« October 2011 | Main | December 2011 »
November 29, 2011
ARCHITECT DOCTOR EDUARDO ELKOUSS IN CHILE
ARCHITECT DOCTOR EDUARDO ELKOUSS IN CHILE.
Doctor Elkouss is a world famous architect.
He is a member of the International inclusive architectural group “Architecture for all”.
As a specialist of universal accessibility, Doctor Elkouss has participated in the efforts of “inclusive rebuilding” in Chile.
He participated in the UIA 2011 Tokyo World Congress with a poster called “Natural Disasters in Chile and their Prevention in the next Decades from a Inclusive Design’s Point of View”.
As part of the efforts of creating a comprehensive system of Disaster negative effects reduction on People with Disabilities, he visited Chile. He held several meetings.
He visited Peñaflor Town. Peñaflor Town is a certificated member of the Safe Community Network . Doctor Elkuss held a meeting with Peñaflor Town mayor Mr. Manuel Fuentes.
In the picture from left to right: Mayor Fuentes, Doctor Elkouss and Professor Kaiser.
Doctor Elkouss visited an especial school for people with cognitive and locomotive disabilities called “Alegría de Vivir”. Doctor Elkouss was very impressed with an emergency evacuation drill performed by the school. Students were evacuated to its safe zone in a less than one minute and a half.
In the picture: students, their teachers, Dr. Elkouss, School Principal, Municipality Emergency Directo Mr. Jorquera and Professor Kaiser.
After visiting the School, Dr. Elkouss was introduced to police air ambulance system.
In the picture from left to right: Mr. Jorquera, a police pilot, Dr. Elkouss, Paramedics, Professor Kaiser and Helicopter crew.
Dr. Elkouss last meeting was held in Santiago with the Chilean Municipal Association and the Architect Association.
As a conclusion of Dr. Elkouss visit, the following agreements were reached:
1) In June an international seminar on universal accessibility will be held on Santiago, Chile. Its goal is to start a community base program of universal accessibility.
2) Dr. Elkouss will make designs for universal accessible emergency housing.
Posted by jicafriends at 03:09 PM | Comments (0)
November 28, 2011
2011 Leadership Course Training Report - November 2
November 2, 2011 : Lecture and Visit : Movement by Persons with Hearing Impairment, and Lives of Deafblind Persons in Japan
Among the seven participants, two have visual impairment and the other five have physical disabilities. Today they had opportunity to learn about lives of people with hearing impairment and those with deaf-blindness in Japan.
In the morning, they welcomed a lecturer from the Japanese Federation of the Deaf. He first explained the origin of the deaf movement, which could be traced back to the establishment of deaf schools at the end of the 19th century.
He then talked about the Japanese Federation of the Deaf (JFD) in terms of its origin, membership and functions at both the national and international level. In particular, he illustrated the organizational structure of the JFD and roles of its regional and prefectural branches. Interestingly, he argued, the JFD needs to be re-structured due to the recent trend of disability legislation shifting from the national to municipal levels.
The participants asked a number of questions, and showed a particular interest in the relationship between the deaf community and other disabled communities. They expressed their thank-you to the lecturer.
* * * * * * * * * *
Following lunch, they took a bus to Asakusa, a district in Tokyo. They visited an NPO, Tokyo Support Center for the Deafblind, where they watched a DVD and interacted people who are deafblind.
Some of them had never met people with visual AND hearing impairment before, thus this appeared to be an intriguing and educational experience for them. They also enjoyed looking at unique tools that support daily lives of deafblind people.
It is estimated that there are more than 2000 deafblind people in Tokyo alone, but only 100 of them receive any kind of support. Part of this is due to difficulty in reaching them, who are considered to be isolated at their homes. The participants reflected this fact on their own countries and considered how deafblind people, mostly unseen and unheard in society, could be reached.
Thank you very much to people at the Tokyo Support Center for the Deafblind for the great learning opportunity…!
Posted by jicafriends at 04:18 PM | Comments (0)
2011 Leadership Course Training Report - November 1
November 1, 2011 : Workshop : How To Write a Project Plan I, and Introduction to Organization Management
It has already been two weeks since the seven participants from Honduras, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Rwanda and Timor Leste started the training course in Tokyo.
* * * * * * * * * *
This morning, they attended a participatory workshop on proposal writing. Later in this training course, they will be expected to produce “Action Plan” supporting PWDs, which are to be implemented on their return to their home countries. Today was the first day to learn about how to do planning and drafting such a proposal.
The lecturer is an NGO consultant specialized in project planning. She first talked about “What is an Action Plan?” and conducted a brain-storming session to help the participants come up with ideas for their own projects.
Subsequently, the class discussed components of a project plan – such as goals & objectives, background, stakeholders and possible impacts. They were asked to come back with their drafted proposal to a next workshop.
Many thanks to the convener, and good luck to the participants…!
* * * * * * * * * *
In the afternoon, the participants welcomed a lecture who came to talk about management of organizations. She asked them, “What are needed for a sustainable organizational operation?”
Their answered included, “(financial and human) resources”, “relevance”, “rules”, “networking”, “renewing, evolving and continuing” and so on.
She then asked, “What are strengths and weaknesses of your own organization?”, and the participants reflected on their organizational operation.
Topics for a next session was set as funding, management and networking.
Many thanks to the lecturer for the clear introduction to organization management…!
Posted by jicafriends at 01:57 PM | Comments (0)
November 24, 2011
2011 Leadership Course Training Report - October 31
October 31, 2011 : Visit : GESHUKUYA
Today the participants travelled to Shonan, a coastal region in Kanagawa Prefecture. The purpose of their trip was to visit Geshukuya, which is a Group Home and Support Center for Persons with Intellectual Disability.
On their arrival at Geshukuya, the participants received a heartfelt welcome from the Geshukuya people. They first greeted and introduced themselves to the staff members and residents there.
Then a lecture was given by the director of the center on intellectual disability and people with such disability living in Japan. For many of the participants, intellectual disability was a new area of study and thus the lecture was found very informative.
They also visited the Group Home, consisting of a common dining room and private bed rooms. This was a great way to learn how people with intellectual disability run everyday lives.
The lunch time was fabulous. The participants and the Geshukuya people mixed and sat together at tables, enjoying conversations in Japanese, English and Spanish and tasting delicious home-baked pizzas. They were also entertained by musicians and dancers who performed in the reception room and some of them even joined the dance..!
In the afternoon, three volunteers told the participants their life stories, which were fun, sad and moving. At the end of their visit, the participants mentioned how inspiring the day was, and seemed overwhelmed by the warm welcome and openness of the Geshukuya people.
They left the place after 4pm seen off by a number of people waving hands at them. Many, many thanks go to everyone at Geshukuya.
Posted by jicafriends at 05:32 PM | Comments (0)
Deaf Women's Convention was held on 20 November 2011 - Kerala, India
Kozhikode District Association of theDeaf and Deaf Women Assocation held Deaf Women's Convention on 20th November in Kozhikode, Kerala State.
Indian deaf women leaders made speeches, and various events were promoted.
Posted by jicafriends at 10:29 AM | Comments (0)
November 22, 2011
2011 Leadership Course Training Report - Oct. 24, 2011
October 24, 2011 : Lectures : The Role of The Promotion Committee of Systemic Reforms for PWDs, and Disability Policies in Japan
Today the participants attended two lectures. In the morning, they welcomed a lecturer from the Cabinet Office, who is centrally involved in the Promotion Committee of Systemic Reforms for PWDs.
After briefly introducing himself, the lecturer talked about the background to the establishment of the Committee and its main purposes. The Committee works towards a ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the Japanese government, for which domestic laws need to be modified. Thus the Committee helps the government install a new legal framework in relation to disability.
The lecturer emphasized the importance of the Convention and explained why and how Japan must ratify – and then implement - it. He also discussed the monitoring system, a key characteristic of the Committee.
In the afternoon, the other lecturer arrived from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. He gave an overview on the contemporary welfare policies of the national government and ministries for PWDs in Japan. He also introduced how “persons with disabilities” are defined and classified in Japan.
The participants asked a number of questions in the both morning and afternoon. In particular they interrogated the Japanese definitions/ classifications of PWDs in comparison with those in their own countries.
By the end of the day they appeared to better understand the welfare systems and policies for PWDs in Japan.
Many thanks to the both lecturers…!
Posted by jicafriends at 02:16 PM | Comments (0)
PWDs Given Priority in Disaster Relief Fund - Pakistan
The following information was retrieved from the "Disability & Development" mailing list with a consent of the publisher, the Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization (IDE- JETRO).
November 4, 2011
PVDP starts distribution of cash assistance to flood affectees
Peshawar—Pakistan Village Development Programme (PVDP) in collaboration with international relief body, TROCAIR has started financial assistance of 500 families of the devastated flood of 2010 in Mohib Banda, district Nowshera.
Under the scheme each affected family will be paid Rs.14,000. Some 100 families of Jabba, Daudzai have been given cheques of Rs.7000 as first installment while the remaining amount of Rs.7000 will be paid in next phase of the scheme.
The relief cheques were distributed by Manager Operations, PVDP, Ziaullah Khan in the presence of the members of the committees of the local residents while beside Programme Manager, Zia-ul-Haq, Project Coordinator, Imran Iqbal, Assistant Project Coordination Zafar Islam were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Ziaullah Khan said that widows, orphans, destitute and special persons have been given priority in the distribution of the relief funds. More funds under the project will be distributed in 400 families of Momin Korrona, Banda Sheikh Ismail, Camp Korrona and Banda Miangaan.
He said that the purpose of extending financial assistance to flood affectees is an attempt for bringing improvement in their conditions of life and removal of the prevailing sense of deprivation from them.
He said that the programme is working on the special projects for promotion of business activities and provision of social opportunities in the flood affected areas.
Under the projects, he said besides leveling of the agricultural lands, repairment and rehabilitation of the water resources, the local women have provided skill for generating employment opportunities.
He explained that for minimizing the problems of the people, the expansion of the welfare project is also under consideration. —APP
Posted by jicafriends at 10:18 AM | Comments (0)
November 21, 2011
2011 Leadership Course Training Report - Oct. 18, 2011
October 18, 2011 : Workshop II – Getting To Know Lives of PWDs in Japan
Today was the second day of training. The seven participants first watched a DVD called “A Day of Mr. Hata”. Mr. Hata is a young man with a severe disability. But he enjoys an independent living, working and socializing a lot with his friends.
This was amazing, some participants said. He would not survive if he was in Africa, another said. But all the participants reaffirmed that anybody, with or with out disability, equally has the right to an independent and meaningful life in his/her own community.
In the afternoon, the participants experienced what it is like to be a wheelchair user. Those who do not use wheelchairs tried moving around in the wheelchair and realized barriers that they had not seen before. Also they had a blindness-experience, to understand lives of people with visual impairment.
Two workshop conveners from the Mainstream Association and the JSRPD summarized the session and wished the participants to enjoy the training for 6 weeks.
Posted by jicafriends at 12:02 PM | Comments (0)
2011 Leadership Course Training Report - Oct. 17, 2011
October 17, 2011
Workshop I – Setting Goals and Getting To Know One Another
Today was the first day of training. So the participants and members of the hosting team first introduced themselves to one another. The seven participants talked about themselves including their name, organization, type of disability and first impression of Japan.
Then, they discussed what it means to be a leader. This is a key question to be asked throughout the training course. They raised examples of “good” leaders and “bad” leaders whom they had met in their lives, explaining why they thought they were good/bad. They learnt that a good leader would have a clear vision, show respect and listen to others, and take actions.
The participants were also explained that this 6-week training is a team activity, where everyone is expected to make contributions and cooperate with others. They debated and clarified that in order to be a good team-worker one would have to:
➢ Be active in discussions
➢ Share ideas
➢ Listen to opinions of others
➢ Help with each other
➢ Spend time outside the training hours
The members of the hosting team emphasized that contribution from every participant is important and requested the participants to keep thinking about what make a good leader.
Posted by jicafriends at 11:38 AM | Comments (0)
November 18, 2011
Pressure on EU Countries to Implement UNCRPD
Today there are 153 signatories and 106 ratifications of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, among which the European Union that ratified the UNCRPD as the frist internatioal organization in January 2011 (Source: Disability Info North West)
In October 2011, ten months later the ratification by the EU, the European Disability Forum wrote a letter to the member states of the EU, See below the article for more details.
EU SUMMIT: OUR LETTER TO HEADS OF STATE: WE DON'T WANT TO BE EXCLUDED MORE THAN WE ALREADY ARE
24 October 2011
Poverty, social exclusion, discrimination, marginalisation, illiteracy and negative stereotypes of people with disabilities can be the sad legacy of the economic, social and political reforms if implemented without duly consideration of the rights of people with disabilities: the European Disability Forum wrote a letter to all heads of State to make sure that the outcome of the summit on the crisis won’t have worst consequences on persons with disabiltiies.
To the Heads of State and Government of the European Union,
RE: IMPACT OF THE ECONOMIC CRISIS ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
The European Disability Forum (EDF), the voice of 80 million persons with disabilities and their families in Europe, calls on all the Governments of the European Union to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities and their families are taken into account all the way through economic, political and social policies.
Austerity measures undertaken by governments in the European Union could undermine progress towards the realisation of the rights of persons with disabilities enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as well as the social targets of the Europe 2020 strategy and the European Disability Strategy 2010 – 2020. Poverty, social exclusion, discrimination, marginalisation, illiteracy and negative stereotypes of people with disabilities can be the sad legacy of the economic, social and political reforms if implemented without duly consideration of the rights of people with disabilities.
The EDF calls on the European Council and all the Governments of Europe to ensure that people with disabilities are not socially, economically or politically excluded. In order to make sure that the rights of persons with disabilities are not undermined by current responses to the economic crisis, we must consider that:
1. People with disabilities might freely move in European societies, live independently and included in society: no action restricting these capacities should be envisaged in any social protection reform. Personal assistance and other community support services should not be undermined by austerity measures.
2. Education of persons with disabilities will be respected and reforms in the education systems will not mean reduction in education support policies in mainstream education and should not lead to segregation to special schools.
3. The right to work and employment is fully respected: Measures for full inclusion in employment including reasonable accommodation and supported employment should not disappear from the national employment policies.
4. Access to health services for people with disabilities is not put into question and health services for people with disabilities do not consider their health as secondary in respect to non-disabled people.
5. That Social habilitation and rehabilitation is considered an investment for European societies ensuring that all capacities are collected and fully participate in the construction of Europe after the crisis. The quality of social services should remain a pre-condition for respecting the human rights of people with disabilities.
6. Adequate living standards and social protection are ensured. This will mean that no measures are taken that will have the effect of leading people with disabilities into poverty, social exclusion or reduction of his/her living income.
7. Freedom of expression and opinion and access to information is not restricted by reforms of public and private services.
8. Respect for family life is ensured by guaranteeing to all people with disabilities and their families adequate family policies. These policies should remain a priority.
9. Organisations representing people with disabilities should be consulted in regard to any action that could have an impact on the rights of people with disabilities.
10. Raising the awareness of the needs of persons with disabilities should take place in order to ensure that the portrayal of persons with disabilities in the media and other relevant stakeholders is done correctly and does not lead to social stigmatisation.
Yannis Vardakastanis
President of the European Disability Forum
Posted by jicafriends at 03:30 PM | Comments (0)
Training Report : October 28, 2011 : Fieldwork : Dai Forum
On 28th October, over 10,000 persons with / without disabilities turned out at Hibiya Park for “Dai Forum”.
“Dai Forum” is an event that is organized by Japan Disability Forum (JDF) and aims to promote a reformed welfare system for persons with disabilities as well as to secure the Law for Comprehensive Welfare for Persons with Disabilities. The latter is a legal framework proposed following the meeting among members of the comprehensive welfare division, part of the Promotion Committee of Systemic Reforms for Persons with Disabilities.
The chairperson of JDF emphasized the importance for persons with all kinds of disability of getting together and having a united voice.
The leader of JDF Executive Board summarized, “We now face a crucial moment in order to realize the Law for Comprehensive Welfare. Put great effort into it!”
Representatives of both the ruling parties and the opposition also attempted to show in their speeches how motivated they were.
Also the member organizations of JDF expressed their views that network of disability movement should take another step.
The participants were very much impressed that persons with severe disabilities and a number of persons with disabilities in local areas came along. And the thing that most impressed them was that persons with differing disabilities gathered and were united.
At the end of the event, rights and advocacy lectures strongly commented that the important thing was that there were places where persons with severe disabilities could raise their voices. They also said that working in complete solidarity was the key to a success of their disability movement.
Posted by jicafriends at 12:06 PM | Comments (0)
November 17, 2011
Training Report : November 15, 2011 : Lecture : IDA and UNCRPD
November 15, 2011
Today the participants welcomed a professor of disability studies from Graduate School of Economics, University of Tokyo.
The day went in a very interactive and friendly manner. The participants first introduced themselves to the lecturer, who then introduced himself to the class. In the morning lecture he first explained the “social model”, which underlies the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). He also illustrated the development of the International Disability Alliance (IDA) and a number of the chronological events, such as the 1981 International Year of PWDs and the successive proposals made by Italy, Sweden and Mexico, which together led to the adoption of the UNCRPD in 2006.
Following lunch, the lecturer examined the Convention article by article, discussing their implications. The participants were also asked about the situation of their own countries with regard to signing/ratifying the UNCRPD. Of importance, the class focused on “ratification” and “implementation” of the UNCRPD, and considered how the latter could take place in their home countries.
The participants raised a number of questions after the lectures. They say that it was a great opportunity to closely look at the UNCRPD.
Many thanks to the professor for the thought-provoking day…!
Posted by jicafriends at 05:41 PM | Comments (0)
Disability certificate now guaranteed to be issued within 3 days - India
The following information was retrieved from the "Disability & Development" mailing list with a consent of the publisher, the Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization (IDE- JETRO).
November 7, 2011
Disability certificate to eligible persons within 3 days: Govt
Shimla, Nov 7 (PTI) Disability certificates would be issued to eligible persons within three days of applying and any deliberate delay in doing so would attract action, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Sarveen Chowdhary today said. Inaugurating a day-long workshop on empowerment of visually impaired persons with the help of technology, she said there were some 67,000 disabled persons in the state and the government was committed to their welfare. She said 1,332 disabled persons had been provided jobs in different departments under a three per cent quota which included 439 visually impaired.
Posted by jicafriends at 05:09 PM | Comments (0)
November 16, 2011
Campaign for The Rights of the PWDs - India
The following information was retrieved from the "Disability & Development" mailing list with a consent of the publisher, the Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization (IDE- JETRO).
November 4, 2011
Campaign to create awareness about rights for disabled people
NEW DELHI: Alok Sikka (35) has waited in his wheelchair at bus stops for hours on an end, but most of the time buses have sped past without stopping for him. One of biggest problems that disabled people face, he says, is commuting. This confines them to their homes for most of their lives.
To create awareness about the rights of disabled people, the National Trust under ministry of social justice and empowerment launched a pan-India campaign called 'Badhte Kadam' at Dilli Haat on Thursday. 'Badhte Kadam' would be organized in 35 states with 250 fairs to involve various organizations like district courts, schools, offices, architects and even the district collectorate to sensitize people about the issue.
Posted by jicafriends at 04:40 PM | Comments (0)
November 14, 2011
International Disability Connect Virtual Gathering
International Disability Connect Virtual Gathering
Connect, Collaborate...Challenge, Change!
http://disabilityconnect2011.ning.com
In honor of Mobility International USA (MIUSA)’s 30th Anniversary and the 2011 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, you are invited to join us and other disability organizations from around the world on December 1, 2011 for this online gathering!
What:
International Disability Connect 2011 is a free, 24-hour, virtual gathering bringing together people with disabilities with international exchange experience, MIUSA exchange alumni, and disability organizations worldwide for interactive discussions on specific topics. The goal? To Connect, Collaborate…Challenge, Change!
All that is needed to participate is Internet access; the event is fully accessible online. Conversations will be held in English, but Google Translate will be available for those who need it to translate into their language—Spanish, Arabic, Russian, French, etc.
Topics may include:
How to study abroad including funding opportunities
Coming to the U.S. for school or professional work Expanding professional development and capacity building opportunities for people with disabilities and grassroots disability organizations in the U.S. and throughout the world
How to network with international disability organizations Ways to become a citizen diplomat or encourage civic participation Disability inclusion topics specific to your region, country, and/or community
Who:
The virtual gathering is free and open to the public. These audiences are especially encouraged to participate:
Member or staff of an international Disabled Peoples’ Organization (DPO) or other disability organization in any country around the world MIUSA international exchange program alumni from the past 30 years from all around the world Person with a disability who participated in an international exchange program
A passionate disabled activist or disability rights ally International exchange professional interested in outreach to the disability community
When:
December 1, 2011 starting at 5:00 am (U.S. Pacific Standard Time PST) and ending on December 2, 2011 at 5:00 am (U.S. Pacific Standard Time PST). Check what time that is for you.
The forum will be open the entire 24 hour period with scheduled topics of discussion or regional chats at specific times.
Where:
At http://disabilityconnect2011.ning.com!
The entire gathering will be held virtually.
Anyone in any part of the world can join the discussion with limited internet requirements.
How:
Visit the International Disability Connect 2011 website and sign up using the box in the upper right hand corner.
Once you are signed up, we ask that you complete your profile and post an introduction in the “Introduce Yourself” discussion forum.
If you are having any trouble signing up for the International Disability Connect 2011 network, please email clearinghouse@miusa.org and we can assist.
Invite Others!
Share news of this event with everyone you know who this relates to and may be interested! Use this information directly, or use the International Disability Connect 2011 “Invite” tab to automatically invite relevant participants.
Posted by jicafriends at 02:01 PM | Comments (0)
Greeting from Zimbabwe
My dear follow colleagues from the Jica Friends,I send my greetings.
As the year draws to a close lets us not also close the chapter that has to do with what we vowed to deliver to our respective countries and communities as regards to the vital knowledge we learnt in Japan.
As u will mostly agree with me; we earned a lifelong exprience and information that the rest of our country folks will only dream of!
Thus let us all be as generous and time-giving as our Japanees hosts were in sharing this vital knowledge.
Our respective constituences and communities will never be the same again.
SEASONAL GREETINGS TO U ALL
Mr. Jacob MAKONYE (2010 Leader)
Posted by jicafriends at 01:35 PM | Comments (0)
Information Booklet on the UN Convention Released - Pakistan
The following information was retrieved from the "Disability & Development" mailing list with a consent of the publisher, the Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization (IDE- JETRO).
Published on November 3 2011
Disabled people’s rights… lawmakers definitely needed a booklet on that
KARACHI - The Network of Organisations Working for People with Disabilities, Pakistan (NOWPDP), an initiative of the Aga Khan Council for Pakistan, has released a booklet on the UN Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The move is aimed at celebrating the ratification of the convention by the Pakistan government.
As of February 2010, 78 countries have ratified the UN Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities aims to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal human rights as others. Its objective is “to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedom by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity”.
The booklet has been distributed to members of the parliament, the prime minister and the president to raise awareness about ways in which Pakistan can implement the clauses of the convention and become a more inclusive society for people of all abilities. The booklet highlights the state of disability in Pakistan and the benefits of a more inclusive society. It proposes implementation of legislation, through effective monitoring and governance bodies within the government, accessibility of buildings and the environment for people with disabilities, availability of quality education for all children with disabilities, equal opportunities for people with disabilities to gain employment without fear of discrimination and the ratification of the convention, as a symbol of commitment of the Pakistani government to the inclusion of people with disabilities.
The booklet was developed in collaboration with the Children’s Museum for Peace and Human Rights, having compiled a petition of over 1.1 million signatures supporting the ratification of the convention. The Children’s Museum for Peace and Human Rights and NOWPDP are working together to increase awareness of the convention and Pakistan’s obligations under it.
For more information on the booklet, visit the website of NOWPDP (Network of Organisations Working For Persons with Disabilities Pakistan).
Posted by jicafriends at 10:29 AM | Comments (0)
November 11, 2011
"Us and Them" Attitude Criticised in the UK
Below is an article which was retrieved from the website of The Guardian, a British newspaper.
The Guardian
Posted by Matthew Harper
4 Norvember 2011
Tackling disability discrimination takes more than wheelchair ramps
Let's challenge the 'us and them' attitude towards people who have disabilities that don't conform to society's norms
You're in a restaurant; dressed up, with friends, family, maybe a partner and halfway through your slap-up meal there's a tap on your shoulder and "do you mind moving? it's disgusting, no its just … you're dribbling – it's putting me off my food". Had that said to you? Or been the one saying it? Or even just thinking it?
Postwar history taught us that the mindset of western civilisation was that individuals needed to adapt to existing environments and that wheelchairs were obstacles to participation, not steps and kerbs. The late 1960s and early 70s saw action taken for infrastructure to adapt to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities and encourage inclusion. Visibly, there are obvious procedures and policies, ramps and electric doors to demonstrate this progression.
However, these physical alterations only take into account the physical needs of those they intend to assist. We may have automatic electric doors for people in wheelchairs, but how would we react to someone on a cold windy day asking to have an outside door wedged open because their autism makes them fear being locked in? I wouldn't want to be sat in a cold draft, would you?
Having worked in a retirement village where there are residents with extra care needs and those without, and working within school and youth settings where again there are children with and without registered disabilities, there is still a divide. There is a repulsion in canteens or restaurants if the person with a disability is "dribbling" or "making a mess"; it is something that "we do not want to look at" but it is OK if it is "over there" or if "they are out of the way".
In the era of Rosa Parks' stand against racism, where the segregation of white and black people was clearly marked with signs, an "us and them" ethos was not only accepted but lawful; being "over there" was mandatory. Nowadays, on the whole we would judge this as disgusting, so even without signs on seats, why do we promote the same outcome for disability? Why do people feel the same way now as we did 60 years ago?
Perhaps the reason is that there are no signs, nothing written, and nothing tangible to stand up against. Instead the segregation lies in hushed tones and is actually more corrosive.
This segregation is justified by saying disabled people need to be "over there", because that's where their special needs can be met. I am not saying there is not an element of truth in that, however needs also involve social interaction, inclusion and the capacity to participate as equals.
We find security in the process of pigeonholing people into easily identifiable groups. Take, for example, someone with mobility problems such as paraplegia, which has become an "acceptable" disability through the social construction of the "wheelchair". We know not how to react to the medical condition and its implications, but the wheelchair itself – we move out of the way, we hold the door open and so we feel we have engaged correctly while avoiding having to address the disability directly.
Cerebral palsy, on the other hand is still classed as "socially unacceptable", as it is difficult to identify. That person hobbling home, unbalanced, is surely just drunk? And why would we publicly want to associate ourselves with a rude drunk? What would that do to the non-disabled image? We'd be lying if we said those thoughts hadn't even fleetingly crossed our minds.
So, how do we battle this segregation? It starts with acceptanceof the stark reality we live in and what we actually think of disability, but are too ashamed to admit. Change comes from understanding and accepting disability, together with embracing the person as an individual.
Maybe we can start with me? I have cerebral palsy; it's mild, but I'll probably limp back to my seat, unbalanced, and awkwardly work through my meal later on, but how would I have been taken if I was dribbling throughout or if autism meant that my language abilities were impaired? Disability isn't cool or fashionable, but it is real and it is now. The apartheid culture and the Rosa Parks era has not left our reactions towards disability and still limits people's lives today.
• Matthew Harper works at Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust's Hartfields Retirement Village in Hartlepool and wrote this piece for the Young Thinker of the Year Award of the Young UK and Ireland Programme, for which he was named runner up
Posted by jicafriends at 02:52 PM | Comments (0)
November 09, 2011
Panel Discussion on Rebuilding Tohoku for NGOs - Nov 16, Tokyo
Ms. Serajean Rositto, the representative of the NGO Capacity Development and Support is organizing a panel discussion entitled Rebuilding Tohoku on November 16 at Tsuda College, Tokyo. It features non-profitable organizations involved in income generation work.
It is the third session of the International Development Seminar Series organised by Tsuda College Open School and will be held in Tsuda Hall, Sendagaya Campus of the College, at 19:00-20:50. It will invite directors of three NGOs - namely, PARCIC, ETIC and Rescue Stock Yard - as panelists.
If you are interested to attend, you can register on their website or by phone on 03-3402-7333. 50 tickets are available for free.
For more inforamtion, click here.
Posted by jicafriends at 01:55 PM | Comments (0)
November 08, 2011
Seminar to Raise Awareness on Disability and Accessibility - Pakistan
On October 6, a seminar was held at the Lahore District Court, Pakistan, with a purpose to raise awareness on Disability and Accessibility.
This event was oragaized by the Lahore Bar Association and hosted by the Highly Enthusiastic and Educative Rights Association (HEERA). Speakers included Mr. Shafiq ur Rehman and Mr. Naureel Abbas from the Milestone, a local organization for persons with disabilities, and Mr. Mujahid Mustaqim Ahmed, a district & session court judge. Representatives of the HEERA and Lahore Bar Association also delivered a speech.
About 15 percent of the population are considered to be disabled in Pakistan, but most public facilities remain inaccessible to persons with various disabilities. The seminar emphasized the need to improve the situation by both campaining for increased accessibility and raising public awareness on the issue.
At the end of the seminar, it was announced that the Lahore Bar Accosiation was organizing a rally from the Lahore Session Court to the Punjab Assembly on December 3.
The seminar attracted a number of participants as well as local journalists.
Posted by jicafriends at 12:44 PM | Comments (0)
November 07, 2011
Seminar on the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities - December 3, 2011, Japan
A seminar entitled "the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities - From the perspective of persons with disabilities living in cities and countryside of Cameroon" is to take place on December 3, 2011, at Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan.
It is organized by the African Japan Forum (AJF), DIP Japan and Ritsumeikan University COE Program Ars Vivendi.
The Seminar starts at 2pm at 401 and 402 of Sohikan Hall, Kinugasa Campus, Ritsumeikan University. Speakers include Shiya Tateiwa (Professor at Ritsumeikan), Ryuichiro Saito (AJF), Tomoki Niiyama (Postdoctoral fellow at Ritsumeikan). It is to end at 5:10 pm.
For more information, visit the website (Japanese only).
Secretariat of jicafriends
Posted by jicafriends at 04:37 PM | Comments (0)
November 05, 2011
Protection and promotion of women’s rights, and women’s social and economic empowerment
European Commission
Investing in People
GENDER EQUALITY
Restricted Call for Proposals 2011
Protection and promotion of women’s rights, and women’s social and economic empowerment
Grant Application Form (Parts A and B)
For economical and ecological reasons, we strongly recommend that you submit your files on paper-based materials (no plastic folder or divider). We also suggest you use double-sided print-outs as much as possible.
To learn more...Download file
Posted by jicafriends at 11:51 AM | Comments (0)
November 01, 2011
October 22nd, 2011: Personal / Organizational report presentation
Seven participants made a presentation on their personal history and the organization which they are belonging to or working for.
There were a number of audiences from JICA, some lecturers of this course and trainees of Duskin leadership Training Program.
Audiences and participants raised many questions and gave comments to each other.
Participants and the related Japanese personnel could have good information on personal background and activities, and deepen understanding of each other.
Posted by jicafriends at 03:08 PM | Comments (0)