1)
April 06, 2009
A Society for All: Disability from Economic Viewpoint-Nepal
The right of the disabled persons to equal access to socio-economic areas e.g. employment, education, health etc have not been properly reflected in the policy and legislation of the country. Justifiable expectations of equal access for them are still wishful thinking. As a result, it is not only the person, but the family as a whole is disabled socially and economically. No expert on disability is in the policy making level. Yet none of the political parties have their specific plans and policies in bringing persons with disabilities in the mainstream of the development.
By Kamal Lamichhane
Historically, persons with disabilities were considered as an object of pity and sympathy and offered services couple of centuries ago. Those services were basically based on sympathy and some form of charity. Slowly charity based activities on disability started changing into right based and several social movements seeking better quality of life based on the principle of equal opportunities grew up in the civil rights era of 1960 and 70s. One of them is ‘independent living movement’ of 1970s which played crucial role in raising awareness on the issues of this group. Then, the viewpoint on disability because of the strong advocacy of disability rights advocates, started changing and social model considering disability as an interaction between characteristics of an individual and features of his or her cultural, social, natural, and built environments brought momentum on disability movement, which has been further supported and institutionalised by United Nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities as it has on its preamble stated that impairment “is a natural part of the human experience and that “disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others”. It can be argued that the introduction of this social model that is clearly against with the previously established medical model’s negative view which regards a person with a disability as someone who cannot function because of impairment, is instrumental to consider disability in line with making them socially and economically active members of the society.
As a result, persons with disabilities who were subjected only as a receiver of services and considered to be the object of pity and sympathy started participating in the socio-economic activities. Like others, persons with disabilities deserve a dignified and productive life, but this can not be achieved unless policies are formulated and implemented in line with addressing their issues from economic point of view. If they are made economically active, it will provide them financial independence and integration into the community. It also improves social status, provides social support, enables them to make a contribution, and increases self-worth.
Against this background, in Nepal, despite some efforts, activities conducted and programmes implemented for the uplifting and equal participation of these persons in social and economic areas are rare, reaching only a small segment of the large gamut. Thus, the situation is that people with disabilities are invisible in socio-economic activities. In a World Bank report, it is stated that persons with disabilities and their families are living below the poverty line in the developing world in many cases, in comparison to non-disabled people and their families. Same assumptions can be made in the case of Nepal but due to the dearth of the statistics such assumptions are often dubious. Their rights of equal access to socio-economic areas e.g. employment, education, health etc have not been properly reflected in the policy and legislation of the country. Justifiable expectations of equal access for them are still wishful thinking. As a result, it is not only the person, but the family as a whole is disabled socially and economically. No expert on disability is in the policy making level. Yet none of the political parties have their specific plans and policies in bringing persons with disabilities in the mainstream of the development. It is the bitter fact that in the constitution making process, they are forgotten. The issues of education, health and employment of them remain still unheard. Consequently, the commitment of the parties to build “New Nepal” without addressing the needs of this group has once again under the clouds of uncertainty.
Education, health and employment which are considered some of the important socio-economic indicators if made of inclusive and accessible of such people, not only their livelihood will be improved but also eventually the prospects of their poor families, and of the society and country as a whole. It is therefore essential that persons with disabilities be included in new constitution making process in order to achieve truly a “New Nepal”.
In this sense, it is necessary to tackle the disability issues as the important social, economical and political agenda in order to create a more comfortable society for all of us to live in. Disability issues are without doubt a primary topic for human existence. In disability, economic perspective is being ignored even today. Now, it is the time for disabled advocates, experts and civil society as well as policy makers to utilise the framework and knowledge of modern economics, especially in the fields such as income security, anti-discrimination and disability employment policies. Only then the problems of persons with disabilities such as discriminations, social inequalities and human rights abuse can be solved and our aim of creating “a society for all” and "Building new Nepal” can be achieved and every one in the community can share same values and live the life with dignity.
(Lamichhane, himself a visually impaired person, is researching on socio-economic status of persons with disabilities and is a Ph. D. candidate at the University of Tokyo, Japan. E-mail: kamal@bfp.rcast.u-tokyo.ac.jp)
(Editor’s Note: Nepalis, wherever they live, as well as friends of Nepal around the globe are requested to contribute their views/opinions/recollections etc. on issues concerning present day Nepal to the Guest Column of Nepalnews. Length of the article should not be more than 1,000 words and may be edited for the purpose of clarity and space. Relevant photos as well as photo of the author may also be sent along with the article.)
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2009/others/guestcolumn/apr/guest_columns_01.php
Posted by jicafriends at 09:40 AM | Comments (1)
ICT training for Visually Impaired Student of Dhaka University-Bangladesh
With a view to introducing Information Communication Technology (ICT) to the Visually Impaired student and staff in University of Dhaka a three month long training programme has been organized at Resource Centre of Central Library, Dhaka University from 2nd November 2008.
The training programme has been initiated by Sightsavers International a UK based International organization along with Dhaka University Central Library. The training was conducted by Sightsavers partner Young Power in Social Action (YPSA, a pioneer organization on ICT , based in Chittagong, Bangladesh. YPSA has been working for the Visually Impaired persons for the since long with a good reputation in nationally and internationally. Due to the continuous working in ICT section, YPSA has become expert on ICT promotion for visually impaired person.. A total of 36 students from different department (and 4 staff of Central Library have participated in the programme out of which 20 are male and 16 are female.
Information and communication technology (ICT) has become, within a very short time, one of the basic building blocks of modern society. Because, its play an important role for economic and social development. The people of Bangladesh are now getting the benefits of the ICT for their day to day life. But still, we are far behind in the high way of ICT. Especially visually impaired and the people living in the village are deprived of benefits of ICT.
This training programme is one of the major initiatives of ICT activities in our country. The main objective of this training programme is to empower Visually Impaired Student through ICT as well as encouraging them to fight against the forth coming challenging in future. Now a days ICT becomes one of the best solutions to empowering the VI people. Due to unavailability of source and resource, most of the students are deprived of getting the benefits of ICT.
In order to make the training programme a success, YPSA has provided with internationally recognized trainer (Namely Mr. Vashkar Vattacharya trained from Japan, Thailand and India, Md. Rashed Chowdhury, Trained from Japan, Mr. Madob, Ex-trainee of YPSA IRCD and Henry Hebol Roy) training manual and software as well as other facilities. All VI students are divided into three batches in equal number so that the students can get proper training and can have sufficient time for practice. The main component of this programme is to acquaint VI students to Computer Screen reading software, speech synthesizers, self-voicing software, using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint with JAWS (Job Access with Speech), using DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) Talking Book, Visually impairment friendly Electronic Books, Novels, Stories and different Policy and Legislations of Bangladesh. The training is conducted in six days per week from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM considering the benefits of the students.
It is to be mentioned that Sightsavers International is working significantly to empowering the VI people in Bangladesh for long time. In order to establish a Resource Centre in Central Library of University of Dhaka, Sightsavers has taken several steps for the last few years. At last in 2007, their dream has become reality which is now equipped with computers with necessary software, Plextalk (DAISY Book Reader), Perkins Brailler, Braille Printer, Braille Display and internet facility. With a view to help the VI student for study and operating computer, the authority of Central Library recruited two disable personnel.
This training programme can be the turning stage of the students if they can practice more and imply in their daily life. We expect that more people and organizations will come forward to work for the Visually Impaired persons in our country through which we can go ahead as a developed country.
Best regards,
Vashkar vattacharya, focal person DAISY in Bangladesh.
YPSA ICT and RESOURCE CENTRE on DISABILITIES
For more information,
www.ypsa.org,
Posted by jicafriends at 09:10 AM | Comments (0)
April 03, 2009
UN marks second World Autism Day on Thursday Posted: Tuesday, 31 March
The following information was downloaded from the mailing list of "Disability and Development" with a cooperation of the publisher, Mr. Soya Mori.
2009, New York | Author: iSeek
This year’s World Autism Awareness Day, mandated by the General Assembly to raise public awareness about the disorder which affects individuals at their early developmental age, will be observed on Thursday, 2 April.
In December 2007, the General Assembly in resolution A/RES/62/139 set the date aside for the annual event. The inaugural observation was commemorated last year with a series of programmes across the world.
This week, the Department of Public Information (DPI), through its Outreach Division, in partnership with civil society organizations, is holding several activities at Headquarters and other locations to commemorate the day.
The week-long programme includes a briefing session by DPI's NGO Relations on "Human Rights and Autism", a lecture, author’s event and a musical performance offering an understanding of the experience of autism.
Quote
U N I T E D N A T I O N S N A T I ON S U N I E S
THE SECRETARY-GENERAL
--
MESSAGE ON WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY
2 April 2009
By designating 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day, the United Nations General Assembly has helped to galvanize international efforts to promote greater understanding about autism. This year’s observance is being marked with lectures, briefings, screenings, musical performances,
video conferences, art installations and other activities carried out by the UN family and a full constellation of partners.
I welcome this growing international chorus of voices calling for action to enable children and persons with autism to lead full and meaningful lives. This is not a far-off dream; it is a reality that can be attained by promoting positive perceptions about autism as well as a greater social understanding of this growing challenge.
I have seen what caring people who work tirelessly for this goal can achieve. Last year, the United Nations hosted a rock concert by Rudely Interrupted, whose members have various disabilities, including on the autism spectrum. They brought the audience to its feet with warm,
communicative songs and showed, through the sheer joy of their performance, how much people with disabilities can offer the world.
The words of lead singer Rory Burnside were especially inspiring. “My advice”, he said, “to kids who have some form of disability is: don’t let it stop you. Use it as your strength; don’t use it as your weakness. One red light can lead to a whole bunch of green lights, with a few orange lights thrown in. And the red lights are just a bit of a test. There are definitely more green and orange”.
On World Autism Awareness Day, let us capture and share this spirit, and let us intensify global efforts to ensure that children and persons with autism everywhere can benefit from the supportive environment they need to reach their full potential and contribute to society.
Unquote
Posted by jicafriends at 02:16 PM | Comments (0)
April 02, 2009
Munishowr Memorial Disability Journalism Award; examples of good strategies-Nepal
By K. C. Deepak
No one can deny the power of Medias in 21st century. Particularly if you are an activist and want to change the society but have not made the smooth relationship with Medias you are probably missing the boat. There may different ways and methods but nothings would be more effective and sustainable than working with Medias. Good news is that CIL-Kathamdu has already realized the importance of Medias for its long lasting impacts to popularize our issues and to gain the public support through various ways and methods. One of our strategies is to honor the journalist by establishing the different prizes and awards recognizing their every effort they made to popularize our issues in mainstreaming to society.
A Munishowr Memorial Disability Journalism award is one of them (established to the name of late Disabled Leader who was very active in disabled movement of Nepal) which CIL-Kathmandu is jointly organizing since last 3 years with Munishowr Memorial Society. But this year became extra in so many aspects. On the background of republic Nepal, the awards was distributed by the first president of Nepal nowhere other than the President palace itself by the especial management of President House with bearing all the financial cost!
This single event makes so many senses to CIL-Kathamdnu. One of them is our approaches to made relationship up to such a highest diplomatic position by making this possible for which people used to believe it as almost impossible. This shows our sharp diplomatic approach which would be very helpful to include our issues in new upcoming constitution. Recognizing our sprite and hard work even his Excellency put his encouraging words- “Although every people are just picking the words of inclusion but I have not yet seen any practical reality so I would make every possible effort to include the issues of disabled in new constitution.” These words make especial sense for us.
The second one is the guardianship of our new President and his sensitiveness towards our issues. More than 70 disabled people got an opportunity to participate on this important occasion. Where the entire representative from every organization had invited to participated in interactive programs with his Excellency. This may be undoubtedly the first event where such a big mass of disabled people getting an opportunity to interact freely with such a high class level who used not be possible in Kingship ruled Period.
The last one is – right click on right time! In critical time when new constitution is going to make -the Medias is undoubtedly a important tools without it we can not do any things. This event must have worked as extra catalyst to the sprite of Arati Chataut, a television programs host of Nepal television and Mr Omprakesh Bangade, a blind person of Nepal FM, who got Rs 5000/- and Rs 1000 respectively with certificate from the president. But this is also an examples and motivation to other journalist in this period to support and to be the part in such a historic movement to be the voices of voiceless people. CIL-Kathamdnu would always like to promote and eager to works with our friends of Medias to be the part of our mission in creating a right based society treating equally for all.
Posted by jicafriends at 11:33 AM | Comments (0)
April 01, 2009
First CDSHOD in Central Asia adopts the Bishkek Statement-APCD
The following report on CDSHOD was downloaded from APCD 26th Newsletter. Former participants of both Vocational Rehab. Course and Leadership Development Course played important roles at the workshop. You can find familiar faces in the newsletter.
Bringing partners together and forming the foundation for partnership
APCD organized the "Regional Workshop for Central Asian Countries on Capacity Development of Self-Help Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (CDSHOD): Rights-based Approach to Disability in Central Asia", in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, the Government of Kyrgyz Republic, JICA, UNESCAP and organizations of persons with disabilities (PWDs) of Kyrgyz Republic at Ak-Keme Hotel, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, from 21 to 24 October 2008.
Continue...
http://www.apcdproject.org/publications/2009/newsletter26/CDSHOD.html
"Bishkek Statement" is available at http://www.apcdproject.org/others/Bishekek_Statement_Final.pdf
Report on CDSHOD by Mr. Asadullo Zikrikhudoev.
http://www.jicafriends.net/archives/2009/03/report_on_cdsho.html
Posted by jicafriends at 04:24 PM | Comments (0)
Cities and provinces issuing IDs for persons with disabilities-Philippines
The following information regarding ID for persons with disabilities in the Philippines was downloaded from withnewshttp://www.withnews.org/
Persons with disabilities cannot avail of privileges if they don’t present special IDs
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 12:55:26
List of cities and provinces issuing IDs for persons with disabilities
Republic Act 9442 or the amendment of Magna Carta for the Disabled Persons and for Other Purposes (RA 7277) states that a Person with Disability shall be entitled to the following:
Twenty percent (20%) discount from all establishments like hotels, restaurants, etc.;
20% discount on admission fees charged by theaters, concert halls, amusements, etc.;
20% discount for purchase of medicines in all drugstores;
20% discount on medical and dental services;
20% discount on fare for domestic air and sea travel;
20% discount in public railways, bus, etc.;
educational assistance through scholarships, books, etc.;
discounts in special purchases;
provision of express lanes in all commercial and govt. establishments; and additional tax incentives.
Cannot avail of these privileges if they don’t present their special identification cards
However, persons with disabilities cannot avail of these privileges if they don’t present their special identification cards. According to the law and the Implementing Rules and Regulations, only the municipal, city and provincial government units are allowed to issue these IDs.
In my pre-employment preparation subject, I assist my deaf students in getting vital documents that they would be needed before they apply for jobs. Since most of them live in the National Capital Region, we were also able to visit some government offices of the surrounding cities. To my surprise, out of the seventeen highly urbanized cities, only six of them issue these IDs!
Special “thank you” goes to Quezon City government most especially to one of their well-loved officials, Ma’am Luz Cabauatan for assisting us. She said that our students simply show our school’s ID. That’s already a proof that they are a PWD. No need to submit any other requirements. Congratulations too to the mayors of cities of Manila, Malabon and Makati. Their processing procedure is very efficient and fast. Aside from that, Makati City also provides free all-day entrance to any movie theaters for their PWD constituents.
List of cities and provinces issuing IDs for persons with disabilities
I received a copy of the list from National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) office. To my PWD brothers and sisters, here is a list that will guide you in getting your IDs. Some LGUs require you to present your Barangay Certificate, ID photos and medical certificate indicating your disability. They will then give you a form which you can fill up and submit together with the other requirements I mentioned. As of October 2008, here are the cities and provinces that has issued special IDs:
National Capital Region - Manila, Muntinlupa City, Malabon City, Makati City, Pasay City, Quezon City, Valenzuela City
Region I - Dagupan City, Candon, Agoo, Aringan, Aringay, San Fernando City
Region II - Enrile, Santiago, Kasibu
Region III - Gerona, Olongapo City, Bulacan, Tarlac, San Fernando, Palayan City
Region IV - Binan, Dasmarinas, Sta. Rosa, Tagaytay City, Cavite, Cuenca, Calapan
Region V - None
Region VI - Iloilo
Region VII - Cebu, Garcia, Talisay City
Region VIII - None
Region IX - None
Region IX - Malaybalay, Gingoog
Cordillera Autonomous Region - Baguio City, Ilogan, Atok
CARAGA - Bislig, Surigao, Butuan, Tandag City
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao - None
Here is the list of good cities and municipalities that care for their constituents who are disabled. If your local government has begun issuing IDs and are not included in the list, kindly post a comment here so I can add it.
For those mayors of cities and municipalities that are not on the list, shame on you! This law has already been passed by the Philippine government since April 2007. It’s already February 2009. When will you follow the law and take care of people who need it the most?
Tags: Luz Cabauatan, Magna Carta for the Disabled Persons, Makati City, Manila, National Capital Region, National Council on Disability Affairs, persons with disabilities, Quezon City, RA 9442
Jose Pepito Manansala Cunanan pepz2002@yahoo.com
Posted by jicafriends at 11:07 AM | Comments (4)