The Center for International Programs and Services (CIPS) at Gallaudet University is seeking assistance in identifying both national- and local-level deaf organizations around the world.

Gallaudet is the only liberal arts university for deaf students internationally and is in Washington, DC. CIPS plans to develop a web site providing information for Deaf individuals and deaf organizations around the world. This work is being done in June and July 2009 by a short-term graduate student intern, Andrea Shettle.

As a first step, CIPS wishes to make a list of organizations of Deaf people around the world with their full contact information (name of organization; mailing address; phone number; fax number; SMS; email address if any; website if any). This includes international, national, and local-level organizations. This information could help deaf organizations find each other so they can exchange knowledge and ideas.

If you think you may be able to assist in making this list as accurate and as comprehensive as possible, please contact Andrea Shettle at CIPS (Andrea.Shettle@gallaudet.edu) between now and July 17, 2009. You can help ensure that CIPS does not miss any of the deaf organizations you are familiar with in your country or elsewhere! The emphasis for the next few weeks is on deaf organizations in developing countries. However, information in locating deaf organizations in all countries is welcome.

Everyone who attempts to assist CIPS in assembling this list will eventually receive a Word document file listing all the deaf organizations we are able to find worldwide.

Learn more about CIPS at http://cips.gallaudet.edu
Contact Andrea Shettle in regard to sharing contact information for deaf organizations you are familiar with at Andrea.Shettle@gallaudet.edu between now and July 17, 2009.

NCD Announces Funding (Research) Opportunity
On May 13, the National Council on Disability in the US announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NCD-09-02) for a cooperative agreement to study “The Accessibility of U.S.-funded Overseas Facilities and Programs.”

NCD is interested in examining and understanding the responsibilities of U.S.-funded overseas facilities and programs, both public and private. NCD is seeking applicants to research and develop an NCD report with the following three components: 1) An analysis/examination of international law, to determine how U.S.-funded international development organizations will be required to comply with Article 32 of the Convention in those countries which have ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and 2) an empirical follow-up to NCD’s 2003 report on how USAID is implementing its own disability policy overseas and its impact thus far, along with its compliance with Sections 501, 503, and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act in its overseas operations. The report should review whether these protections against discrimination are being implemented by government employees and contractors working abroad, and will examine whether U.S.-funded programs are being operated in a manner that is accessible to and inclusive of people with disabilities; and 3) evaluate progress on NCD’s recommendations regarding the accessibility of U.S. embassies and missions, as well as Department of Defense (DoD)-funded programs and facilities.

The deadline for received full proposals is 5:00 p.m. EDT on July 1, 2009.

For additional information, please contact Joan Durocher at 202-272-2117 or jdurocher@ncd.gov.



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Disability Rights Fund seeks Program Officer

About the position
The Program Officer position offers a unique opportunity to join a groundbreaking grantmaking initiative supporting the rights of persons with disabilities. As a member of a small team, the Program Officer will help shape the Fund as it matures and incorporates the best strategies in funding disability rights in the Global South and Eastern Europe/former Soviet Union. The main objective of the position is to work with other Fund staff in the creation of grants strategy and process and the oversight of grantees. To do this work, the Program Officer will build field contacts and partnerships and work with grantees in the field. Other program and administrative responsibilities related to both grantmaking and the general operations of the Fund are also foreseen. The Fund is looking for a candidate who is able to work in a fast-paced environment, is flexible, takes initiative, and is independent, but team-oriented. This position is not necessarily Boston-based.

About the Disability Rights Fund
Launched in March of 2008 as a project of the Tides Center, the Disability Rights Fund is a grantmaking collaborative aimed at building community capacity to achieve the rights of all persons with disabilities. The Fund makes modest grants (USD $5000-70,000) to Disabled Persons’ Organizations in the Global South and in Eastern Europe/former Soviet Union for advancing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at country-level.

Program Officer responsibilities
· Help design a grants proposal process that is accessible to people with disabilities
· Serve as liaison to grantees and prospective grantees
· Working closely with Tides, administer and manage grants(e.g., grant award and declination letters, disbursements, report tracking, grant files)
· Together with the DRF team, evaluate grant proposals, conduct financial and critical analysis of applicant organizations
· Provide technical aid to grantees during grants application and implementation
· Prepare concise written analyses of grant proposals and funding recommendations for Steering Committee comprised of field advisors and donors
· Arrange and conduct site visits and meetings with grantees
· Provide organizational effectiveness assistance to grantees or recommend helpful resources as appropriate
· Evaluate and monitor the impact of grants; review and analyze grantee reports
· Develop professional relationships within the field of disability rights to inform the grantmaking of the Fund; keep abreast of trends within the field of disability rights
· Collaborate with DRF team, Global Advisory Panel and Steering Committee to develop and refine grantmaking strategies
· Assist with the day-to-day operations of the Fund as needed
Skills and qualifications

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
· Passion and commitment to advancing the human rights of people with disabilities
· Familiarity with the community of DPOs and the CRPD (particularly in the Asia Pacific region)
· Grantmaking or grantseeking experience (or relevant nonprofit experience)
· Experience supporting capacity development within civil society
· Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse populations from around the world
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Other language proficiencies a plus
· Strong administrative and organizational skills; the ability to manage time efficiently
· Computer proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); willingness to learn additional applications (and accessible technology) as necessary
· Bachelors degree, or equivalent with minimum 5 years of relevant experience; advanced degree desired
· Ability to travel independently in developing countries
· Ability to combine the roles of objective evaluator and empathetic observer

Compensation
Salary and benefits negotiable, based on experience.

How to apply
Disability Rights Fund, a Project of the Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, and people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities, and people of other (non-U.S.) nationalities. People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please email or mail a cover letter, resume, three references (with contact information and relationship), writing sample (five page maximum) to:

Disability Rights Fund
Diana Samarasan, Director
Third Sector New England’s NonProfit Center
89 South Street, Suite 203
Boston, MA 02111-2670
dsamarasan@disabilityrightsfund.org (please no phone calls)
Fax: (215) 261-4593

Deadline: Applications must be received by August 1, 2009.



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Both people with disabilities and also women experience discrimination in countries around the world, including within the Pacific region. Women with disabilities experience a double dose of discrimination. A newly released report, entitled Pacific Sisters with Disabilities: at the Intersection of Discrimination (PDF format, 981 Kb), reviews the situation of women with disabilities in the Pacific region. It includes discussion on the challenges of discrimination against women with disabilities; laws among Pacific Island governments; and policies and programs within disabled people’s organizations (DPOs), women’s organizations, and mainstream international development partners. The report concludes with recommendations for improving the situation of women with disabilities in the Pacific region. This April 2009 report, by authors Daniel Stubbs and Sainimili Tawake, covers the situation of 22 Pacific countries and territories. It was published by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Pacific Center.

The research leading to this report found that a few helpful laws, policies, and systems of practice do exist in some countries. However, disabled women do still tend to fare more poorly compared to disabled men or compared to non-disabled women. Specifically, they are often less educated, experience more unemployment, face more violence and abuse, encounter more poverty, are more isolated, have less access to health care, and have lower social status. Women with disabilities also have less access to information about education, health care, their reproductive rights, recreation, politics, or even the weather.

Unfortunately, very limited documentation on the situation of women with disabilities exist in any region, including the Pacific. This report relies partly on extrapolation from what is known about women with disabilities in other regions. This information is supplemented, where possible, with local data, statistics, anecdotes, and other information specific to disabled women in the Pacific.

The full 90-page report can be downloaded for free, in PDF format (981 Kb) at: http://www.undppc.org.fj/_resources/article/files/Final%20PSWD%20BOOKLET.pdf.



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Handicap International intends to engage a facilitator to conduct governance training for the newly elected board. Profiles of the organization and justification for having the training is described in the attached document.

All interested parties must submit a technical and financial proposal explaining their understanding of the TOR and how they intend to conduct the training, a budget, an updated CV before 15th June 2009 5.00 pm. The TOR, and application instructions, are provided below.

Kindly circulate this advert to other members. Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards,

Naomie Njoroge
Administrative Assistant
Handicap International Kenya/Somalia Programme
www.handicap-international.org

TERMS OF REFERENCE
FACILITATION FOR GOVERNANCE AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR DISABLED GROUP OF TRANS NZOIA
Date 11th May 2009

Introduction
HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL is an international NGO specializing in the field of disability and development. A strong emphasis is placed on empowering people with disabilities through their integration into mainstream development activities and the provision of appropriate health and rehabilitation services to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Currently, Handicap International is working with 7 partner organizations in the USAID/AED funded projects in the field of Disability and HIV & AIDS. The group represents a cross section of disabilities including the deaf, blind and low vision, physically and intellectually disabled.

The main thematic areas of the project activities include;
• Policy and advocacy
• Behavior change communication
• Appropriate IEC materials for the PWD
• Stigma reduction

One of the main focus of the project is the provision of technical support and institutional strengthening by Handicap International to the partner organization to enable efficient and effective implementation of the HIV& AIDS activities.
Background to Sub Grantee organization

Even though HI is working with 7 organizations, this facilitator will only work with DIGROT (based in Kitale) to conduct governance training for the newly elected board. Profiles of the organization and justification for having the training is described below:

1. DIGROT
Background
DIGROT was started in 1990 as a self help group with 50 members with a merry go round to which they contributed 50 – 100 shillings. In 1998, the group opened an account with KCB bank and started a micro finance lending system. Members were given loans of ksh.500 to Ksh 2,000 at an interest rate of 10% p.a.

In 2000, they received a grant from DSDO (Poverty Eradication Programme) which they used to provide loans to their members. 14 members were successfully supported through this programme and 7 defaulted on repayment. DIGROT was trained by HI in 2004 on micro-credit management to address this challenge.

In the years 2001-2003 DIGROT approached HI with a goal of beginning HIV/AIDS awareness activities and in 2004 they wrote a proposal to HI on HIV and AIDS and Disability which was subsequently funded in May 2006 by USAID through AED.
Today DIGROT has representatives from different locations in Trans Nzoia district and was registered as a CBO in 2007. It currently has 224 registered members and each member pays 524 shillings registration fee with a renewal fee of 200 shillings annually. Not all members are fully registered and the money is kept in a savings account.

Justification
DIGROT as an organization for PWD has faced various problems and wrangles have interfered with their operations as an organization. To rectify this, the organization has recently undergone changes to make operations of the organization effective. Some of the changes in the recent past months includes; new staff on board, amendment of its constitution and election of new members to the board.

In line with this changes and growth for the organization, and the planned support for development of a strategic plan, HI intends to support DIGROT in training its new board on governance and good leadership with an aim of strengthening the new team, take stock of lessons learnt from past experiences and enhance prudent management of resources. This is also seen as an opportunity to augment a strong basis for conflict resolutions and create an environment for DIGROT members reconnect with the organizations mission and vision, strengthen its membership and development partners
Further to all the above, the evaluation conducted on the Disability, HIV and AIDS in 07/08 project reiterated Special focus on Disabled Group of Trans Nzoia (DIGROT) on capacity building and governance.

Objectives of the consultancy
The general objective of the training shall be to equip the participants with knowledge and skills on leadership and good governance to provide direction, control and management to the organization

Specific objectives
1. To help participants understand and appreciate the importance of good governance by
o Understanding the term governance and its pillars
o Appreciating the importance of leadership and governance to an organization in promoting institutional growth
o Understanding the role of the board in providing direction and prudent management in order to enhance long term membership values through enhancing corporate performance and accountability, whilst taking into account the interest of other stakeholders.

2. To facilitate a participatory formulation of a code of best practice in relation to governance that meets the priorities of the organizations and its stakeholders, based on their missions and objectives, and also considering national and international processes and trends in disability and development.

Expected results
1. DIGROT board is reoriented and is able to provide a healthy and sustainable advisory role.
2. DIGROT as an organization focuses on its vision and mission and establish a strong basis for conflict resolution

Proposed Methodology
HI proposes a pre-training assessment using questionnaires and a two days participatory training (Focus group discussion, Group work, role plays) session where the board members of DIGROT shall be brought together with an intent to learn and discuss leadership and good governance and development of code of best practice for the organization;

Expected Outputs
1. A Report of the pre-training assessment and governance training.
2. Code of best practice.
3. An action plan of the board that intends to put in place measures to enhance governance within their organization

Time frame
The assessment should be done 3 days before the actual training. The code of best practice will be developed by the board with support from the consultant during the training. The training is planned for 25th and 26th June 2009 and the report to be submitted by 3rd July 2009.

Location
DIGROT is located in Trans Nzoia district, Kitale town.

Budget
The total cost of the consultancy is Kshs. 30,000/=.

Qualification and Competencies:
The consultant should have:
• A masters degree, in the field of administration and/or management or in a relevant field
• Knowledge and experience in leadership and governance training and tool development for Community Based Organizations.
• Knowledge on disability issues is desirable
• Knowledge and experience of participatory approaches and facilitation.
• Ability to operate systematically and commitment to meeting deadlines

Application process
All interested parties must submit a technical and financial proposal explaining their understanding of the TOR and how they intend to conduct the training, a budget, an updated CV before 15th June 2009 5.00 pm. Please send your details to the Human Resource Officer at:
hrofficer@handicap-international.or.ke
The email subject line should be marked: “Consultancy for Governance Training”



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Workers with disabilities in Pakistan now have a new on-line resource that may help in finding jobs.

In a collaborative effort, BrightSpyre and STEP (Special Talent Exchange Program) have launched an on-line job board that lists jobs with employers seeking to hire disabled workers. STEP is a cross-disability organization in Pakistan that is run by people with disabilities themselves. BrightSpyre is Pakistan’s first and largest on-line job board. The new job board targeted at disabled workers is at:

http://step.jobboard.com.pk/jobboard.php

Also, the company Telenor Pakistan actively encourages people with disabilities to apply with them for jobs or internship opportunities. Their career web page is at http://www.telenor.com.pk/careers/whyTelenor.php



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IDA – Asia Pacific Regional Conference on the CRPD Implementation and Monitoring

MANILA DECLARATION

February 11-12th, 2009

We, the delegates from The Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Samoa, Fiji, and Republic of Korea being members of Disabled Peoples’ International, Inclusion International, International Federation of Hard of Hearing People, Rehabilitation International, World Blind Union, World Federation of the Deaf, World Federation of the DeafBlind, World Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry, and Asia Pacific Disability Forum, all of which are members of International Disability Alliance (IDA) and participated in Asia Pacific Regional Conference on the CRPD Implementation and Monitoring, held at Manila, The Philippines on February 11-12, 2009,

We acknowledge the support of the Government of The Philippines, Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), and Katipunan ng Maykapansanan sa Pilipinas, Inc (KAMPI) for this Conference.

After due deliberation and having reached consensus on the implementation and monitoring of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) we make the following Declaration which shall be hereby referred to as the Manila Declaration 2009

GOVERNMENT
• We urge National Governments in the Asia and Pacific Region, to set the machinery in motion to ensure the signing, ratification without reservation, implementation and monitoring of the UN CRPD and the Optional Protocol;
• We further demand that the governments enact new legislation or amend existing legislation for Persons with Disabilities and related statutes to be in conformity with UN CRPD;

• We urge Public Authorities to change from a charity-based to a rights–based approach and from medical model to social model on disability as required by the UN CRPD;

• We ask all governments to initiate disability sensitization programs and to mainstream disability issues in all national agendas for the empowerment of persons with disabilities ;

• We recognize the vulnerability of all persons with disabilities with HIV/AIDS and we therefore request National Governments to address this urgent issue;

• We urge the Governments to include Children, Women and Youth with disabilities in all education and training programmes;

• We demand that Persons with Disabilities be represented through their representative organizations in law and policy making at all levels as required by Article 4 of UN CRPD;

• We recognize the positive role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the lives of Persons with Disabilities. We therefore urge the Governments to facilitate the acquisition of ICT equipments;

• We appeal for the enactment of Disability Anti Discrimination Acts in our respective Countries;

• We seek the full participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Asia-Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (2003-2012) in order to promote the accession, implementation and monitoring of UN CRPD;

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
We urge National Human Rights Institutions to include CRPD in their Plans and Strategies and constitute a Committee or Focal point to address Disability issues.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES
We urge International Development Funding Agencies to include Disability Dimension in all their policies and programs;

We urge International Development Funding Agencies to modify the requirements in the Agreements so as to enable DPOs to access the technical and financial support;

MASS MEDIA
We urge Mass Media to promote positive images of Rights and Concerns of Persons with Disabilities.

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US



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5th conference South Asian Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Network

Dear All

Greetings. The South Asian CBR Network cordially invite you to actively participate in its 5th conference. It is organized from 5th-to 7th October 2009, Kabul, Afghanistan.

CBR NETWORK conference in the past has been an active forum to discuss the global trends and local applications of policies, legislation, programme, technology and other issues focusing on grassroots level issues.

Think globally -Act Locally has been main guiding principle for us.In the light of UN convention for persons with Disabilities the relevance of CBR as a strategy and as a principle for developing inclusive society is noted by both civil societies and the governments.

The challenges are multifold. Please join in the conference. Together with networking, sharing and working together we can make an impact .

Kindly see the website (www.cbrnetwork.af) for online registrations.

If you have questions please do write to us.

Email: secretariat@cbrnetwork.af

Or

cbrnet@airtelmail.in



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Disability advocates have long known from observation that people with disabilities around the world are often at higher risk for HIV/AIDS. The difficulty has been in persuading mainstream educators and service providers of this fact. A new policy brief on disability and HIV can help advocates educate governments, mainstream organizations, and agencies about the need to include people with disabilities in HIV-related programs and services.

Disabled people are routinely excluded, sometimes by accident and sometimes on purpose, from mainstream education outreach programs on HIV and from health care services meant for people with AIDS. But a growing body of evidence shows that people with disabilities have an active sex life and are as likely as anyone else in engage in risky behaviors. They also are far more likely to be targeted for sexual assault, particularly from men who have HIV. The United Nations AIDS (UNAIDS), World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have jointly released a new, 8-page policy brief on disability and HIV. This policy brief summarizes what is known about disabled people and their high risk level for being infected with HIV. It also summarizes some of the reasons why they have been excluded from mainstream programs meant to prevent HIV transmission. For example, many workers in the field mistakenly assume that people with disabilities don’t have sex or never abuse drugs. Or they may simply neglect to consider the needs of deaf people who need information delivered in sign language or highly visual materials; blind people who need materials in audio or Braille formats; people with intellectual disabilities who need information in plain language; or people with mobility impairments who may need to attend training workshops held in wheelchair accessible buildings.

The Disability and HIV Policy Brief includes a set of recommendations for governments, including suggestions such as ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD); providing HIV information in different formats tailored for different disability groups; providing people with disabilities with the same range of HIV, sexual, and reproductive health services as the rest of the population; ensuring that people with disabilities are trained to provide HIV-related education and care; and more. The policy brief also includes a few recommendations for civil society (for example, Non-Governmental Organizations) as well as for international agencies. The last section of the policy brief describes an example of AIDS-related activities in South Africa.

Learn more about the new policy brief at http://www.unaids.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Resources/FeatureStories/archive/2009/20090409_Disability_HIV.asp. Or download the 8-page policy brief in PDF format (207 Kb) at http://data.unaids.org/pub/Manual/2009/jc1632_policy_brief_disability_en.pdf.



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në gjuhën shqipe

Tirana, May 22nd, 2009
PRESS RELEASE

Albanian Disability Rights Foundation denounces the violence towards people with disability

Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF), through this declaration expresses the indignation on the violence exercised on May 21st, 2009 during the peaceful protest organized by blind people in front of the Government Building.

ADRF, expresses its concern for the violence of integrity and dignity of blind people, an action that was done in presence of staff of authorities responsible to guarantee the order and security of the Albanian citizens. Such acts, confirm once again the multiple discrimination and human rights violation faced by people with disability especially women with disability in Albania.

ADRF strongly denounces the act of violence and demand from the Albanian Government to take all measures to punish the person conducting this act and requires compensation to the person to whom violence was exercised.

ADRF makes an appeal to the Albanian Government to undertake in the future concrete measures that aim to eliminate discriminatory situations, to guarantee observance of human rights to all categories of people with disability on equal bases to all Albanian citizens.

ADRF
www.adrf.org.al
Tel: (04) 2269426
Rr: “Bogdani” (ish-A.Z.Çajupi) Pall. 15 Kt i 3, Tirane, Albania

Tiranë më 22.05.2009
DEKLARATE PËR SHTYP

FSHDPAK dënon dhunën e ushtruar ndaj Personave me aftësi të kufizuara në shikim

Fondacioni Shqiptar për të Drejtat e Personave me Aftësi të Kufizuara (FSHDPAK), me anë të kësaj deklarate shpreh indinjatën e thellë për dhunën e ushtruar në datë 21.05.2009, gjatë protestës së organizuar nga personat me aftësi të kufizuar në shikim, përpara selisë së Këshillit të Ministrave.

FSHDPAK, shpreh shqetësimin për cënimin e integritetit dhe dinjitetit të kategorisë të personave me aftësi të kufizuar në shikim, ndodhur për më tepër në prani të organeve të mbrojtjes së rendit dhe sigurisë të shtetasve Shqiptarë. Akte të tilla konfirmojnë edhe njëhërë diskriminimin e shumfishtë dhe shkeljen e të drejtave themelore të njeriut ndaj personave me aftësi të kufizuara dhe në mënyrë të veçantë ndaj grave me aftësi të kufizuara.

FSHDPAK, dënon me forcë aktin e dhunshëm dhe kërkon nga Qeveria Shqiptare marrjen e të gjitha masave për dënimin e dhunuesit dhe dëmshpërblimin e personit ndaj të cilit u ushtrua dhunë.

FSHDPAK, gjithashtu, kërkon të tërheqë vëmendjen e qeverisë Shqiptare për ndërrmarjen në të ardhmen të masave konkrete me synim eleminimin e situatave të tilla diskriminuese, garantimin dhe respektimin e të të drejtave themelore të njeriut për të gjitha kategoritë e personave me aftësi të kufizuar, si pjesë e rëndësishme në shoqërinë Shqiptare.

FSHDPAK
www.adrf.org.al
Tel: (04) 2269426
Rr: “Bogdani” (ish-A.Z.Çajupi) Pall. 15 Kt i 3, Tirane, Shqiperi



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Tirana, May 22nd, 2009

PRESS RELEASE

Albanian Disability Rights Foundation denounces the violence towards people with disability

Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF), through this declaration expresses the indignation on the violence exercised on May 21st, 2009 during the peaceful protest organized by blind people in front of the Government Building.

ADRF, expresses its concern for the violence of integrity and dignity of blind people, an action that was done in presence of staff of authorities responsible to guarantee the order and security of the Albanian citizens. Such acts, confirm once again the multiple discrimination and human rights violation faced by people with disability especially women with disability in Albania.

ADRF strongly denounces the act of violence and demand from the Albanian Government to take all measures to punish the person conducting this act and requires compensation to the person to whom violence was exercised.

ADRF makes an appeal to the Albanian Government to undertake in the future concrete measures that aim to eliminate discriminatory situations, to guarantee observance of human rights to all categories of people with disability on equal bases to all Albanian citizens.

ADRF

www.adrf.org.al
Tel: (04) 2269426
Rr: “Bogdani” (ish-A.Z.Çajupi) Pall. 15 Kt i 3, Tirane, Albania

First posted in November 2008 at http://www.uclan.ac.uk/ahss/research/islands/sign_language.php

£58,000 for deaf empowerment in Africa

The iSLanDS Centre has received a grant from the Education Partnership Africa programme for capacity building in sub-Saharan Africa.

The project “Training and employability for the deaf communities in Ghana and Uganda” is a joint initiative with the University of Ghana, Kyambogo University in Uganda, and deaf organisations in both countries, and aims at capacity building in the areas of applied sign language studies.

Course and curriculum development includes a sign language interpreter training course at the University of Ghana, a 2-year diploma course for deaf students in Applied Sign Language Studies in Uganda, and summer courses in academic skills development for deaf students. All of these are first-time initiatives, and are realised in close partnership with local deaf organisations.

We expect this project to impact positively on literacy, employability, and access to work for talented deaf participants in these programmes.

For further details, contact the project leader Ulrike Zeshan at uzeshan@uclan.ac.uk, or Sam Lutalo-Kiingi at slutalo-kiingi@uclan.ac.uk



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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR DEAF STUDENTS
in BA (Hons) Applied Sign Language Studies

An initiative by:

International Centre for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies, Preston, UK
Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India
Deaf Empowerment Foundation, The Netherlands

Program information

1. THE COURSE

Applied Sign Language Studies brings together the study of sign language and deaf communities with areas of study in applied linguistics, such as first and second language acquisition, bilingualism, language planning and policy, and language pedagogy. Graduates will work as sign language teachers, professionals in the field of language support for deaf people, teaching assistants in deaf education, and interpreter trainers.

The course is designed specifically to be accessible for deaf students and is taught through sign language. “Learning by doing” is included in work placements, lab work, and experiential modules. Deaf students without standard secondary school qualifications can take a one-year preparatory course (”Foundation Entry”) and continue with the BA course afterwards.

The BA in Applied Sign Language Studies is a joint international initiative. The course was developed at the International Centre for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies in the UK and will be taught at the Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi, India. The beginning of the programme in 2009 is subject to validation.

2. THE SCHOLARSHIPS

The Deaf Empowerment Foundation is providing scholarships for deaf students in the preparatory Foundation Entry course in the 2009/2010 academic year.

Scholarships for Indian students
These cover one year of tuition fees at Rs. 10,000 and are available to Indian nationals. Students from other developing countries may also be eligible and should confirm their status when applying.

Scholarships for international students
These cover one year of tuition fees at ₤1,500 and are available to non-Indian students. This includes all students from industrialised countries and certain categories of students from developing countries other than India. The latter should confirm their status when applying.

Scholarships are for tuition fees only and do not cover travel, accommodation or living expenses.

CONTACT: scholarship@def-intl.org

From: http://www.def-intl.org/?q=node/20



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by Aiko Akiyama

Please note that the deadline to submit pictures and bios is May 31, 2009.

Dear colleagues,

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific (ESCAP) is putting together a brochure entitled, “Agents of
Change,” to promote the social model of disability and explain the changes that will need to be made to meet the requirements of Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Biwako Millennium Framework for Action, which is the regional policy guideline on disability. As a part of the brochure, we would like to have pictures and messages of mentors with disabilities from the region as they themselves are agents of change.

We would like to ask for your collaboration in this endeavor. We would likes to have active thematic photos of persons with different impairments in the region, who work in certain professions as well as a
caption or a statement about how you see “disability” and a message to
younger generations of persons with impairments in the region.

Thus far, we have a picture and a message of a deaf pharmacist from
Japan, are also waiting for a picture of a blind architect from the
Philippines and another picture from Kyrgyzstan. We are also planning on
shooting a picture of a pizza baker, inT hailand, who is physically
disabled. We would like to have pictures of a person with intellectual
disability, a picture of a person who is a survivor of psychiatry, a
picture of deaf blind person all of whom are working in certain professions which they are proud of. Moreover, we would like to particularly welcome pictures from South Asia and the Pacific.

Time is of the essence and we would appreciate your urgent attention
to this request. We would appreciate if you can e-mail us pictures (sharper images are appreciated) towards the end of this month 31 May 2009. The
brochure is in draft form at the moment and you contributions would help us finalize it. Before the brochure final draft goes out to the printer, a copy will be circulated for those who are interested for peer review. Let me know if you are interested in that process.

Please send us pictures and messages to Mr Osama Rajkhan (rajkhan.unescap@un.org) and Aiko Akiyama (akiyama@un.org).

I look forward to hear from you soon and best regards.

Aiko Akiyama
Social Affairs Officer
Social Development Division (SDD)
UNESCAP
THAILAND
Email: akiyama@un.org
http://www.unescap.org/esid/psis/disability/index.asp



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en français

Africa Thesis Award 2009

[Editor's Note: Although this award is not specific to disability issues, it does say that topics should be "socially relevant." We Can Do readers in Africa or the Netherlands may wish to consider using this competition as an opportunity to submit Masters' theses on disability issues in Sub-Saharan Africa. I also hope that students with disabilities will compete for the 1000 Euro prize, regardless of the topic of your thesis. Please do NOT inquire with We Can Do. Instead, please consult the official award web site directly for instructions on how to participate in this competition.. The submission deadline is June 16, 2009. Missed the deadline? This is an annual opportunity---consult the official award web site for future details.]

The African Studies Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands, has an annual award for the best Masters thesis on Sub-Saharan Africa by a student at a university in the Netherlands or in Africa. Any final-year student who has completed his/her Masters thesis with distinction (80% or higher or a Dutch rating of at least 8) can apply. The ASC specifically encourage students from Sub-Saharan Africa to submit their theses for this annual competition.

Any thesis thematically related to socio-geographical, economic, political, juridical or anthropological issues or focusing on the humanities such as history, religion and literature (but with the exception of language and/or semiotic studies) can be submitted. The thesis must be socially relevant and can be be written in English, French or Dutch.

The award consists of a price of 1000 euros. The winning thesis will also be published in the ASC African Studies Collection. Submitted theses may be (partially) published on The Broker’s website: www.thebrokeronline.eu.

More detail is available on ASC’s website, including instructions for contacting the people responsible for organizing this opportunity: http://www.ascleiden.nl/Research/Award/

Date limite: le 16 juin 2009!

Vous vous intéressez à l’Afrique et vous avez écrit votre thèse de Master sur un sujet ayant un rapport avec l’Afrique ? Le Centre d’Études africaines (Afrika-Studiecentrum, ASC) vous offre la chance de gagner le Prix de la thèse d’études africaines d’une valeur de 1000€.

Ce prix vise à encourager les étudiants à faire des recherches et à écrire sur l’Afrique sub-saharienne, et à promouvoir les études sur les cultures et les sociétés africaines. Il est décerné une fois par an à un étudiant qui aura achevé sa thèse de Master sur la base d’un travail de recherche sur l’Afrique.

In French/en français: http://www.ascleiden.nl/Research/Award/MastersThesisAward-FR.aspx



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Abdul-Jeff Maalik Makana, the Executive Director of MindFreedom Kenya, wants to learn more about the challenges that other countries experience in implementing the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Below is his appeal for information. Please respond directly to him at kenya@mindfreedom.org.

Dear All,

Greetings from non sunny Nairobi day today!

We have a challenge here in Kenya advocating for the implementation of the UN CRPD. Are other states experiencing similar challenges? What are the challenges?

I recently on a media appearence to create awareness about the work of MindFreedom Kenya & advocating for the implementation of the UN CRPD… one caller to the show reinforced the general view that persons with psychosocial disabilities have no capacity at any time to make decision (Legal capacity) though the UN CRPD guarantees legal capacity(article 12) or even supported decision making.

To quote Daniel Hazen—Human Rights and Advocacy “cease the practice of exceptionalism when it comes to human rights” meaning we cannot downplay the CRPD which is a very important rallying point for our movement.

Mental Health (MH) policies cannot be written in a vacuum…. State parties and other stakeholders should get direction that adopting certain articles of the CRPD versus the CRPD in its entirety has far reaching consequences more so article 12 (right to legal capacity) a big part of the user/survivor movement advocacy.

Lastly, why was the term psychosocial disabled adopted in the UN CRPD versus the term mentally disabled or mentally ill? Here in Africa many don’t see mental illness as a disability? Can you please help me understand how to advocate better for psychosocial disabled term to be adopted and accepted locally.

What are your views:

I am doing a Survey on supporting signing/ratification and implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by state parties without reservations.

This obligation would require that the States both refrain from actions that undermine the principles and initiate efforts which would promote them. You can also e-mail your comments directly to kenya@mindfreedom.org
Question:

As a user, a survivor. mental health worker, or human rights activist in mental health do you support the position that the CRPD is non negotiable, and that the nature of this commitment obligates state parties to completely review MH policies and legislation which relied on flawed WHO MI Principles? *

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cnR3dTlrTGFGRjFXY3g2YWhvTUJESUE6MA..

A few sampling of responses collected regarding the above question:

This obligation would require that the States both refrain from actions that undermine the principles and initiate efforts which would promote them.(MH Policy, legislation’s, new MH laws, civic education, more access to mental services at the community level, empowering of persons with psychosocial disabilities to participate equally in society without being discriminated based on disabilities).

Absolutely I support it!! Recently there have been reports that they are opening “behavioral” units in nursing homes in New York State–a way to lock us up again quietly so there won’t be too many complaints. Fortunately we noticed and… Read More now there’s a lawsuit. Good thing so many of us “suffer” from hypervigelance!! Anyway, so good to see that we’re coming together internationally. We can and will find our power no matter how hard the system tried to hold us down.

I am not sure that I can ask for the UN treaty to become nationalized, but I do agree with many of the tenets. I think that I can see where some conflicts of interest might be involved. So better person by person, not this group or that. That is what I think….

With kind regards,

Abdul-Jeff Maalik Makana

__________________________________
Abdul Maalik bin Ali formerly,
Jeff Makana

Executive Director,
MindFreedom Kenya(MF-K)
E-mail:kenya@mindfreedom.org
website: http://www.mindfreedomkenya.interconnection.org
Follow me on twitter@ www.twitter.com/Jeffmakana



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Texto en español

Capacity Builder in Intellectual Disabilities-Ricerca y Cooperazione, El Alto, Bolivia.

Ricerca y Cooperazione (RC) is an Italian based NGO, with an established development programme in Bolivia, mainly in the area of education for children and youth. Recognising the need for greater inclusion of disabled children in mainstream education, it is implementing an EU funded project entitled ‘Social Inclusion and Mutual Respect’, in coordination with the Municipality of El Alto, in order to educate children, teachers, families and authorities on how to incorporate disabled children into the classroom; a concept which is largely overlooked in Boliva.

Your role will be to compliment the small multidisciplinary technical team of the project, (1 specialist in physical disabilities, 1 in sensory, and you in intellectual) in order that all disabilities are represented. The work will include a diagnostic of children with disabilities in El Alto, designing and implementing training workshops to various beneficiaries, production of educational material, and assist in creating an integral centre – which will serve as a resource for families of disabled children, and also an area for activities with disabled and non-disabled youth.

Ideally educated to Masters level, in a discipline related to intellectual disabilities, you should be experienced in designing and facilitating workshops with participatory methods. Preferably with knowledge and experience in Latin America; of the idiosyncrasies of the disability field in a developing country. Good Spanish and a highly flexible working approach.

Applications can be made in English, Spanish or Italian. Follow this link to view or download a full Job Description. Please send completed applications using the format found here to: feliza@isbolivia.org and e.cipollini@ongrc.org

Deadline for applications: Friday 22nd May 2009.

http://isbolivia.org/blog/?page_id=5

Ricerca y Cooperazione (RC) es una ONG italiana, que cuenta con un programa de desarrollo establecido en Bolivia, principalmente en el área de la educación para jóvenes y niños. Reconociendo la necesidad de una mayor inclusión de los niños con discapacidad en la educación transversal, actualmente se encuentra implementando un proyecto financiado por la UE llamado “Inclusión social y respeto mutuo” en coordinación con el municipio de El Alto, a fin de educar a los niños, maestros, familias y autoridades en cómo incorporar a los niños con discapacidad en las aulas; concepto que es pasado por alto en Bolivia.

Su rol será complementar el equipo técnico multidisciplinario del proyecto. (1 especialista en discapacidad física, 1 en discapacidad sensorial y usted en discapacidad intelectual) para que estén representadas todos los tipos de discapacidad. El trabajo incluirá un diagnóstico de los niños con discapacidad en El Alto, diseñando e implementando talleres de capacitación para varios beneficiarios, producción de materiales educativos y asistir en la creación de un centro integral, el cual servirá como recurso para las familias de los niños con discapacidad como también será un área para las actividades de los jóvenes con o sin discapacidad.

Se requiere una formación universitaria a nivel de Maestría en disciplinas relacionadas con la discapacidad intelectual, con experiencia en diseño y facilitación de talleres con métodos participativos. Preferentemente con conocimientos y experiencia en Latinoamérica en relación a las idiosincrasias en el campo de la discapacidad en un país en desarrollo. Buen conocimiento del castellano y un enfoque de trabajo flexible. Para una Descripcion mas Completa, vea abajo (solo en ingles).

Las solicitudes pueden ser realizadas en idioma inglés, castellano o italiano italiano y enviadas a los siguientes correos electrónicos: feliza@isbolivia.org y e.cipollini@ongrc.org utilizando el formulario encontrado en la siguiente página Web.

Fecha límite para las solicitudes: Viernes 22 de mayo de 2009.



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Disability and Development Module at the VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The Athena Institute, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University (Amsterdam), together with Enablement (Alphen aan den Rijn) and the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT, Amsterdam) are pleased to announce a 4-week module on Disability and Development to be held from November 23th to December 19th 2009 at the VU University. This course, a 4-week elective module, which is part of an academic Master degree programme, is open to external participants also. Students will learn in a highly participatory environment built around a problem-based learning approach. Lecturers have extensive international experience in disability and related fields. An overview of the course content can be found on the VU website: http://studiegids.vu.nl/ (type ‘disability’ as search term). The course was offered for the first time in 2008 and was very positively evaluated by the first batch of students.

The following topics will be covered in Module I:
Disability models and stereotypes, culture and disability, ICF conceptual framework, experience of having a disability, frequencies and distribution of disability, determinants of disability, including stigma and discrimination, poverty, gender and HIV/AIDS, rights of persons with disabilities, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, measurement of disability, disability-relevant research methods, survey methods, examples of disability research and an introduction to community-based rehabilitation.

In 2010, a second elective module will be offered on the subject of Disability & Development. This module will have the same duration as Module I

Module II will cover the following additional topics:
Project planning and management, monitoring and evaluation of community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programmes, management information systems, CBR as a preferred strategy for rehabilitation, organisational and institutional development, Disabled People’s Organisations, educational and economic empowerment of disabled people, the role of specific rehabilitation services, and sports and disability.

Interested candidates should apply well in advance and contact Huib Cornielje as soon as possible.

TARGET GROUP: rehabilitation professionals and professionals with an interest in disability and development.

REQUIREMENTS: good comprehension of the English language; bachelor degree or equivalent (in terms of experience and thinking capacity)

COURSE FEES: Euro 1,000 (excluding board & lodging); students who wish to gain official study credits (ETCS) will have to register as external students at the VU University. This will cost an additional €1,200 for 4 weeks, approximately.

DATES: November 23 to December 18, 2009

FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM:

Huib Cornielje
Langenhorst 36
2402PX Alphen aan den Rijn
The Netherlands
Tel: 0031-172-436953
Fax: 0031-172-244976
E-mail: h.cornielje@enablement.nl



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The Secretariat of the African Decade for Persons with Disabilities (SADPD)
APC-Africa-Women and Women’sNet
invite you to
Submit an application to participate in a Digital Storytelling Project
Application DUE 3 May 2009
Workshop dates 8 -12 June 2009

“It’s in the telling of our stories that we discover how much of our experiences and learning we have in common with others. Stories make our connection with others and with the world real. They weave together our individual experiences to reveal a picture of a community, a group and a country.”

Introduction

The Secretariat of the African Decade for Persons with Disabilities (SADPD) in partnership with APC-Africa-Women and Women’sNet, invite you to submit an application to participate in a digital storytelling workshop. We are inviting people living and working in Africa who would like to empower others and affect change by documenting their journey and telling their story. Applicants must be:

(1) parents/carers of children with disabilities and youth
(2) young people with disabilities
(3) people working in organizations to promote the rights of children and youth with disabilities e.g. Advocates, students, CBR workers, teachers, journalists, information activists, content developers, programme officer/managers,

Participants will develop short videos reflecting the experiences of parents and youth with disabilities in particular with regards to challenges and successes in accessing inclusive education, health, employment and acceptance in their communities and country. Participants will also examine the power dimensions of story-telling and how we retain the authenticity of our own voice, as well as the voices of the people whose stories we document, preserve or disseminate.

Parents, youth and individuals working in the field have many stories to tell, but never have the time, knowledge, equipment and space to reflect, understand and tell their own stories, share their responses, understandings and experiences.

There is a large amount of information on the internet but very little that reflects the lived realities of those affected and people working in the field of disability in Africa.

The workshop aims to:
• document real-life stories of a cross-section of parents and youth with disabilities as well as those working in the field
• empower people to tell their own stories, while at the same time create a powerful advocacy tool that can be used in their country and beyond.
• develop Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills,
• enable parents and youth with disabilities to share and network amongst each other.

More about the workshop

In the workshop we will explore people’s own stories and learn how to develop a story line, use photo’s, video clips, and drawings to tell your story in an effective way.

There is space for twelve applicants who will participate in a five day digital storytelling workshop, 8 -12 June 2009.

In the month before the workshop delegates will need to join an online study group, collect content for their story (pictures etc) and begin to learn some of the software.

At the workshop participants will learn to use computer software and other equipment necessary for making a short (3-5 minutes) multimedia digital story.

The digital storytelling workshop is hands-on and computer intensive, requiring commitment and willingness to develop a short, personal story; learn new software and edit a short digital video of five minutes in length.

Digital storytelling is not like writing a formal document; it’s more like creative, autobiographical writing. To see an example, check out the website
http://www.takebackthetech.net
http://www.silencespeaks.org

In order to be eligible to participate, you must be able to attend all five days of the workshop, and be able to travel to South Africa to arrive by 7 June, departing 13 June 2009. Travel and accommodation will be sponsored by the SADPD. You must be willing to allow your story, or part of it, to be used in advocacy by SADPD and APC WNSP’s Take Back the Tech campaign. The workshop will be conducted in ENGLISH so other language speakers must have a good proficiency in English. Sign language and French / Portugese interpretation will be provided if necessary (Please motivate for this in application form).

This workshop is a chance to learn new skills and tell your story in a creative and visual format. It’s a lot of work . . . AND a lot of fun.

Copyright:
All stories are owned by the person who made them. The story is your story and will be licensed under a Creative Commons license. We are open to discussing a formula that respects your privacy and confidentiality should you be uncomfortable with the widespread sharing and dissemination of some parts of your story. We would like your stories to be part of a public effort promote the rights and quality of life for children and youth with disabilities and their families.

Who Should Apply?
• We are looking for stories told by parent, youth and individuals working in the field of Disability.
• Applicants must be living and working in Africa (preference will be given to women)
• Applicants must preferably be based in an organisation, institution or network, but individuals will also be considered.
• Youth should between the ages of 18 – 35
• The training is in English. Participants must speak and understand English but are welcome to produce their story in any language they choose. If however you require translation into French and Portuguese please motivate in your application.
• The story you tell has to be about you and your experiences. It can be about situations or events but it must be a personal story told in the first person
• The workshop requires a basic level of computer literacy.
• Applicants must be willing to avail themselves for future advocacy work or training in digital stories in their country.

Instructions:
Please complete the form below and email it as a file attachment to Nafisa Baboo nafisa@africandecade.co.za
DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS is 3 May 2009. If you have any questions, feel free to email or Skype Nafisa on nafisababoo. Incomplete forms will not be considered for selection.

APPLICATION FORM

Date:
Name:
Address:
Country:
Organisation:
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
Age:
Date of birth:
Disability:
Support needs (Enlarge print, Braille, translation etc)

Please describe in a few sentences the main point of the story you would like to tell.

What issues does your story address?

What do you hope to get out of the digital storytelling workshop?

Have you talked to anyone about the story you’d like to share, or is this the first time you’ll be talking about it in a group?

If this is your first time talking about it, what do you think it’ll be like for you to share the story with a group of people ?

Please write a draft of the story you’d like to share, below. It should be no more than 500 words (about one and ½ pages, double-spaced, typed). Your story should be written in the first-person. Note: If you’d like to see examples of other people’s digital stories, you can go to http://www.silencespeaks.org or http://www.womensnet.org.za or http://www.takebackthetech.net

Please briefly describe to us what you use computers for.

What is your familiarity with the following Software Programs and Processes? Please put an “x” to the right of the statements that most apply.

Using a PC (Windows Operating System) or a Macintosh Computer
I know nothing
I know next to nothing
I can get around fairly easily
I’m really comfortable
I know a lot

Scanning Photos or Other Images
I know nothing
I know next to nothing
I can get around fairly easily
I’m really comfortable
I know a lot

Adobe Photoshop
I know nothing
I know next to nothing
I can get around fairly easily
I’m really comfortable
I know a lot

Adobe Premiere
I know nothing
I know next to nothing
I can get around fairly easily
I’m really comfortable
I know a lot

Do you know how to (please mark YES or NO)
Open software applications YES/NO
Save documents and find them again YES/NO
How to use a mouse, cut and paste, drag and drop. YES/NO

It would be useful to know the following applications – Microsoft office or Open office, and using web browsers such as Internet Explorer or Firefox.

There are a limited number of spaces in the workshop. So please note that the submission of an application is no guarantee that APC-Africa-Women will be able to support you to attend. Successful applicants will be notified 5th May 2009.

Thank You!

INFORMATION ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS

About the Secretariat of the African Decade for Persons with Disabilities
The African Decade of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed by the African Union for the period 1999 – 2009. The main goals of the African Decade are to raise awareness about the situation of the estimated 60-80 million persons with disabilities in the region and to identify solutions tailored to the African Experience that enhance participation, equality and empowerment of Africans with Disabilities. The overall aims and priorities of the Decade are stipulated in an AU- Continental Plan of Action. A Secretariat was established to facilitate the realization of these objectives.
The Secretariat is an international Non Governmental Organisation, established in 2004 by all the major Regional Disabled People’s Organisations to give a new dynamism to the implementation of the Continental Plan of Action. It is hosted, at the request of African Union by South Africa in Cape-Town where its headquarters are located. The mission of the Secretariat of the African Decade is to empower Governments, DPO´s, Decade steering committee’s (DSC) and development organizations to work in partnership to include disability and persons with disabilities into policies and programs in all sectors of society. The strategy of action of the Secretariat is to
• Build the capacities of DPOs, persons with disabilities who are most vulnerable and the Decade Steering Committees to enable them to advocate and lobby their respective government so that they integrate disability into all their development processes.
• Advocate and lobby for mainstreaming of disability in the policies and programmes.
• Raise awareness around the main issues related to persons with disabilities in society.
Http://www.sadpd.org

About APC-Africa-Women

APC-Africa-women is the African regional network of the Association for Progressive Communications Women’s Networking Support Programme (APC WNSP). APC WNSP is a global network of women who support women networking for social change and women’s empowerment, through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). We promote gender equality in the design, development, implementation, access to and use of ICTs and in the policy decisions and frameworks that regulate them. We have a special focus on redressing inequities based on women’s social or ethnic background – through the provision of research, training, information, and support activities in the field of ICT policy, skills-sharing in the access and use of ICT, and women’s network-building.
Http://www.apcwomen.org

APC-Africa-Women hosts Women’s Electronic Network Training (WENT) workshops every two years. WENT workshops aim to build the skills and capacities of women and their organisations to utilise ICTs in women’s empowerment, social development work and policy advocacy. In 2003 participants at WENT Africa developed skills in the repackaging of information through the convergence of old and new technologies using radio and in building websites using a Content Management System. Weaving through the training were sessions on gender and ICT policy issues. In 2005 WENT Africa was hosted in Kampala and using a two-track system, trained women technicians in the use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) and women managers of NGOs in technology planning. More information can be viewed at http://wentafrica.blogspot.com/

About Women’sNet
Women’sNet works to advance gender equality and justice in South Africa through the use of ICTs by providing training and facilitating content dissemination and creation that supports women, girls, and women’s and gender organisations and networks to take control of their own content and ICT use. The organisation is one of the few working on technology for social change in South Africa, and the first to do this from a gender perspective our work has focused on technology for purpose – strengthening women’s organisations specifically and civil society in general – to use ICTs for achieving gender justice.
Http://www.womensnet.org.za



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GLOBAL: Small grants programme for deaf children

Since 2002, Deaf Child Worldwide has supported organisations working to help deaf children overcome the barriers that contribute to their poverty and isolation.

Round 8 of Deaf Child Worldwide’s Small Grants Programme (SGP) opens on 19 March 2009 and ends 30 May 2009.

The SGP supports projects which show clear, measurable and sustainable improvements to the lives of deaf children and their families in developing countries.

Deaf Child Worldwide fund projects of up to three years and for a maximum amount of £30,000 (£10,000 per year). Visit the website for information on the SGP and the application process.

Successful projects must meet one or more of Deaf Child Worldwide’s strategic aims. Applicants must consider our cross-cutting themes in the development of their proposal.

Deaf Child Worldwide is focusing its activities in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania), South Asia (Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) and Latin America (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru). You must be based in one of these countries to apply to SGP.

Applications are only accepted in ‘concept note’ format in English or Spanish. The deadline for submission of concept notes to Deaf Child Worldwide is 30 May 2009. Selected projects will start in January 2010.

The following documents can be downloaded from the Deaf Child Worldwide website:

* Background information leaflet containing details of the full eligibility criteria
* Guidance on applying
* Concept note format

Visit: www.deafchildworldwide.info

More details on the Small Grant Programme at http://www.deafchildworldwide.info/where_we_work/small_grants_programme/index.html

More details on how to apply at http://www.deafchildworldwide.info/where_we_work/small_grants_programme/how_to_apply/index.html

Missed the May 30, 2009, deadline? Deaf Child Worldwide offers similar grants on a periodic basis, though not always in the same countries. Consult their web site at www.deafchildworldwide.info to learn of future opportunities like this one.



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We Can Do readers who have a Facebook account can now follow this blog via Facebook. To pursue this option, click on this link:

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Vacancy – Research Assistant Position for African Policy on Disability and Development (A-PODD)

Application Deadline: 13 March , 2009

A-PODD has a Research Assistantship position for 1 Year, and the candidate has to be from Sierra Leone. We seek a person with experience in researching disability issues for the above position. The project is housed at the Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, and the Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin and The Secretariat of the African Decade for Persons with Disability, being other partners.

The Research Assistant should have a degree in a relevant social or health science, or evidence of operating at an equivalent level. The Research Assistant will be considered for fully-funded registration for a Masters in Research at Stellenbsoch University. Limited travel to South Africa will be required, with the Research Assistant based in Sierra Leone.

This is a re-advertisement as only two applicants with the relevant qualifications have been shorted listed. We need 3 interviewees so that we have a wide selection. The teleconferencing interview will take place on the 19th April 2009. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Project Description
A-PODD is a three year project funded by the (Irish) Health Research Board and Irish Aid. A-PODD is led by Prof Mac MacLachlan, Centre for Global Health and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin; Ms Gubela Mji, Centre for Rehabilitation Studies, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, and Mr A.K. Dube, The Secretariat of the African Decade for Persons with Disability.

This research investigates how disability can be put on the agenda of national and international development initiatives. It focuses on how research evidence can be utilised to inform the policy environment (such as PRSPs and SWAps), development institutions (such as the IMF, World Bank and WHO), as well as less formal local, community and grass-roots decision making and inclusion efforts.

A-PODD will undertake four country case studies: in Sierra Leone, a country emerging from conflict that resulted in many people being disabled; Malawi and Uganda, the only two African countries that have Ministries for people with disabilities; and Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa, with significant geographical barriers and a highly dispersed population, presenting significant challenges to the inclusion of people with disability.

Our comparative analysis will inform disability policy and implementation within the region. Barriers and facilitators will be identified along implementation pathways, and so too will local means and mechanisms of addressing these. Country reports will be discussed at a concluding workshop to which governments, civil society, donors, researchers and others will be invited. A code of best practice will be drawn up for Moving Evidence to Action on African Disability Policy.

Other collaborating partners on this project are:

International Partners:
Department of Psychology at Stellenbosch University
Southern African Federation of the Disabled
Ministry of Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly, Government of Malawi
Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa
South African Medical Research Council’s Cochrane Centre
SINTEF Health Research (Norway)
World Bank

Irish Partners:
Institute for Nursing Research, University of Ulster Law & Policy Research Unit, NUI Galway.
National Institute for Intellectual Disability, Trinity College Dublin
Department of Economics, Trinity College Dublin.

Bursary
Research Assistants will be appointed in the range EUR8,000-10,000 (Euro)

Applications
Interested applicants should send
1) A statement of interest – 1 page
2) A Curriculum Vitae -
3) Contact details for at least two referees (at least one of which should be an academic).

For any quiries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please forward your application to:

Dr Tsitsi Chataika (Post doctoral Research Fellow)
E-mail: tchataika@sun.ac.za

Dr Tsitsi Chataika – Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Stellenbosch University
Tygerberg Campus
Faculty of Health Science
Centre for Rehabilitation Studies
African Policy On Disability and Development (A-PODD) Project
P.O Box 7505
Tygerberg, 7505
South Africa
Tel: +27 219389816 (office)
+27 7764085148 (Cell/Mobile)
Fax:+27 219146875



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by Simon Guteng

Subject: Grassroots Advocacy Leadership Training for International Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals

It is with much pleasure and enthusiasm that I [Simon Guteng] announce our summer 2009 international leadership training program titled “Grassroots Advocacy Leadership Training for International Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals”, June 28-July 5, 2009.

Committed to improving the quality of personal and professional lives of deaf and hard of hearing individuals, the Gallaudet Leadership Institute and Professional Studies (GLIPS), a unit of the College of Professional Studies and Outreach at Gallaudet University, in collaboration with the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) ensures and assures the following program experiences and outcomes for participants:

1. Thorough understanding of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

2. Preparation for working at national level leadership positions

3. Skills to organize grassroots level deaf people into dynamic and productive groups

4. Hands-on training in strategic planning and goal setting

5. Knowledge of leadership styles and identification of one’s own strengths

6. Improvement in human relations skills

7. Enhanced knowledge about emotional intelligence and its uses

8. Certificate of attendance and participation

Participation cost per participant is $910. This cost covers program/registration fee, room, and meal.
It DOES NOT include or cover your airfare, ground transportation within and outside of United States, emergency medical/travel insurance, and pocket money.

The World Federation of Deaf (WFD) will dispatch an announcement letter on the leadership training to all National Associations of the Deaf around the world through their Headquarters. You should anticipate this letter of announcement from WFD. Meanwhile, feel free to use this email letter as a valid and legitimate letter to source funds.

For registration, please visit www.regonline.com/grassroots_advocacy.

I look forward to the participation of many deaf leaders from around the world.

Sincerely,
Simon I. Guteng

Simon I. Guteng, Ph.D.
Director
Gallaudet Leadership Institute and Professional Studies
College of Professional Studies and Outreach
Gallaudet University
Hall Memorial Building Room E111A
800 Florida Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 250-2130 Voice & Video Phone
1-866-381-8410 Toll Free: Voice & Video Phone
(202) 448-7191 Fax



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I am re-posting the following announcement, partly as a reminder for people who wish to register but also to correct and clarify the instructions for registration:

People from around the world are invited to participate in an e-discussion on women with disabilities in development, to be conducted on-line from March 10 to 24, 2009. The email-based discussion is meant to involve aid agencies; government officials dealing with gender and disability; non-governmental organizations (NGOs); Disabled People Organizations (DPOs); and World Bank operational and technical staff.

The intent of this e-discussion is to collect experiences, problems, solutions, and unresolved issues related to the inclusion of women with disabilities in development. Participants will also be encouraged to provide references to analytical work (studies, books, articles, reports, etc.) on women with disabilities and their situation and inclusion in economic and social life. These references will be gathered into a bibliography.

The e-discussion will cover the following topics: framing the issue of women with disabilities in development; reproductive health of women with disabilities; violence against women with disabilities and access to justice; education of women with disabilities; women with disabilities and the environment; women with disabilities and employment; issues of specific concern to women with disabilities that are missing from the development agenda and what can be done to ensure that these issues receive appropriate attention; and, what concrete actions can be taken to enable women with disabilities to claim their place in the development agenda.

Participation is free, and will be in English.

If you are interested in joining the two-week e-discussion on women with disabilities in development, then you may register by following these steps:

1. Send an email to listserv@listserv.syr.edu

2. Put the following command in the SUBJECT LINE of your email:

Subject: EDISCWWD [Your First Name, Your Last Name, Your Country]

FOR EXAMPLE:
EDISCWWD Jane Smith Australia

3. In the SAME EMAIL, please put the following command in the MESSAGE BODY of your email to listserv@listserv.syr.edu:

Subscribe EDISCWWD [Your First Name, Your Last Name]

FOR EXAMPLE:

Subscribe EDISCWWD Sita Lal

If you have any questions regarding registering for the E-Discussion, please contact Kelly Hamel at kmhamel@law.syr.edu

This e-discussion is brought to you by the Disability & Development Team (HDNSP); the Office of Diversity Programs; and the Gender and Development Group at the World Bank; and the Global Partnership for Disability & Development (GPDD)

Please feel free to forward this invitation to others who might be interested in participating in the E-Discussion.

People from around the world are invited to participate in an e-discussion on women with disabilities in development, to be conducted on-line from March 10 to 24, 2009. The email-based discussion is meant to involve aid agencies; government officials dealing with gender and disability; non-governmental organizations (NGOs); Disabled People Organizations (DPOs); and World Bank operational and technical staff.

The intent of this e-discussion is to collect experiences, problems, solutions, and unresolved issues related to the inclusion of women with disabilities in development. Participants will also be encouraged to provide references to analytical work (studies, books, articles, reports, etc.) on women with disabilities and their situation and inclusion in economic and social life. These references will be gathered into a bibliography.

The e-discussion will cover the following topics: framing the issue of women with disabilities in development; reproductive health of women with disabilities; violence against women with disabilities and access to justice; education of women with disabilities; women with disabilities and the environment; women with disabilities and employment; issues of specific concern to women with disabilities that are missing from the development agenda and what can be done to ensure that these issues receive appropriate attention; and, what concrete actions can be taken to enable women with disabilities to claim their place in the development agenda.

Participation is free, and will be in English.

If you are interested in joining the two-week e-discussion on women with disabilities in development, then you may register by following these steps:

1. Send an email to listserv@listserv.syr.edu

2. Put the following command in the SUBJECT LINE of your email:

Subject: EDISCWWD [Your First Name, Your Last Name, Your Country]

FOR EXAMPLE:
EDISCWWD Jane Smith Australia

3. In the SAME EMAIL, please put the following command in the MESSAGE BODY of your email to listserv@listserv.syr.edu:

Subscribe EDISCWWD [Your First Name, Your Last Name]

FOR EXAMPLE:

Subscribe EDISCWWD Sita Lal

If you have any questions regarding registering for the E-Discussion, please contact Kelly Hamel at kmhamel@law.syr.edu

This e-discussion is brought to you by the Disability & Development Team (HDNSP); the Office of Diversity Programs; and the Gender and Development Group at the World Bank; and the Global Partnership for Disability & Development (GPDD)

Please feel free to forward this invitation to others who might be interested in participating in the E-Discussion.

Dear all,
The summer school advertised below is of interest to students of
linguistics focusing on language documentation and description. The
summer school has several sign linguistics courses. Courses may be in
English or French. At this point it is not clear yet whether sign language interpretation can be provided. Questions, comments, and feedback on the issue of sign language interpretation should please be directed to the people coordinating the courses (3lsummerschool@googlemail.com), NOT to We Can Do.

www.hrelp.org/events/3L/index.html

Bonjour à tous,
Voici l’annonce de l’école d’été 3L sur la documentation et
description des langues orales et signées. Il y a des courses en
Anglais et en Français. Actuellement,le question d’interpretation en
LS n’est pas encore reglé.

www.hrelp.org/events/3L/index_fr.html

The Department of Linguistics at the School of Oriental and African
Studies is proud to announce the second 3L International Summer
School on Language Documentation and Description to be held in London beginning on 22nd June and ending on 3rd July 2009. The summer school is a joint initiative of the universities of Lyon, Leiden and SOAS, London as the 3L consortium, and will have two weeks of courses in a range of areas in documentation and description, two conferences, including a student conference, films showings and a number of social events. For details have a look at www.hrelp.org/events/3L/index.html
(or www.hrelp.org/events/3L/index_fr.html en français).

Enrolment for the summer school opens on 20th February, and there will be a discount rate available until 11th May. Scholarships are available to cover fees and accommodation, and to cover fees, accommodation and travel for attendees from a country outside the OECD. There is information about this on the website.

Also, please pass this information to other people who might be
interested in the summer school. If you have any questions write to
3lsummerschool@googlemail.com



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This was from a State Department town hall meeting on February 4, see: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/02/116022.htm)

QUESTION: Good afternoon, Madame Secretary. It’s an honor to be working under your leadership, and I look forward to the challenges that you present. My name is Stephanie Ortoleva. I work in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

I basically wanted to ask you a question about what do you think can be the role that we can play, which you’ve illuminated – you’ve given us a little bit of illumination on that – but also what role can our colleagues who work in women’s rights organizations and disability rights organizations, what role can those colleagues play in supporting you in your efforts to advance the rights of women and the rights of people with disabilities as part of an integral part of United States foreign policy?

SECRETARY CLINTON: That’s a wonderful question. I thank you for it. You know, I think it was 1997, I came to this auditorium, the Dean Acheson Auditorium, with Madeleine Albright, who was Secretary of State, and addressed a large crowd like this about the commitment that the Clinton Administration had to including women as an integral part of foreign policy, not as an afterthought, not as an adjunct, but in recognition of the fact that we know from a myriad of studies and research that the role of women is directly related to democracy and human rights. And I feel similarly about people with disabilities.
It’s important to recognize that expanding the circle of opportunity and increasing the democratic potential of our own society, as well as those across the world, is a continuing process of inclusion. And I look forward to working on behalf of the rights of women and people with disabilities, and others as well, as we pursue our foreign policy. Because I think it sends a clear message about who we are as a people, the evolution that we have undergone.

I remember as First Lady traveling to many countries that had no recognition of the rights of people with disabilities. They were literally warehoused, often in the most horrific conditions. There were no laws. There were no requirements for education or access. And it struck me then and – we’ve made some progress, but insufficient. It certainly is part of my feeling now that we have to always be hoping and working toward greater inclusion as a key part of what our values are and what we believe democracy represents. So I’m going to look to working with those of you in the Department and at USAID and with our allies and friends outside who have carried on this work over the years. And you can count on my commitment to you on that.



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[Note from We Can Do editor: Many developing countries are required to develop a "Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper" (PRSP) as a condition for receiving debt relief from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This strategy paper is meant to describe how the country will reduce poverty among its citizens. A country's PRSP can have a profound impact on the policies and programs it implements to fight poverty. But not all PRSPs are fully inclusive of people with disabilities. This can mean they are left behind while others are gaining new opportunities to lift themselves out of poverty. Rosangela Berman Bieler, at the Inter-American Institute on Disability recently circulated the following email on the mailing list for the Global Partnership on Disability and Development describing how people with disabilities were included in the process of developing the PRSP in Mozambique.]

by Rosangela Berman Bieler

Dear Colleagues:

This message is to share a brief report on the Inclusive Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper project in Mozambique, launched in January in Maputo. Our civil society counterparts in Mozambique are FAMOD (Forum of Disability Organizations) and Handicap International. Maria Reina and Deepti Samant of the Global Partnership on Disability and Development Secretariat also joint us for part of the mission.

During the mission, we could establish many alliances with local and international agencies and government officials. Among the various activities that we were involved, we had a very good and participatory DPO training with 25 leaders of FAMOD. Following the meeting, FAMOD is constituting a working group, composed by civil society organizations, to follow up on country Projects like the FTI on Education for All, the Mozambique Tourism Anchor Program (IFC), School Health (MoE), HIV-AIDS and other possible entry points.

We also had a presentation meeting for general stakeholders, held at the World Bank Office in MZ. The activity was a success – full house and many potential partners from all sectors, very interested in working with inclusive approaches for the next cycle of the Country’s poverty reduction plan that may follow the current PARPA, finishing in 2009.

Besides other Inclusive PRSP training and activities to be held in MZ during 2009, we are also planning with GPDD, an International Seminar on Accessibility and Inclusive Tourism in Maputo, in June, and we are looking forward to be able to work in alliance with all the agencies working in the field as well. Inclusive approaches in Tourism can generate local accessibility and development for those who live in the country. Mozambique can really benefit from such an initiative.

In the field of Education, we are very excited with the possibility of having the local NGOs and Networks – such as the Education for All Network that accompanied us during the events – to interact and influence the school construction that will happen now, for the FTI, to make sure they are built accessible.

We are also working in synchrony with the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities, that will go on until 2019. It is possible that MZ hosts the launching of the African Campaign on HIV-AIDS and Disability in October. There are two major FAMOD projects going on in the field and hopefully this can also generate good mainstreaming opportunities.

Our plan is to involve other Portuguese Speaking Countries in most of these activities, as language is on other important cause of exclusion from participation. Hopefully Development Agencies working in other Lusophone countries in Africa (Angola, Cape Verde, Guiné Bissau, Sao Tomé and Prince), and also in East Timor, will be able to partner with this initiative and facilitate this process as well.

All the best,

Rosangela Berman Bieler
Inclusive Development Specialist

Inter-American Institute on Disability & Inclusive Development
- Doing our part on the construction of a society for all -

Rosangela Berman Bieler
Executive Director
Inter-American Institute on Disability & Inclusive Development
Website: www.iidi.org

[Another Note from We Can Do editor: People who wish to learn more about the PRSP process, and how it can be more inclusive of people with disabilities, are encouraged to consult the on-line manual, "Making PRSP Inclusive" at http://www.making-prsp-inclusive.org/]



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9th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP 9): “Empowering People, Strengthening Networks”

August 09-13, 2009
Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia

The 9th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific in Bali in August 2009 aims to address, among others, issues of mobility, migration, as well as gender and people with disabilities in order to empower the people and strengthen networks to effectively respond to AIDS.

Read more at the official conference web site at http://www.icaap9.org/

Those who wish to present may submit up to two abstracts; the deadline is March 15, 2009. (Under strictly limited circumstances, some abstracts may be accepted as late as June; please consult the official web site for details, NOT We Can Do.)

A limited number of scholarships are available for a few participants to attend the conference.

All people with questions, or who wish to apply to participate in the conference, should please consult the official conference web site at http://www.icaap9.org/ for instructions on how to communicate with the people organizing the conference (NOT We Can Do!), thank you.



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“Labour market inclusion of people with disabilities”
International Labour Organization (ILO) Training course for professionals from developing and transition countries

Dates: 20 – 29 April 2009 – Language: English – Venue: Turin, Italy

Application deadline: March 13, 2009

The ILO International Training Centre is offering a course on “Labour market inclusion of people with disabilities” (course A901286). The course language will be English and registration is open to staff involved in policy making, planning, implementation, research of Ministries, Social Partners and other institutions working on disability and social inclusion. Please note that this course is especially designed for participants from developing and transition countries.

The course programme offers the possibility to learn more about legislation and mechanisms for labour market inclusion of people with disabilities in developing and transition countries, provides the opportunity to get to know different international experience and good practice.

The conditions of participation are the following:

COSTS
The price of the course is EURO 2,950. This amount includes the cost of training and subsistence (full board and lodging at the Turin Centre).

FELLOWSHIPS
The ILO International Training Centre offers a number of partial fellowships to co-finance the costs of the course. If you wish to apply for a fellowship, please contact us as soon as possible. The partial fellowships are for EURO 1,200, the difference is EURO 1,750.

AIR TRAVEL
Not included is the cost of international air travel from the country of origin to Turin, which has to be covered by the participants.

APPLICATION
In order to register and to apply for a partial fellowship, candidates should send us:
1. A completed nomination form (Word format, 67 Kb);
2. A “letter of commitment” by the participant’s organization (or a donor organization) stating that it will cover:
a) the cost of the course, namely EURO 2,950 – or in case you request a fellowship, the remaining cost of the course of EURO 1,750.-;
b) the international return ticket to Turin.

These documents should be sent to:
Ms. Alessandra MOLZ: a.molz@itcilo.org. Tel: +39011693 6428
Ms. Elisabetta BELLORA: e.bellora@itcilo.org. Tel: +39011-693 6561. Fax: +39011-693 6451

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION
13 March 2009.

Yours sincerely,
Alessandra Molz
Programme officer
Employment and Skills Development Programme

ILO INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE
Viale Maestri del Lavoro, 10, 10127 Torino, ITALIA
Tel.: +39-011-693 64 28, Fax: +39-011-693 64 51

Interested in our courses? Visit our on-line training calendar:
http://www.itcilo.org/calendar
http://www.itcilo.org

Tiene interés en nuestros cursos? Nuestro calendario de actividades se encuentra en:
http://www.itcilo.org/calendar/view?set_language=es
http://www.itcilo.org/es



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Call for papers
Title: World Religions and Disability: Cross-Cultural and Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Edited by: Darla Schumm and Michael Stoltzfus
Deadline for abstract submissions: May 1, 2009
Email: dschumm@hollins.edu and mjstoltz@valdosta.edu

The editors of World Religions and Disability: Cross-Cultural and Interdisciplinary Perspectives invite contributions for an inter-disciplinary and cross-cultural collection of essays that critically examine how the religions of the world represent, understand, theologize, theorize and respond to disability and/or chronic illness. Religious teachings and practices help to establish cultural standards for what is deemed “normal” human physical and mental behavior and in establishing a moral order for the fit and healthy body and mind. Religion plays an important role in determining how disability is understood and how persons with disabilities are treated or mistreated in a given historical-cultural context.

The existent literature exploring intersections between religion and disability typically focuses on a single religious tradition or cultural context, often prioritizing a Judeo-Christian approach. In response to the challenges and opportunities posed by a post-modern, pluralistic, global world, our goal in this volume is to promote interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and inter-religious conversations regarding world religions and disability. We welcome a wide variety of methodological and theoretical approaches including ethnography, historical, cultural, or textual analysis, personal narrative, and theological/philosophical investigation. Contributors are especially encouraged to incorporate into their analysis literature and theoretical perspectives from the growing field of disability studies. Our aim is to produce a comparative text discussing religion and disability which gives voice to scholars and practitioners of many of the world’s rich and varied religious traditions, a

Abstracts not to exceed 600 words are due by May 1, 2009 and should be sent to: dschumm@hollins.edu and mjstoltz@valdosta.edu. The abstracts will be reviewed and decisions will be made regarding inclusion in the volume by June 15, 2009. Please note that acceptance of an abstract does not guarantee inclusion in the collection; editors will review and make final decisions upon receipt of the completed essays.

Any questions may also be directed to Darla Schumm and Michael Stoltzfus at the addresses listed above.

Possible topics may include, but are not limited to:
Asian religions and disability
Indigenous and/or native religions and disability
Disability and inter-religious comparison, contrast, and dialogue
Celtic, Druid, and/or Wiccan religions and disability
Religious and/or sacred texts and disability
Religion, prejudice, ethics and disability
Religious conceptions of creation, evil, sin, healing, suffering and disability
Religious/philosophical conceptions of the body or self and disability
Founders of religions (i.e. Mohammad, Buddha, Jesus, etc.) and their encounters with disability
The shaping of identity, religion, and disability
Religious rituals and the inclusion or exclusion of persons with disabilities
Critical perspectives on religion and disability
Theologies of disability

[Note from We Can Do editor: It is my hope that some readers might consider submitting abstracts/papers focusing on religion and disability in the context of developing countries, particularly in relation to topics such as poverty, human rights, or international development.]



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A Mine-Free World, Mission Possible!
ناهج زا يراع ،نیامذپ ناکما تیرومام ریتسا !

Press Release
23rd Feb – 2009, Kabul, Afghanistan – Ten years after the historic treaty banning antipersonnel mines became binding international law, campaigners in some 50 countries around the globe are taking action this week to once again draw the world’s attention to the horrific consequences of landmines and to call for renewed efforts toward a mine-free world.

“The Mine Ban Treaty has made a major difference on the ground in dozens of mine-affected countries, but despite the successes to date, too many people’s lives remain impacted by uncleared minefields, too many mine survivors are denied decent living conditions, and too many mines are still stockpiled,” said Sylvie Brigot, Executive Director of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL).

“We always knew that pursuing a mine-free world would be a long-term mission, but it can be done. States Parties need to recommit themselves to doing everything in their power to end the suffering caused by these weapons. This is ‘mission possible’.”

To date, 156 states have joined the treaty and, as reported by the ICBL’s Landmine Monitor the stigma attached to the use of antipersonnel mines means that only two governments – Burma (Myanmar) and Russia – and a handful of non-state armed groups employed these weapons in the past few years. Some 42 million antipersonnel mines have been destroyed from stockpiles since 1997; only 13 of the more than 50 countries that manufactured antipersonnel mines in the early ‘90s still have a production capacity; trade in antipersonnel mines has virtually stopped; and large tracts of land have been cleared and returned to productive use.

However, despite the goodwill and continued partnership between governments and civil society, the task of ensuring full compliance by Mine Ban Treaty members is an ongoing challenge. Belarus, Greece, and Turkey failed to meet their four year stockpile destruction deadline on 1 March 2008, although they have since indicated that they are committed to destroying their stockpiled antipersonnel mines as soon as possible. Some states have been unacceptably slow in fulfilling their mine clearance obligations, potentially putting thousands of civilian lives at risk. Fifteen States Parties, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mozambique, Nicaragua, the UK and Yemen, had to ask last year for an extension of their tenyear deadline for clearance of mine-affected areas. Programs to address the lifelong needs of mine survivors – estimated at almost half a million people worldwide – are still grossly inadequate in the vast majority of affected countries.

Thirty-nine countries – two of which originally signed the treaty but have not ratified it – have not yet formally joined the treaty and thus remain at odds with the widespread international rejection of the weapon.

“Over the past decade we have seen elements of the new diplomacy that created the Mine Ban Treaty applied to tackle other issues, particularly cluster munitions,” said Brigot. “We strongly support the new Convention on Cluster Munitions. However, as with the Mine Ban Treaty, the real value of this agreement will be the difference it makes in the lives of people affected on a daily basis by these weapons, and how it will avoid new victims.”

The ICBL – a worldwide network of some 1,000 civil society organizations, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 – is marking the 10th anniversary of the Mine Ban Treaty’s entry into force with events and activities in more than 50 countries (see list). This includes tree-planting in formerly mine-affected areas in Georgia, a creative campaign to mark dog waste in Spain with “danger: mines” warning signs, a march in the streets of the mine-affected Casamance region of Senegal, an art installations on the border between Greece and Turkey, the DVD launch of the landmines documentary film Disarm, and dozens of media events and roundtables with decision-makers.

In Afghanistan we as a representative of civil society organizations in Afghanistan are ready to support this process and to work cooperatively with you and other relevant ministries in order to ensure that we all – States Parties, survivors and disability stakeholders – are satisfied by our achievements by the 2 nd Review Conference. Afghanistan should focus in 2009 on the following priorities for those government ministries working on victim assistance in partnership with all mine action and disability stakeholders to:
* Create an up-to-date database on all disability services available in Afghanistan,
* Promote greater understanding of the socio-economic conditions of people with disabilities , including mine survivors,
* Create a directory of all emergency and continuing medical care services in mine/ERW-impacted rural areas,
* Improve physical accessibility in provinces/areas with disability, especially in public areas,
* Improve psychological support programs and social reintegration services for all mine/ERW affected areas in Afghanistan,
* Create a directory of all economic reintegration services in Afghanistan including microfinance provider, vocational training and employment centers,
* Appoint a focal point person within each relevant ministries (MoLSAMD, MOPH and MFA),
* Develop a new or extend the current victim assistance objectives and develop a clear plan of action for the post 2009 period to ensure that Afghanistan can present these objectives and plans at the 2nd Review Conference in November 2009,
* Ensure the full participation of survivors and relevant civil society actors in all VA programs including developing, implementing, and monitoring victim assistance objectives and plans,

Background & Figures
Adopted in 1997, the Treaty entered into force on 1 March 1999 – more quickly than any other treaty of its kind. This was the result of a unique partnership of visionary governments and civil society working together to save human lives and limbs. Landmines still affect 70 states, and 6 territories.

80% of the world’s states (156 countries) have adhered to the Mine Ban Treaty. Thirty-nine states remain outside the treaty, including major powers like China, Russia and the USA.

26 countries and the European Commission donated US$430 million for mine action in 2007. This is a US$45 million decrease in global mine action funding compared to 2006.

Mine Ban Treaty obligations include:
- A prohibition on the use, production, stockpiling or trade in antipersonnel mines, as well as the assistance to or encouraging of anyone involved in these activities;
- A requirement to destroy all stockpiled antipersonnel mines within four years of joining the treaty;
- A requirement to remove and destroy all antipersonnel mines from all mined areas under the state’s jurisdiction or control within 10 years of joining the treaty;
- The provision of assistance for the care and rehabilitation, and social and economic reintegration, of mine victims and for mine awareness programs. Campaigning and media events to celebrate 1 March will take place in: Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mongolia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, UK, USA, Uruguay, Western Sahara, Yemen, Zambia.

International Campaign to Ban Landmines: www.icbl.org
Landmine Monitor: www.icbl.org/lm
ALSO website: www.Afghanlandminesurvivors.org

Address: St # 12, H # 11, Between MTN Antenna and Assadullah Ghaleb Mosque Lane, Qala-e-Fathullah, Kabul Afghanistan.
Phone call: 0093 (0) 799 31 62 53 / 799 35 36 69
Website: www.afghanlandminesurvivors.org /
Email: afghan.lso@gmail.com
English

ناهج زا يراع ،نیامذپ ناکما تیرومام ریتسا !
یتاعوبطم رشن
5 توح 1387ناتسناغفا لباک ،: ،تسا هدرک ادیپ ار یللملا نیب نوناق تیثیح ینیمز نیام عنم یخیرات هدھاعم ،لاس هد زا دعب و نیا لقادح رد اھ رنیپماک رگید رابکی ھتفھ50 روشک رسارس ردایناھج ھجوت بلج تھج ناھج ھب نبلط و ینیمز نیام راوگان جیاتن ایند یارب ددجم یاھ ششوکییدننکیم مادقا نیام زا یراع . نیام دض یللملا نیب نیپماک رتفد یوییارجا سییر توگیرب یولسینیمز ) ICBL ( ،دیوگیم” تارییغت نیام عنم هدھاعم ار هدمع لامعً دروآ دوجو ھب نیام زا رثأتم روشک اھ هد رده اب اما ، ،اھ تیقفوم دوجومدرم زا یریثک دادعت یگدنز زونھ ارنیام مولعمان یاھ نادیم نکیم دیدھتندایز دادعت و دنرادن یسرتسد یگدنز ھتسیاش تیعضو ھب نیام ناینابرق زا یریثک دادعت ،دیدراد دوجو زونھ نیام ریاخذ “. ” نیام زا یراع ییایند ھب لین ھک مینادیم ام تدمزارد تیرومام کیتسا یندش ماجنا اما ،تسا . ورین مامت اب دیاب وضع یاھ روشک اھ تبیصم متخ یاربیدننک هرابود دھعت ددرگیم ببس حلاس نیا اب ھک .تسا نکمم تیرومام کی نیا “. ،لاح ھب ات156 روشک تسا هدرک ذخا ار هدھاعم نیا تیوضع ،ھک ار تشادداییام دض یللملا نیب نیپماک ینیمز نیام شرازگ ن ینیمز لنوسرپ دض نیام هدافتسا دروم ردھمیمض دوب هدرک – ھیسور و امرب روشک ود فرص – یتموکح ریغ حلسم پورگ دنچ و دنا هدرک هدافتسا ھتشذگ لاس دنچ رد اھ حلاس عون نیا زا . لاس زا1997 دادعت ھب وسنیدب 42هریخذ لنوسرپ دض نیام نویلیم هدش ،تسا هدیددرگ بیرخت رتشیب زا زا50روشک ناھج ھھد لیاوا رد ار لنوسرپ دض یاھ نیام ھک 90درکیم دیلوت دن طقف ،13 روشک نیام زا ولمم یاھ نیمز عیسو تمسق و تسا هدش هداد فقوت لامع لنوسرپ دض یاھ نیام تراجت ،دراد ار دیلوت تیفرظ زونھً ددرگیم هدافتسا دیلوت یارب و یزاسکاپ . و تین نسح دوجو ابکیرشت یعاسم هدھاعم یاضعا طسوت لماک قیبطت نیمأت ھفیظو ،یندم ھعماج و اھ تلود نیب موادتمعنم نیام ددرگیم بوسحم یراج شلاچ کی . ھلاس راھچ دوعوم رد دنتسناوتن ھیکرت و نانوی ،سورلابناش رد ،1 چرام 2008 شیوخ ریاخذ ، ت ھب دھعتم ھک دنا ھتشاد راعشا اھنآ ،دنچرگ ،دننک بیرخت ار مامت بیرخدنشابیم نکمم نامز تدم رد لنوسرپ دض نیام ریاخذ . یضعب لامع ار یکلم ناسنا نارازھ یگدنز و دننکیم تکرح یطب یکاپ نیام یاھ تیلووسم ماجنا رد شریذپ لباق ریغ لکش ھب اھ روشک زاً دنھدیم رارق رطخ ضرعم رد .کین ،وکیبمازوم ،انیوگزرھ و اینیسوب لومش ھب روشک هدزناپ دیاب ھتشذگ لاس ،نمیی و ایناتیرب ،اوگارا دیدمتدعوم ارناش ھلاس هد نیام اب هدولآ قطانم یزاسکاپ یاربتساوخرددندرکیم . ناینابرق تدمزارد یاھ زاین ھب ھک یاھ ھمانرب نکیم ھجوتن د–نیمخت اً ناسنا نویلیم مین ینابرق ناھج رسارس رد– ناھج رثأتم یاھ روشک رثکا رد زونھ ات رایسبدشابیم یفاکان . 39 روشک – تسا هدرکن بیوصت یلو اضما ار هدھاعم نآ روشک ود – زونھ ات دنا ھتفرگن ار هدھاعم تیوضع امسرً عیسو حیبقت اب انب ،ً دنا هدنام یقاب یلامتحا تلاح رد حلاس یللملا نیب . “یدوب دیدج یسامولپید زا رصانع داجیا دھاش ام ھتشذگ ھھد نایرج رد صوصخ ھب اھ ھلضعم ریاس یارب ار نیام عنم هدھاعم ھک م دنا ھتخاس یلمع ییا ھشوخ تامھم”تفگ توگیرب ، ” . نویسناونک امعنممینکیم تیامح ایوق ار ییا ھشوخ تامھم ً . ،دنچرگ شزرا نیام عنم هدھاعم دننام نویسناونک نیا یعقاویقرف دوب دھاوخ مدرم یگدنز ردور ھک حلاس نیا اب هرمز اھ یچ و ،دندرگیم رثأتم دنک بانتجا دیدج ناینابرق زا روط”.
ینیمز نیام دض یللملا نیب نیپماک- ابیرقت زا لکشتم یناھج ھکبش کی ً1000 لاس رد لبون حلص هزیاج هدنرب و یندم نامزاس 1997 – زا رتشیب رد اھ تیلاعف و لفاحم اب ار نیام عنم هدھاعم قیبطت زورلاس نیمھد 50روشک )تسا ھمیمض تسیل ( لیلجت ناھج دنکیم . اھ تیلاعف نیا اب ایناپسھ رد کس عایض رطاخ ھب یرنھ نیپماک کی ،ناتسجرگ رد نیام اب هدولآ یلبق قطانم رد لاھن سرغ “رطخ :نیام ” ھقطنم یاھ نابایخ رد هرھاظم کی ،رطخ ملاعا هدولآ نایم یزرم دحرس رد یرنھ راثآ کی بصن ،لاگینس سنماسک کرت ینیمز یاھ نیام دنتسم ید یو ید رشن ،نانوی و ھی”حلاس علخ ملیف ” میمصت اب رودم یاھزیم و یتاعوبطم لفاحم اھ هد و اھ هدنریگار ، لماشدوشیم . ھناخ ترازو ریاس و امش اب میھاوخیم و میتسھ ھسورپ نیا زا تیامح هدامآ ناغفا یندم یاھ نامزاس هدنیامن ثیحنم ام ناتسناغفا رد ھ ام ھمھ تیاضر نیمأت رطاخ ھب ھطوبرم یا– نیلولعم تاسسوم و ناینابرق ،وضع یاھ روشک – رد اھ درواتسد و جیاتن زا مینک یراکمھ یناث رورم سنارفنک .
لاس رد ناتسناغفا2009م یاھ داھن مامت تکراشم اب ناینابرق ھب کمک یارب ھک یاھ ھناخ ترازو رد یتآ یاھ تیولوا یور دیاب نیا دنک زکرمت ،دننکیم راک تیلولعم و یکاپ:  ؛ناتسناغفا رد نیلولعم یارب هدامآ تامدخ عاونا مامت یتاعلاطا کناب کی داجیا  ؛نیام ناینابرق لومش ھب تیلولعم یاراد دارفا یعامتجا و یداصتقا تیعضو میھفت دشر  زا رثأتم تسدرود قطانم رد موادم یحص تامدخ و یرارطضا یامنھر داجیا؛گنج نارود هرجفنم داوم و نیام  تایلاو رد یکیزف یسرتسد فاشکنا/؛ھماع یاھاج رد اصوصخم تیلولعم یاراد دارفا قطانمً  و یلکسم ھیبرت زکارم ،کچوک ھضرق یاھ کناب لومش ھب تیلولعم یاراد دارفا ددجم رارقتسا تامدخ یامنھر داجیا ؛یبایراک تامدخ  و رھ رد هدننک گنھآمھ کی مادختسا ترازو ،نیلولعم و ادھش ،یعامتجا روما و راک ترازو ،دننام ھطوبرم ھناخ تراز ؛ھجراخ ترازو و ھماع تحص  لاس زا دعب یارب صخشم لمع نلاپ کی فاشکنا و ناینابرق ھب کمک یلعف دصاقم دیدمت ای و دیدج دصاقم فاشکنا2009 سنارفنک رد ار دصاقم نیمھ ناتسناغفا ھکنیا زا ندش نییمطم و ربماون رد یناث رورم2009؛دنکیم میدقت  نیمأتمھس لماک یبایزرا و ،قیبطت ،فاشکنا لومش ھب ناینابرق ھب کمک یاھ ھمانرب رد ھطوبرم یندم یاھداھن و ناینابرق ؛ناینابرق ھب کمک یارب اھ نلاپ و دصاقم دیریگب سامت ھبحاصم و دیزم تامولعم یارب:
ینیما نامیلس ینیمز نیام دض یللملا نیب نیپماک رتفد)ICBL( 0093 799 31 62 53 +41 76 267 84 90 میال: afghan.lso@gmail.com firoz@icbl.org
ماقرا و ھنیمز سپ نیام عنم هدھاعم لاس رد1997 لاس رد و ذاختا 1999– مسق مھ هدھاعم ھب رظن –یاھ تموکح یعاسم کیرشت رثا زا و نیب کین دندرکیم کرتشم راک ناسنا یاضعا و ناج ظفح یارب ھک یندم ھعماجدمآرد ارجا ھب رت دوز . زونھ ینیمز یاھ نیام70 و روشک 6 دنکیم دیدھت ار ورملق .80 % ناھج یاھ روشک)156روشک (دنا هدرک ذخا ار ینیمز نیام عنم هدھاعم تیوضع . ھب روشک ون و یس دنمتردق یاھروشک لومشدنا ھتفرگن تیوضع زونھ ات اکیرما هدحتم تلاایا و ھیسور ،نیچ دننام ناھج .26 نویسیمک و روشک غلبم ییاپورا430یکاپ نیام ھمانرب ھب ار رلاد نویلیم لاس 2007تسا هدرک ادھا . لاس ماقرا ھب رظن نیا2006 ،45 رلاد نویلیم رد ناھج یکاپ نیام ھمانربتسا ھتشاد شھاک . تیفلکملماش نیام عنم هدھاعم یاھ :  نانچمھ و ،ینیمز یاھ نیام تراجت و هریخذ ،دیلوت ،هدافتسا میرحتاب یراکمھ اھ تیلاعف نیا رد ھک نیریاس قیوشت ای و ؛دنا فورصم  دض یاھ نیام ریاخذ مامت بیرخت ھب مازلالنوسرپ؛تیوضع ذخا دعب لاس راھچ فرظ رد  هدولآ قطانم مامت یزاسکاپ ھب مازلا لنوسرپ دض یاھ نیام اب تموکح هرادا تحت فرظ رد نآ بیرخت و10 زا دعب لاس ؛تیوضع ذخا  یھاگآ یاھ ھمانرب یارب و نیام ناینابرق یداصتقا و یعامتجا ددجم رارقتسا و ،ددجم ییایحا و رامیت یارب تامدخ ھیھت ؛نیام زا یھد رد یتاعوبطم لفاحم و نیپماک 1 چرام 2009یذ یاھ روشک رد ددرگیم رازگرب ل: تیروھمج ،ایبمولوک ،اداناک ،ایدوبماک ،لیزارب ،انیوگزرھ و اینسوب ،میجلب ،سورلاب ،ناجیابرذآ ،ایلرتسآ ،انیتنجرا ،لاوگنا ،ناتسناغفا ،ووساک ،اینک ،ناپاج ،قارع ،ایزیودنا ،ناتسودنھ ،لاامیتوگ ،نانوی ،ناملآ ،ناتسجرگ ،ھسنارف ،ایپوتیا ،وگناک کیتارکومد ،نانبل ،سیوس ،نادوس ،ایناپسھ ،اقیرفآ بونج ،ایلاموس ،ینول هریس ،لاگینس ،دنلوپ ،نیپیلف ،ناتسکاپ ،ایرجیان ،اوگاراکین ،لاپین ،ایلوگنم ایبمز ،نمیی ،یبرغ اراھس ،اوگوروا ،اکیرما هدحتم تلاایا ،ایناتیرب ،ادنگا ،ھیکرت ،دنلیات ،ناتسکجات ،ھیروس.

org.icbl.www دض یللملا نیب نیپماکنیام :
ینیمز نیام شرازگ :
lm/org.icbl.www
نیام زا رثأتم یاھ ناغفا ھسسوم :org.afghanlandminesurvivors.www

سردآ: هرامش کرس12 ربمن ھناخ ،11ناتسناغفا لباک الله حتف ھعلق ،بلاغ الله دسا دجسم ھپوک و ابیرا نترآ نیب ،. سامت هرامش :53 62 31 799 0093 لمیا :afghan.lso@gmail.com



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[Published at wecando.wordpress.com (We Can Do)]

ob # 090252
Job Title Education Spec.
Job Family Education
Location: Washington, DC
Appointment International Hire
Job Posted 17-Feb-2009
Closing Date 03-Mar-2009
Language Requirements
English [Essential]
Appointment Type Term (Duration: 2 yrs)
Background / General description
THIS IS A 2 YEAR TERM POSITION WITH POSSIBLE EXTENSION TO 3 YEARS.
To apply go to http://extjobs.worldbank.org/external/default/main?pagePK=64273552&piPK=64273556&theSitePK=1058433&JobNo=090252&order=descending&sortBy=job-req-num&location=ALL&menuPK=64262364

The Fast Track Initiative (FTI) is a global partnership launched in 2002 to accelerate progress toward the Millennium Development Goal of universal quality primary education by 2015. All low-income countries which demonstrate serious commitment to achieving universal primary completion can receive support from FTI. The FTI is a high visibility and politically sensitive aid platform which currently provides technical and financial support to over 50 countries, with the majority in Africa. The FTI provides direct financial support to countries with endorsed education sector plans through a multi-donor Catalytic Fund which currently has over $1,400 million in commitments through 2009, making it the second largest source of financing for basic education in low income countries. It will also provide support to conflict-affected and other fragile states through the recently created Education Transition Fund managed by UNICEF. The FTI Partnership is supported by a Secretariat housed in the World Bank in Washington, DC.

Duties and Accountabilities
The Education Specialist will provide support to countries developing education sector plans and programs to reach the most vulnerable populations who constitute the majority of out-of-school children. S/he will also work with FTI Secretariat Staff, FTI partners, country donors, civil society organizations and the World Bank to provide substantive input and technical support on a range of education and development topics such as improving quality/learning outcomes; fragile states; strengthening in-country processes; donor harmonization; improving gaps in policy, financing, data, and capacity development; and FTI’s response to HIV/AIDS, gender, and disability issues. S/he will report to the Head of the FTI Secretariat and support and collaborate with the FTI Secretariats’ Senior Education Specialists who lead FTI’s work on learning outcomes and country level processes. Specific responsibilities will include:
1. Out of School/Vulnerable Children Coordinate partnership planning and processes to address key constraints for vulnerable populations to achieving the education MDG.
• Assist in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating a targeted outreach program to reach the populations most at risk of not benefiting from EFA/FTI programs.
• Develop a results framework for working with vulnerable populations. Develop and monitor indicators and activities linked to specific marginalized populations (gender, poverty, rural/urban, disability, and child labor).
• Provide background research on education and development policies as appropriate.
• Strengthen the policy dialogue within the FTI partnership by researching the donor partners’ statements on policy (user fees, language of instruction, disability, gender, etc.) and identifying common principles and shared understandings.
• Liaise with the Interagency Task Team on HIV/AIDS and education and strengthen mechanisms to ensure that this collaboration between education and HIV/AIDS is brought down to the country level.
• Represent the FTI Secretariat on the INEE Working Group on Education and Fragility

2. Country Focal Point Serve as focal point for a select number of FTI endorsed and potential countries.
• Act as first line of contact for all FTI communications with coordinating agency.
• Provide and seek information on ESP development and implementation, including FTI trust fund issues, application procedures, and key events such as joint annual reviews.
• Ensure tools such as the capacity development, inclusion/equity, HIV/AIDs, School Health are utilized when LDGs are developing their ESPs.
• Conduct the FTI Secretariat’s support and advice on ‘Light Touch’ review of ESPs prior to endorsement.
• Monitor and provide guidance to fragile states as they progress through the single entry process.

3. Learning Outcomes Support the FTI Secretariat and Partnership’s work to develop its work plan and activities on learning outcomes within the FTI partnership.
• Provide research and other support for the FTI task team on education quality.
• Provide support for the coordination of partnership planning and processes for measuring learning outcomes in FTI countries.
• Assist in communicating with country Local Education Groups/Coordinating agencies (CA) to gauge interest in their participating in international assessments of learning/quality.

Selection Criteria
• Education: An advanced degree in education or related fields.

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience working in the education sector.

• Strong knowledge of and commitment to the principles and procedures of the FTI.

• Knowledge of fragile states policies and financing mechanisms.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in the use of education data, and social and institutional research analytical tools.

• Knowledge of education operations in the World Bank or other major donor or UN agencies.

• Experience with dialogue with government and other partners, including bilateral donors, multilateral organizations, and NGOs.

• Proven ability to work with peers, managers, and a diverse range of partners including donors, civil society groups, governments, and academic institutions.

• Ability to work well in a small team, operate under pressure, deliver high quality work within deadlines, and meet team objectives.

The World Bank Group is committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, culture and educational background. Individuals with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

To apply go to http://extjobs.worldbank.org/external/default/main?pagePK=64273552&piPK=64273556&theSitePK=1058433&JobNo=090252&order=descending&sortBy=job-req-num&location=ALL&menuPK=64262364



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International conference 7-9 April 2009

[Note application deadline March 6, 2009.]

Dear colleagues!

The Association of Parents of Disabled Children of Bishkek and the Public Association “Shoola Kol” in partnership with HealthProm UK-based charity and the Ministry of Labor and Social Development organizes the 3-day International conference «Innovative approaches to working with children with special needs and their families: Kyrgyzstan and international experience» which will take place at the Dostuk Hotel, Bishkek, on 7-9 April 2009.

Conference aims:

* Present and discuss various approaches to providing support to children with special needs and their families
* Search for ways of cooperation between organizations that support children with special needs and their families in Kyrgyzstan and abroad
* Experience exchange

The conference will see the representatives of government and municipal agencies, nongovernmental local and international organizations that have practical experience in providing early support, education, social support and healthcare services to children with special needs, as well as in the advancement and protection of the rights of people with disabilities.

Conference format: reports, discussion, presentations, workshops, seminars.

During the conference there will be Kyrgyzstan and international experience presented on the following:

* latest models of providing early support to children with multiple disabilities
* innovative approaches of psychological and pedagogical support to children with special needs
* complex rehabilitation and socialization of children and young people with special needs
* protection and advancement of rights of people with disabilities and their families

The final programme of the conference will be developed on the needs and expectations of the participants that sent applications.

The conference invites: heads and specialists of social protection, educational and healthcare government and municipal agencies and nongovernmental organizations that provide support to children with special needs (including with multiple disabilities) and their families.

The selection of participants will based on the applications forms. The applications should be sent before the 6 March 2009 by email ardi.kyrgyzstan@gmail.com of fax: 0312 517634

Participants will be selected before 20 March 2009.

The working language of the conference is Russian, translators will be provided for international participants.

For more information please contact:

ARDI, Bishkek, m-r Kok-Zhar, h.1, polupodval 4, Tel/fax: +996 312 517634, e-mail: ardi.kyrgyzstan@gmail.com



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Subject: Call for application: Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery; Appel à candidature: Fonds de contributions volontaires sur les formes contemporaines d’esclavage.

English; French

[Note to We Can Do readers: Organizations serving people with disabilities who have been affected by human trafficking, sexual slavery, child labor, forced marriage, or other forms of contemporary slavery may wish to consider this opportunity to devise an appropriate project targeted at, or incorporating, their needs. This fund is not specifically devised for people with disabilities, but grant seekers could argue for their need.]

Dear colleagues,

The United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery allocates project grants (for a maximum of 15 000 USD), for programmes of humanitarian, legal and financial assistance to individuals whose human rights have been severely violated as a result of contemporary forms of slavery.

Contemporary forms of slavery include trafficking, sexual slavery, child labour and child servitude, debt bondage, serfdom and forced labour, forced marriage and sale of wives ect.

Projects undertaken with previous Trust Fund grants include medical and psychological aid, food, shelter, and vocational training to victims of trafficking for sexual and economic exploitation; support to rehabilitation centres for sexually and physically abused street children and a project to identify and release bonded labourers in the carpet industry and stone quarries. Other projects have provided victims with the means to generate sustainable sources of income, such as sewing machines, hairdressing equipment, or farming tools.

Please consult the official web site to download the application form in English, French, or Spanish. Application forms should be duly completed and submitted by 31 March 2009.

If you need more information on the Fund, you can consult the website of the OHCHR: http://www2.ohchr.org/English/about/funds/slavery/index.htm.
You can also contact the OHCHR at MClerc@ohchr.org.

You are more than welcome to disseminate this message to oganisations working with victims of comtemporary forms of slavery.

Melanie Clerc
United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery
Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Unit
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
1211 Geneva
Tel: +41 22 928 9737 -9164
Fax: +41 22 928 9010

English; French

*********************************************************************************************

Chers collègues,

Le Fond de contributions volontaires des Nations Unies pour la lutte contre les formes contemporaines d’esclavage octroi des subventions (pour un maximum de 15 000 dollars des Etats-Unis) aux projets fournissant une aide humanitaire, juridique et financière aux personnes dont les droits de l’homme ont été gravement violés par des formes contemporaines d’esclavage. Les formes contemporaines d’esclavage sont le trafic d’êtres humains, l’esclavage sexuel, le travail des enfants et la servitude des enfants, la servitude pour dettes, le servage, le travail forcé, les marriages forcés et la vente d’épouses ect.

Veuillez trouver ci-dessous le formulaire de demande de subvention en anglais, francais et espagnol. Les formulaires de demande doivent être complétés et soumis avant le 31 Mars 2009. Les projets financés par le passé grâce aux subventions du Fonds, ont pas exemple, permis aux victimes de la traite des êtres humains à des fins sexuelles et commerciales, d’obtenir de l’aide relative aux soins médicaux et psychologiques, à la nourriture, au logement et à la formation professionnelle. Ils ont permis aux enfants des rues abusés sexuellement et physiquement de bénéficier de soutien dans des centres de réhabilitation. Ils ont également permis d’apporter de l’aide à l’identification et à la libération des travailleurs en servitude pour dettes employés à la fabrication des tapis et dans les carrières de pierre. D’autres projets ont permis aux victimes d’obtenir les moyens de générer des sources de revenus durables comme l’achat de machines à coudre, équipements de coiffure et des outils agricoles.

Si vous avez besoin de plus d’information sur le Fond, vous pouvez consulter le site internet du HCDH: http://www2.ohchr.org/french/about/funds/slavery/index.htm Vous pouvez aussi nous contacter en répondant à MClerc@ohchr.org.

N’hésitez pas à diffuser ce message aux organisations travaillants avec les victimes des formes contemporaines d’esclavage.

Melanie Clerc
United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery
Indigenous Peoples and Minorities Unit
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
1211 Geneva
Tel: +41 22 928 9737 -9164
Fax: +41 22 928 9010

English; French



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Now Accepting Applications
Deadline: March 20, 2009
for the Costa Rica Program this Summer!

Live with a host family
Learn Spanish through immersion
Learn about disability rights and leadership
Go Abroad with Mobility International USA
June 26 to July 10, 2009
Generous Scholarships Available!
Applications available online now
First time travelers with disabilities who are between 18-24 years old, from cultural minority and low-income backgrounds are encouraged to apply. ASL staff interpreters and materials in alternative formats will be provided. Funding for personal assistants may also be available.
For more information:
apply@miusa.org
or
541-343-1284 (tel/tty)

http://www.miusa.org

The 2009 US/Costa Rica: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Leadership Exchange Program is funded by the New York Community Trust DeWitt Wallace/Youth Travel Enrichment Fund and administered by Mobility International USA to provide an educational travel opportunity to youth with disabilities from diverse communities.

Forward this email to a friend.

Mobility International USA, a non-profit organization founded in 1981, empowers people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development.

The MIUSA mailing address is:
Mobility International USA 132 E. Broadway Suite 343 Eugene, Oregon 97401, USA

MIUSA’s telephone:
541-343-1284 tel/tty

Please consult the official website on the US/Costa Rica program for further details, and to apply. All inquiries and applications should please be directed to MIUSA, NOT We Can Do. The official web site is at:

http://www.miusa.org/exchange/costarica09/index_html



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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

The Deaf Empowerment Foundation is offering scholarships for students in the 2009/2010 academic year for study in the newly launched 4-year BA (Hons) Applied Sign Language Studies.

This course is a joint international initiative. It was developed at the International Centre for Sign Languages and Deaf Studies in the UK and will be taught at the Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi, India. The beginning of the programme in 2009 is subject to validation.

The 2009/2010 scholarships cover tuition fees for one year full-time study in the Foundation Entry programme, which is a preparatory “Year Zero” of study. The Foundation Entry course focuses on English literacy and other academic skills, including:

English for deaf learners in HE
English reading skills for deaf learners
Text composition skills for deaf learners
Study skills and Personal Development Planning
Information Technology and Numeracy in HE

For further information about the Foundation Entry and the BA in Applied Sign Language Studies, and for further details on scholarship applications, please contact Sibaji Panda at spanda@uclan.ac.uk and click here to read the information sheet, or click here to download the application form (Word format, 144 Kb). See also www.def-intl.org and www.uclan.ac.uk/islands

Deaf students of all nationalities who fulfill the scholarship criteria are eligible. To apply, please email Claire Perdomo at CLPerdomo1@uclan.ac.uk and ask for an application pack to be sent to you. You may also email to request an information sheet to be posted on departmental notice boards etc.

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 29 MAY 2009.

— Please distribute widely as you see fit —



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Geneva, 3 December 2008

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee (BHC) and the Mental Disability Advocacy Center (MDAC) come together to express their serious concern over the situation of persons with mental disabilities, one of the most marginalised and discriminated groups in Bulgarian society.

In a series of letters to members of the Bulgarian Parliament and Government, officials and elected representatives in the European Union, and the United Nations Special Procedures mandate holders, the three organisations underline that persons with mental disabilities in Bulgaria, “frequently face social exclusion and severe human rights violations, including violence and ill-treatment”, and express their concern that, “[i]nadequate legislation together with entrenched institutional policies and practices also compromise their socio-economic well-being, as well as that of their families”.

Regardless of the skills and capabilities which persons with mental disabilities in Bulgaria possess, they are often deemed incompetent, deprived of their legal capacity and placed under guardianship. Bulgaria’s outdated legislation on deprivation of legal capacity removes a person’s right to make their own decisions and denies the exercise of their basic human rights, including the rights to marry, vote, work, take legal action and seek judicial remedies. Deprivation of a person’s legal capacity also impedes their rights to a fair trial, to own property and to respect for their personal and family life. In most cases, persons with mental disabilities who are placed under guardianship in Bulgaria are forced to live in large and remote residential institutions and to remain there for the rest of their lives. Once institutionalised, they are at risk of ill-treatment from staff and subjected to prison-like regimes. Indeed, living conditions in some of these institutions have been deemed to amount to inhuman and degrading treatment.

Please read the rest of this news release from the World Organization Against Torture at their web site by clicking on the following URL: http://www.omct.org/index.php?id=&lang=eng&actualPageNumber=1&articleId=8204&itemAdmin=article

I received this press release via several sources including the IDA_CRPD_Forum listserver; the AdHoc_IDC listserver; the RatifyNow organization’s listserver; and others. Only the first two paragraphs is quoted here. Please follow the link provided above to read the full story.

Note that “mental disabilities” is often used to refer to both people with intellectual disabilities and also people with psychosocial disabilities. Although these are very different disabilities, both populations in many countries are frequently locked up in the same institutions and may experience similar types of human rights violations.

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The IDA CRPD Forum has been set-up by the International Disability Alliance (IDA) http://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/ to continue the work of the International Disability Caucus. The IDA CRPD Forum upholds the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) as the universal standard for the human rights of all persons with disabilities that takes precedence over previous instruments. It is a binding treaty that entered into force for States Parties on May 3, 2008, together with its Optional Protocol authorizing individual complaints, and it reflects the most recent consensus of the United Nations General Assembly on the subject matter of the human rights of persons with disabilities. As such, it is relevant as a guide to interpretation of other treaties and obligations under international law, all of which must be applied without discrimination based on disability.

The adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is not the end of the process, but the beginning of a long and difficult process to put the CRPD into practice.

If the Convention is really going to have the impact we all wish it to have, the disability movement led by the International Disability Alliance needs to engage actively and in a coordinated way in all the stages of ratification, implementation and monitoring of the Convention. It will be vital to ensure that the DPOs at national, regional and international level, representatives of our diverse constituencies, and allied NGOs such as development and human rights organisations, act in a coordinated way. The aim of the IDA CRPD Forum is to develop a strong unified voice from civil society led by Disabled people’s organisations, DPOs, in matters concerning the CRPD.

The key to a strong Convention is the number of people we reach, so it is expected, that all participants of this Elist whether DPOs and/or Individuals will develop wide networks with whom they consult and whom they inform.

To subscribe click on this link and send email;
IDA_CRPD_Forum-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Also see information about the group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IDA_CRPD_Forum/

Regards,

Frank Hall-Bentick
Moderator

Resource Links
UN New York http://www.un.org/disabilities/
UN Human Rights Geneva http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/crpd/crpds1.htm
Implementation documents http://www.disabilityrightsnow.org.au/node/4



http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IDA_CRPD_Forum/

International Leadership Forum Announcement – Call for Applications

[Note to We Can Do readers: This opportunity is not targeted at disability advocates, but young leaders with an interest in disability-related advocacy may wish to read the criteria below and consider whether their interests may usefully intersect.]

The UNESCO Chair & Institute of Comparative Human Rights at the University of Connecticut invites applications for the fifth annual International Leadership Programme: A Global Intergenerational Forum, to be held August 1 – 9, 2009 in Storrs, Connecticut, USA. Applications must be received by February 27, 2009.

The Forum seeks to empower young leaders by involving them in finding solutions to emerging human rights problems, and nurturing individuals to be effective leaders in the field of human rights.

To this end, the Forum will:

• Introduce participants to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• Build a network of solidarity among human rights leaders
• Expand the knowledge relevant to human rights practice
• Provide tools and a platform for open debates
• Provide programmes, activities and processes necessary for human rights leadership
• Promote the sharing of experiences and understanding
• Showcase speakers on such topics as: health and human rights, education, the environment, the plight of child soldiers, the use of media, fundraising, conflict resolution and transformation; litigation and advocacy

The UNESCO Chair will provide all conference participants with dormitory housing, meals, ground transportation in Connecticut, resource materials and a certificate of participation.

Young people between the ages of 18-30, with community service experience, and with demonstrated ability to work on solutions to human rights problems, should apply. Relevant issues include, but are not limited to, human trafficking, the plight of children, refugees, hunger, HIV/AIDs, gender discrimination, racism, classism, the environment and peace education.

Conference will be held in English only. Fluency in English is required. Applicants will be selected based on the strength of their application essay, demonstrated commitment to human rights (practical/hands-on experience), potential impact on the individual and their potential contribution to the Forum, regional and gender representation.

Programme details and application materials can be accessed by linking to www.unescochair.uconn.edu or http://www.unescochair.uconn.edu/upspecialevents.htm

Nana Amos
Program Manager
University of Connecticut
UNESCO Chair & Institute of Comparative Human Rights
UConn-ANC Partnership
233 Glenbrook Road, Unit 4124
Storrs, CT 06269-4124
860.486.3054 Phone
860.486.2545 Fax
www.unescochair.uconn.edu
–~–~———~–~—-~————~——-~–~—-~
Scholarship and Job are posted at
http://Cambodiajobs.blogspot.com



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International Fellowships Program (IFP), West Africa
Application deadline for 2010/11 academic year is February 27, 2009. If you have missed the application deadline for the 2010/11 academic year, then please consult the Association of African Universities IFP web site directly to learn about next year’s application opportunity for the 2011/12 or subsequent academic years.
http://www.aau.org/ifp/announce.htm

FORD FOUNDATION

International Fellowships Program (IFP), West Africa. 2010/11 Academic year

The International Fellowships Program (IFP) is a program supported by the Ford Foundation, and coordinated in West Africa by the Association of African Universities (AAU) in collaboration with Pathfinder International in *Nigeria and West African Research Center (WARC ) in Senegal. IFP provides fellowships for advanced study to exceptional individuals who will use their education to further development in their own countries and greater social and economic justice worldwide. IFP fellowships will be awarded to applicants from diverse backgrounds, including social groups and communities that lack systematic access to higher education.

[Note to We Can Do readers: The official announcement from the Ford Foundation does not specifically reference students with disabilities. But you could point out to them that people with disabilities are frequently denied opportunities to access education at all levels, from primary school through higher education. The UK Department of International Development indicates that, out of 77 million children not enrolled in primary school, one-third have disabilities.]

It is expected that 46 Fellowships will be awarded in West Africa for the 2010/11 academic year.

The application period for the 2010/11 Awards will be from December 1, 2008 to February 27, 2009. Late applications will NOT be accepted.

Again, if you have missed the application deadline for the 2010/11 academic year, then please consult the Association of African Universities IFP web site directly to learn about next year’s application opportunity for the 2011/12 or subsequent academic years.
http://www.aau.org/ifp/announce.htm

To see the announcement for the February 27, 2009, deadline, consult: http://www.aau.org/ifp/announce.htm



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The 2009 Advanced Course on the International Protection of Human
Rights will be organized between 17 and 28 August, in Turku/Åbo,
Finland. Application deadline: 20 April 2009.

The course aims at providing a profound insight into, and analysis of, the system of international human rights protection in the light of contemporary problems and relevant case law. Students should have a law degree (or equivalent) and a good basic knowledge of human rights law. About 30 applicants will be accepted. The course fee, which includes lodging at the University’s guesthouse (dormitory standard), course materials, and two receptions, is EUR 1,300. The fee is EUR 1,000 for those who make their own housing arrangements.

Fore more information and application forms visit
http://www.abo.fi/instut/imr/courses.htm
Or else communicate with Ms. Johanna Bondas via email at courses.imr@abo.fi

[Note from We Can Do editor: In looking at the official web site for this advanced human rights course, I did not see any mention of specific disability content (for example, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities). Students with a specific interest in disability rights in developing countries may wish to communicate directly with Ms. Johanna Bondas via email at courses.imr@abo.fi to discuss more carefully whether the course will suit their needs. Students with disabilities also will wish to inquire with Ms. Johanna Bondas about what provisions the university has in place to accommodate their needs.]



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The Institute for Human Rights and the Department of Law at Abo
Akademi University offer a two-year Master’s Degree Programme in
International Human Rights Law. The application deadline for the 2009-2011 program is: 27 February 2009 at 4 pm (CET+1). Both the application and all supporting documents must be submitted by this time. Applications arriving past the deadline will not be considered.

The 120-credit program is taught in English. The a official website for the master’s program does not clarify whether offers content specific to the human rights issues of disabled people in developing countries. However, their provided information on the structure of the program indicates that students must take 15 to 35 credits in optional courses in order to achieve the total 120 credits required for the program. Students interested in disability rights in developing countries may wish to communicate directly with the program at hrm-coordinator@abo.fi to explore options for incorporating an emphasis on disability rights into the standard program.

Admission to the program is very competitive: only 15 students will be accepted to the 2009-2011 program. This means that not all students who meet the eligibility requirements will be able to enter the program. Students must have a law degree or other bachelor’s degree with at least 45 credits in law or relevant subjects.

English; Español; українською мовою; на русском языке

Disability Rights Fund Releases 2009 Request for Proposals: 3 New Countries Targeted in First Round
FEBRUARY16, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOSTON, MA – The Disability Rights Fund (DRF)—a groundbreaking grantmaking collaborative supporting the human rights of people with disabilities—today announced its first 2009 grants round, “Raising Our Voice,” targeted at disabled persons’ organizations (DPOs) in three countries: India, Mexico and Ukraine.

The broad objective of the Fund[1]—which was officially launched in March 2008—is to empower DPOs in the developing world and Eastern Europe/former Soviet Union to participate in ratification, implementation and monitoring of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD).

In 2008, the Fund made one-year grants to 33 organizations in 7 countries (Ecuador, Nicaragua, Peru; Ghana, Namibia, Uganda; Bangladesh), totaling USD 800,000. Grants ranged from USD 5000 – 50,000 and supported CRPD awareness-raising, strengthening coalitions and networks, and rights advocacy.

In the first round of 2009 grantmaking, applicant organizations may apply within one of two categories: a) single organizations or partnerships and b) national DPO coalitions. Grants to single organizations will range from USD 5,000 to 30,000 and support efforts to build voice and visibility and to develop rights-based advocacy and monitoring on the CRPD. Grants to national DPO coalitions will range from USD 30,000 to 70,000 and will support advocacy toward ratification of the CRPD, passage of specific legislation to accord with the CRPD, or the production of shadow reports.

Interested organizations are urged to review the full eligibility criteria and application details posted at the Fund’s website, http://www.disabilityrightsfund.org/grant.html. Any questions on the proposal process should be directed to info@disabilityrightsfund.org by March 16. The deadline for applications is April 16, 2009.

As a donor representative on the DRF Steering Committee stated, “The launch of DRF’s 2009 grantmaking process marks an exciting expansion of our grantmaking to DPOs in three new countries and an effort to support both more marginalized sectors of the disability community and national coalitions advancing the rights of persons with disabilities.”

DRF’s donors include the American Jewish World Service, an anonymous founding donor, the Open Society Institute, The Sigrid Rausing Trust, and the United Kingdom Department for International Development.

English; Español; українською мовою; на русском языке
####

Fondo por los Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad
publica convocatoria a presentar propuestas de proyectos en 2009:
Primera ronda de financiamiento va dirigida a tres nuevos países

16 de febrero de 2009
PARA DIFUSIÓN INMEDIATA

BOSTON, MA – El Fondo por los Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad (DRF)—una innovadora iniciativa de colaboración que apoya los derechos humanos de estas personas—anunció hoy su primera ronda de financiamiento de 2009, “Alzando nuestra voz”, dirigida a organizaciones de personas con discapacidad (OPD) en tres países: India, México y Ucrania.

El Fondo[2]—iniciado oficialmente en marzo de 2008—tiene el objetivo amplio de empoderar a las OPD del mundo en desarrollo y Europa Oriental/antigua Unión Soviética con el fin de que participen en la ratificación, aplicación y seguimiento de la Convención de las Naciones Unidas sobre los Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad (CDPD).

En 2008, el Fondo brindó apoyo financiero durante un año a 33 organizaciones en siete países (Ecuador, Nicaragua, Perú, Ghana, Namibia, Uganda y Bangladés), por un total de USD 800,000. Los subsidios, de USD 5,000 a 50,000, apoyaron la toma de conciencia respecto a la CDPD, el fortalecimiento de coaliciones y redes, así como la promoción y defensa de los derechos de las personas con discapacidad.

En la primera ronda de financiamiento de 2009, las organizaciones solicitantes pueden presentar propuestas en una de las siguientes categorías: a) como OPD que trabajan independientemente o en alianza con otras organizaciones, o b) en calidad de coaliciones nacionales de OPD. Las organizaciones de la primera categoría podrán solicitar subsidios desde USD 5,000 hasta 30,000, los cuales han de utilizarse para esfuerzos encaminados a generar voz y visibilidad, como también a desarrollar promoción, defensa y seguimiento de derechos con base en la CDPD. Los subsidios para las coaliciones nacionales de OPD, que oscilan entre USD 30,000 y 70,000, apoyarán acciones de promoción y defensa a favor de la ratificación de la CDPD, la aprobación de legislación específica armonizada con la CDPD o la elaboración de informes sombra.

Se invita a las organizaciones interesadas a leer todos los criterios de selección y los detalles para solicitud de fondos que se encuentran en http://www.disabilityrightsfund.org/grant_spanish.html. Cualquier pregunta relacionada con el proceso de las propuestas debe dirigirse, a más tardar el 16 de marzo, a info@disabilityrightsfund.org. La fecha límite para presentar propuestas de proyectos es el 16 de abril de 2009.

Tal como aseveró una representante de donantes en el Comité Directivo del DRF, “El lanzamiento del proceso de financiamientos del DRF en 2009 constituye una expansión emocionante de nuestro apoyo financiero a las OPD en tres nuevos países; es también un esfuerzo por apoyar tanto a un mayor número de sectores marginados de la comunidad de personas con discapacidad como a coaliciones nacionales para la promoción de los derechos de las personas con discapacidad”.

Entre los donantes del DRF figuran el Servicio Mundial Judío Americano (AJWS), un donante fundador anónimo, el Instituto de la Sociedad Abierta, el Fondo Sigrid Rausing y el Departamento para el Desarrollo Internacional (DFID) del Reino Unido.

English; Español; українською мовою; на русском языке
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Фонд прав інвалідів публікує запит на грантові заявки 2009 року: для першого етапу обрано три нові країни
16 лютого 2009 р.

БОСТОН (США) – Фонд прав інвалідів (ФПI) – новаторський спільний проект з надання грантів на підтримку прав людей з інвалідністю – оголосив сьогодні про початок першого етапу виділення грантів на 2009 рік, «Піднесімо свій голос», на допомогу організаціям інвалідів (ОІ) у трьох країнах: Індії, Мексиці й Україні.

Загальним завданням Фонду[3], офіційно відкритого в березні 2008 року, є надання ОІ у країнах, що розвиваються, та Східній Європі/колишньому Радянському Союзі можливостей для участі в ратифікації, реалізації та моніторингу дотримання Конвенції ООН про права інвалідів (КПІ).

У 2008 р. Фонд надав річні гранти 33 організаціям семи країн (Еквадор, Нікараґуа, Перу; Ґана, Намібія, Уганда; Банґладеш) на загальну суму $800 000. Гранти, розміром від $5000 до $50 000, були використані на підвищення обізнаності громадськості про КПІ, зміцнення коаліцій та інших об’єднань організацій інвалідів, захисту їх прав.

Протягом першого етапу надання грантів 2009 р. організації-кандидати можуть подати заявки в одній з двох категорій: a) окремі організації чи партнерства та б) національні коаліції ОІ. Гранти окремим організаціям, розміром від $5000 до $30 000, будуть спрямовані на посилення ролі й авторитету ОІ у суспільстві та розробку системи захисту прав інвалідів і моніторингу дотримання КПІ. Гранти національним коаліціям, розміром від $30 000 до $70 000, уможливлять роботу з прискорення ратифікації КПІ, прийняття конкретного законодавства згідно з КПІ або складання «тіньових» звітів.

Зацікавлені організації можуть вивчити критерії відповідності й відбору і всі подробиці процедури подання заявок на вебсайті Фонду, http://www.disabilityrightsfund.org/grant.html. Усі запитання з процедури подання заявок слід надсилати на адресу info@disabilityrightsfund.org до 16 березня. Граничний термін прийому заявок – 16 квітня 2009 р.

Як сказав один з представників організацій-донорів у Керівному комітеті ФПІ: «Початок процесу надання грантів 2009 року позначить поширення нашої діяльності на три нових країни і наших зусиль з підтримки як найбільш ізольованих груп інвалідів, так і національних коаліцій в галузі захисту прав усіх людей з інвалідністю».

Серед донорів ФПІ – Американська єврейська всесвітня служба, анонімний донор – засновник Фонду, Інститут «Відкрите Суспільство», Фонд Сіґрид Раусінґ та Британський департамент міжнародного розвитку.

English; Español; українською мовою; на русском языке

ПРЕСС-РЕЛИЗ

Фонд прав инвалидов публикует запрос на грантовые заявки 2009 года: на первом этапе выбраны три новые страны
16 февраля 2009 г.

БОСТОН (США) – Фонд прав инвалидов (ФПИ) – новаторский совместный проект по предоставлению грантов в поддержку прав людей с инвалидностью – объявил сегодня о начале первого этапа выделения грантов на 2009 год, «Возвысим свой голос», направленного на помощь организациям инвалидов (ОИ) в трех странах: Индии, Мексике и Украине.

Общей задачей Фонда[4], официально открытого в марте 2008 года, является предоставление ОИ в развивающихся странах и Восточной Европе / бывшем Советском Союзе возможностей для участия в ратификации, реализации и мониторинге выполнения Конвенции ООН о правах инвалидов (КПИ).

В 2008 г. Фонд предоставил годичные гранты 33 организациям семи стран (Эквадор, Никарагуа, Перу; Гана, Намибия, Уганда; Бангладеш) на общую сумму $800 000. Гранты, в размере от $5000 до $50 000, были использованы для повышения осведомленности общественности о КПИ, укрепления коалиций и объединений организаций инвалидов, защиты их прав.
В ходе первого этапа предоставления грантов в 2009 г. организации-соискатели могут подать заявки в одной из двух категорий: a) отдельные организации или партнерства и б) национальные коалиции ОИ. Гранты отдельным организациям, в размере от $5000 до $30 000, будут нацелены на усиление роли и авторитета ОИ в обществе, выработку системы защиты прав инвалидов и мониторинга выполнения КПИ. Гранты национальным коалициям, в размере $30 000–$70 000, будут использованы на работу по ускорению ратификации КПИ, принятию конкретного законодательства в соответствии с КПИ или созданию «теневых» отчетов.

Заинтересованные организации могут изучить критерии соответствия и отбора и все подробности процедуры подачи заявок на вебсайте Фонда, http://www.disabilityrightsfund.org/grant.html. Все вопросы по процедуре подачи заявок следует направлять по адресу info@disabilityrightsfund.org до 16 марта. Конечной датой принятия заявок является 16 апреля 2009 г.

Как сказал один из представителей организаций-доноров в Руководящем комитете ФПИ: «Начало процесса предоставления грантов 2009 года знаменует расширение нашей деятельности в трех новых странах и наших усилий по поддержанию как наиболее изолированных групп инвалидов, так и национальных коалиций по защите прав всех людей с инвалидностью».

Среди доноров ФПИ – Американская еврейская всемирная служба, анонимный донор – основатель Фонда, Институт «Открытое Общество», Фонд Сигрид Раусинг и Британский департамент международного развития.

English; Español; українською мовою; на русском языке
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[1] The Disability Rights Fund is a project of Tides. Back to English text
[2] El Fondo por los Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad es un proyecto de Tides.Regresar a Español
[3] Фонд прав інвалідів є проектом Тайдз. українською мовою
[4] Фонд прав инвалидов является проектом Тайдз. на русском языке

English; Español; на русском языке; українською мовою



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The Network of Organizations Working for People with Disabilities in Pakistan (NOWPDP) is sponsoring a national art competition for children with disabilities aged 12 to 16. The age limit is waived for participants with mental disabilities. All member and non-member schools are invited to participate. The competition will be held on the 1st of March 2009 in Karachi; and at a slightly later date in Lahore & Islamabad. However, names of children to compete should be submitted by February 19, 2009.

For further details about the competition, along with instructions for how to participate, please visit the NOWPDP web site at:

http://nowpdp.org/News/ArtCompitition.aspx



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Handicap International is looking for Local Diagnostic Expert
COUNTRY : Mozambique CITY : Maputo
Starting date: 01/04/09 (April 1, 2009)
Length of the assignment : one year
Closing date for application : 01/03/09 (March 1, 2009) Advertisement reference : HB-LDE-Moz0902

Handicap International is an international organisation specialised in the field of disability. Non-governmental, non-religious, non-political and non-profit-making, it works alongside people with disabilities, whatever the context, in response to humanitarian crises and the effects of extreme poverty. Handicap International implements programmes of assistance to persons and local organisations, inclusion programmes and programmes focusing on the fight against the main causes of disability. It runs projects in almost 60 countries, with the support of a network of 8 national associations ( Germany, Belgium, Canada, United-States, Luxembourg, United Kingdom and Switzerland)
The organisation employs almost 3300 people worldwide, 330 of whom work in France and in its European and North American sections.
For more details on the association: http://www.handicap-international.fr/en/s/index.html

JOB CONTEXT :
This project is the result of a short emergency project, which objective was to support the victims of PAIOL, the arsenal explosion in Maputo in 2007. The PAIOL project highlights the lack of knowledge and skills of basic services to welcome and take care of people with disabilities. It was also the opportunity to work with the municipalities of Maputo and Matola, and to make a first assessment on the situation of people with disabilities.

This post is based in RAVIM offices, our principal partner for the project. The characteristics of the relationships between the Local Diagnostic Expert, Handicap International Project Team and RAVIM will be detailed within the Partnership Agreement Addendum between Handicap International and RAVIM.

JOB DESCRIPTION :
Challenges and goals :
The decentralization process is quite complex in Maputo and Matola: all the different levels of governmental representatives are present (district, municipal, province and nation). One of the issues will be to get involved and coordinate with all these different governmental levels, in a same objective. The local diagnostic should clarify which are the main competences for each administrative level: district, municipal, province and nation, in the frame of the decentralization process.

Activities :
In collaboration with RAVIM, you will support the realisation of a local diagnosis on the social and economical situation of people with disability, the social representation of Disability and the situation of existing healthcare and social services, regarding the welcoming of vulnerable people (including people with disability and people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS).
Your responsibilities will be to:
==> carry out the local diagnosis
==> analyze the local diagnostic results and propose recommendations in respect to the project objectives.
==> create a database and directory of services
==> organize the dissemination of the results of the local diagnosis among the civil society and government
==> prepare the final evaluation of the project, based on monitoring tools and mechanisms to evaluate the progress of the situation of people with disability and healthcare and social services at regular intervals
==> capitalize documentation and tools used during these activities

CANDIDATE PROFILE :
Mandatory :
We are looking for someone with a Master in Local development field, Social sciences or a Diploma in the healthcare and social sector. Ideally with experience in implementing local/territorial and participative diagnosis or/and realisation of quantitative and qualitative survey,

You have good analysis and synthesis capacities and a good team spirit, you have already worked on mobilising people around a common objective.

Complementary :
Experience in a developing country, knowledge on Disability, inclusive approach and HIV/AIDS

REQUIRED LANGUAGE SKILLS : Portuguese mandatory, English a plus

JOB ENVIRONMENT : possibility to travel with family, access to international school and hospital

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS :
Volunteer : 750 or 850 Euros monthly indemnity + living allowance paid on the field + accommodation + 100% medical cover + repatriation insurance
Salary : 2000 to 2300 gross salary + 457 Euros expatriation allowance + 100% medical cover + repatriation insurance + family policy

Please send resume and covering letter with the reference: HB-LDE-Moz0902 to :
HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL – 14, avenue Berthelot – 69361 LYON CEDEX 07
by Email : recrut04@handicap-international.org
or by our website : www.handicap-international.org
Please do not telephone

Candidates from Canada or the United States, and nationals of these countries, should send their application to the following address :
HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL CANADA
1819 Boulevard René Lévesque, bureau 401 – MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC – H3H 2P5
Or by email : jobs@handicap-international.ca or fax : 514-937-6685
Please do not telephone



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Gallaudet University offers a Master’s Degree in International Development which prepares students to collaborate with a variety of groups which wish to include people with disabilities in their organizations, development projects and programs. The degree draws on theories and material from disability studies, international relations, public policy, research and evaluation. Students study significant topics in international relations that affect the economic and social development of countries worldwide, including:

· the theories and strategies of international development;
· the political, social and developmental issues surrounding disability that result in the continued oppression and marginalization of disabled people around the globe;
· the links between disability and development in the areas of human rights, poverty, the environment, health, gender, children, and conflict and emergency situations such as natural disasters;
· the inclusion of disability issues in mainstream development practice;
· participatory approaches in planning, implementation, monitoring, reviewing and evaluation, National and International policy framework, and;
· practice and theory of living and studying in cultures different from one’s own.

Applications for Gallaudet University’s Master’s Degree in International Development are due April 1st, 2009 in order to start in August 2009.

For those in the Washington, DC area, a Graduate School Open House will be held on campus this Friday, February 13th, 2009, from 10 am – 3:00 pm.

For more information about the Master’s Degree, please visit: http://edf.gallaudet.edu/x2607.xml

or contact Amy Wilson at amy.wilson@gallaudet.edu



Even if you cannot pursue a full Master’s Degree at this time, then I personally recommend their on-line class, EDF 772, “International Development with People with Disabilities in Developing Countries” as an excellent overview of the field. If you miss the April 1, 2009 deadline (to be accepted for the incoming August 2009 class), then check their web site for deadlines for next year.

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The following job vacancy notice is targeted at people in Bangladesh who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who have physical disabilities. The application deadline is February 12, 2009.

Subject: [1191] “Career Opportunity for People with Disabilities!”

Dear Friends,
Please find the following circular on career opportunity for people with Disabilities.

You are cordially requested to disseminate it among deserving persons with disabilities or display it on your notice board.

Hope your cooperation will contribute towards getting employment of a person with disability.

“Career Opportunity for People with Disabilities!”

BanglaLink, a leading Mobile Phone Company in Bangladesh invites applications from deserving candidates for the position of “Careline Officer” for its Customer Support/Call Center division.

This position is exclusively open for men and women with hearing and physical disability.

For detailed information about academic requirement and other competencies please e-mail to awdpbd@gmail.com

Deadline for application is February 12, 2009

Source:
Asst. Information Officer
AWDP-Bangladesh
E-mail: info@awdpbd.org
Web: http://www.awdpbd.org



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The Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability is seeking submissions for a special issue of their publication that will examine poverty, deprivation, social exclusion and disadvantage. The particular focus of this issue will be on understanding the role that poverty and social deprivation play in shaping the life chances of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, and the role of policy in reducing inequalities and inequity for this population. The aim of this special issue is to explore issues of poverty and social disadvantage in the broadest terms. Papers that express the points of view of people with disabilities and/or their families are particularly welcome. This includes having those with disabilities and their families serve as researchers and/or co-authors as well as participants in the research. We would also particularly welcome papers addressing issues of poverty and deprivation from low and middle income countries. This topic is appropriate for both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

The closing date for submission is 31st December 2009, although later submission dates may be possible with the agreement of the editors. The anticipated date for publication is 2011. If the special issue is oversubscribed papers will be selected by date of submission.

The Guest Editors, Eric Emerson and Susan Parish, will manage the editorial process. Enquiries and papers for consideration should be directed to Dr Eric Emerson (eric.emerson@lancaster.ac.uk) or Dr Susan Parish (parish@unc.edu) with a copy to JIDD’s Editorial Assistant, Penny Crino (pcrino@med.usyd.edu.au), clearly identified as a Special Issue submission. Electronic submission is preferred.



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Texto español

Hesperian announces two new titles in Spanish and a spiffy new Spanish Web Site:
Un Manual de salud para mujeres con dispacidad, the Spanish version of A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities, arrived to our offices today and we are very excited to have this wonderful material now available in Spanish. Un manual de salud para mujeres con discapacidad, will help women with disabilities overcome these barriers and improve their general health, self-esteem, and abilities to care for themselves and participate in their communities.

We also released the Spanish version of Helping Children Who are Deaf, Ayudar a los niños sordos. Packed with simple activities, this book is a great resource for parents, caregivers, health promoters, and others in teaching children who do not hear well how to communicate to the best of his or her ability.

Both titles can be downloaded http://espanol.hesperian.org/Bienvenidos_de_Hesperian.php and purchased from our brand new Spanish website. This user-friendly, easy-to-navigate web site offers all of the features of our website in English – current health news, information on upcoming publications, and free down-loadable versions of most of our titles. Plus a complete bookstore, all in Spanish, ready to ship anywhere in the world. At http://espanol.hesperian.org/index.php

Hesperian anuncia dos nuevos libros en español y nuestra nueva página web

Con el libro Un manual de salud para mujeres con discapacidad, Hesperian les ofrece a las mujeres con discapacidad una manera práctica de conocer sus derechos para gozar de buena salud. Combinando las experiencias y consejos de mujeres con discapacidad de 42 países, con información sobre la salud, profesional y al corriente, este manual es fácil de entender, esta plenamente ilustrado y tiene mucha información útil.

También nos complace presentar el libro Ayudar a los niños sordos, el título más reciente de la Serie de asistencia temprana. Este libro está lleno de actividades sencillas y será un gran recurso para las personas que cuidan a niños sordos, ya sean padres, otros cuidadores y/o promotores de salud, ya que ofrece herramientas para enseñarle a la niña o niño a comunicarse lo mejor que pueda.

Estos libros, además de todos los títulos de Hesperian, pueden ser descargados http://espanol.hesperian.org/Bienvenidos_de_Hesperian.php o adquiridos desde nuestra ¡NUEVA PÁGINA WEB EN ESPAÑOL,! Ahora puede descargar nuestros libros, buscar traducciones en otros idiomas, ver nuestros proyectos actuales y comprar libros en nuestra tienda virtual, listos para ser enviados a cualquier parte del mundo — ¡Todo esto y más ahora en español! A http://espanol.hesperian.org/index.php



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Asides from this blog, where can you find information and resources on disability in developing countries? And, how can you network with other people in the field?

If you’re a regular We Can Do reader, you know that this site has links to many resources and organizations. (Looking for something specific? Consult the Navigating We Can Do page for search tips.) But this blog is not the only source of information you can use. Here is a list of many of the places I turn to when I am looking for new information to share with We Can Do readers. The information disseminated via these sources include conference and job announcements; leads on resources that might be helpful to grassroots disability advocates or international development professionals; and news about what is happening among disabled people in developing countries around the world.

All of the following resources are free. A few of the following resources are news distribution lists. This means a single administrator decides what emails will go out to the list. News distribution lists are best if you simply wish to receive announcements relevant to your interests. In most cases, it will not be possible to filter the content: either you receive everything that is sent through that list (by subscribing to it) or you receive nothing.

Many of these resources are email-based discussion groups. This means that each person who joins the mailing list has the right both to receive emails from other list members and also to send their own emails to the entire group. Email discussion lists are best if you wish to both exchange information (including sharing some of your own) and also network with like-minded people and colleagues.

I also include a few Facebook networking groups and other websites.

Top of page; Top of Resource List; Bottom of page

Resources for Networking and Information Exchange

News Distribution Lists
Email-Based Discussion Groups
Other Networking Opportunities (Facebook)
Websites of Interest
Where Else Do I Receive Information From?

News Distribution Lists
These send you news and announcements to your email. Usually the list owner or editor decides what news they will circulate.

DPI (Disabled People International)
http://v1.dpi.org/lang-en/newsletter/index.php
Approximately once a week, Disabled People International circulates an email newsletter with short news items and announcements gathered from both developing and developed countries around the world. News can be sent to Dr. Cassandra Phillips at info@dpi.org.

CSID (Centre for Services and Information on Disability
http://www.csidnetwork.org/RegForm.htm
This international news distribution list is based in Bangladesh, but disseminates journal articles, event announcements, and news from around the world.

Intl-Dev
http://gri.gallaudet.edu/mailman/listinfo/intl-dev
A news distribution list on international development, including (but not limited to) an emphasis on disability issues. Distributes announcements about upcoming conferences, events, job posts, training sessions, and other opportunities.

International Development and Disability News
http://list-manage.com/subscribe.phtml?id=071ab7edca
Mobility International USA (MIUSA) runs this email newsletter, each of which includes a few short news items related to international development and disability.

We Can Do blog
http://wecando.wordpress.com/subscribe-to-we-can-do/
You’re reading this blog right now! But, did you know that you can sign up to receive an email each time new posts are added to the We Can Do blog? This may be helpful for busy people who might forget to check the blog on their own, or for people who are anxious to learn about new resources or opportunities within hours after they are posted. Follow the URL link to read the instructions.

WNUSP-News (World Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry)
http://mail.oism.info/mailman/listinfo/wnusp-news_oism.info
This email newsletter is used to discuss global mental health, social justice issues, United Nations actions, World Health Organization statements, and other issues focused on global advocacy.

Ghulam Nabi Nizamani’s personal news distribution list
ghulamnabi.nizamani@gmail.com
Ghulam Nabi Nizamani is a very active disability advocate who disseminates many news articles, conference and training announcements, and other material via his personal list of email contacts. Most of his material comes from, or focuses on, the South Asian region. But some focuses on other regions. Contact him directly via email (NOT at this blog) at ghulamnabi.nizamani@gmail.com to ask to be added to his distribution list. He travels frequently and sometimes cannot process his email for several weeks at a time, so it may take time for him to respond.

Human Rights Africa
http://www.africandecade.org/humanrightsafrica
This electronic newsletter is disseminated about three times a year by the Secretariat of the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities. You can read past issues, or sign up for future issues, by following the link.

Global Development Briefing
www.devex.com
This website supports an email news distribution list that specializes in job announcements from around the world in the international development field. NOT specific to disability issues. If you want specifically a disability-related job then you may need to skim through many irrelevant job posts before you see something that suits your skills and interests. People who want employment in a specific country or city face a similar challenge.

Idealist.org Job Board
http://www.idealist.org
No, I don’t normally use this board when I’m looking for We Can Do post ideas. But this is an excellent resource for people looking for either job opportunities or volunteer opportunities around the world. It even includes a few on-line opportunities for people who need or wish to volunteer from home. NOT a disability-specific resource, but does sometimes post some disability-related jobs or volunteer opportunities.

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Email-based Discussion Groups
These allow you to network with other people, and exchange ideas, resources, and announcements. Most allow you the choice to interact via either email or the web (check for “groups.yahoo” in the URL). Others are solely email-based.

Global Partnership on Disability and Development
http://gpdd-online.org/mailinglist/
This email discussion group is moderated: if you try to send an email to the list, then it may often be delayed by several hours or days until the moderator is able to process it. Members include international development professionals with an interest in disability issues; some representatives of grassroots DPOs; and individual people who are interested in, or learning about, the field of disability and international development.

International Network of Women with Disabilities (INWWD)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/inwwd/
An email-based discussion list for women with disabilities around the world. Participants can use the list to exchange knowledge and experience and coordinate efforts with other women with disabilities to promote human rights and inclusion.

IDA_CRPD_Forum
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IDA_CRPD_Forum/
This is the official International Disability Alliance (IDA) discussion group committed to promoting the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. For discussing official business of the IDA in relation to the CRPD. Some members in this list also participate in the AdHoc_IDC list (below), and some do not.

AdHoc_IDC
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AdHoc_IDC/
This list was originally founded while the CRPD was being written. It is no longer the official IDA list (see IDA_CRPD_Forum above), but some people continue to use this list to discuss disability rights and the CRPD. Some members of this list also participate in IDA_CRPD_Forum, and some do not.

RatifyNow
http://www.ratifynow.org
The RatifyNow organization works to mobilize movements to ratify the CRPD in more countries, including the United States and elsewhere. Membership in the organization is free for both individual people and for organizations. Members and supporters use the email discussion list to exchange ideas for action.

Disability Research List
https://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/webadmin?A0=disability-research
This list is intended for all those interested in research as it affects disabled people. It provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, information and news, among researchers and others working primarily within a social interpretation of disability. Some posts are UK or Euro centric, but sometimes discussion covers developing countries.

AsiaPacificDisabilities
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AsiaPacificDisability/
This email discussion list is intended to focus on disability issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Some participants also share information from other regions as well.

IIDCWG (Indigenous people with disabilities)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IIDCWG/
Indigenous peoples with disabilities from both developing and developed countries around the world use this email discussion group to exchange information and ideas for their mutual advocacy efforts. The listowner can be contacted at IIDCWG-owner@yahoogroups.com

EENET_Eastern_Africa
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/eenet_eastern_africa/
Participants in this email-based discussion group exchange knowledge and information related to disability inclusive education in Eastern Africa.

DeafStudiesAfrica
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DeafStudies-Africa/
Participants use this email discussion group to exchange information, and debate ideas related to Deaf Studies and sign languages in Africa.

deafintl
http://patriot.net/~ashettle/deafintl
Devoted to issues related to deaf people in developing countries. This is an extremely quiet list. But once every few months, someone distributes an announcement or tries to start a discussion.

Disability and Human Rights
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/disability_and_human_rights/
This tiny, email discussion group currently has only 25 members; discussion focuses on disability and human rights around the world.

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Other Networking Opportunities (Facebook)
Another tool for networking is Facebook. Facebook operates through the web. Sign up for an account; explore the resources at Facebook; and join one or more networking groups in the language(s) of your choice. If you are new to Facebook, it is free and takes only a few minutes to sign up.

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Networking Among Disabled People in Developing Countries and Allies
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58529958419 (English)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48418118883 (French)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49162324925 (Italian)
Looking for an informal way to meet other people on-line who share your passion for human rights, poverty, and international development issues among people with disabilities in developing countries? Consider joining this free Facebook group. You can post messages on the “Wall,” or participate in the Discussion Board. Currently available in English, French, or Italian. I’m hoping people will eventually step forward to create similar groups in more languages. If you do not already have a Facebook account, then it only takes a few minutes to sign up, and is free.

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Websites of Interest
These are websites that may be worth exploring, particularly for resources and publications.

AskSource
http://www.asksource.info/res_library/disability.htm
This website provides links to many resources and toolkits related to international development and health. Some resources are targeted at grassroots organizations in developing countries, others are targeted at researchers and international development professionals. Includes a section on disability-related resources (follow the link). I sometimes browse this database when looking for ideas of resources to feature at We Can Do. But I will never have time to cover everything that deserves attention. If you haven’t already explored it on your own, please do.

Secretariat of the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities
http://www.africandecade.org/trainingmaterials
On this page, you can find training manuals for disability advocates that need to plan projects and evaluate them; build their capacity; learn how to run advocacy or lobbying campaigns; or train journalists in writing about the human rights of people with disabilities. I have featured a few of these resources at We Can Do, but not all of them. Worth exploring.

Enabling Education Network (EENET)
http://www.eenet.org.uk/
An excellent site for educators in developing countries who work with students with disabilities. Click on “search” and try a key word search (for example, “violence,” or “sign language,” or the name of your country).

We Can Do blog roll
Don’t miss the We Can Do blog roll. At the very bottom of every page at this blog site, you can see a list of links to many international- and national-level disability-oriented organizations, on-line resources, blog sites, and more. Simply scroll down the screen to start exploring. You might discover an interesting organization or a helpful resource.

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Where Else Do I Receive Information From?
One important source of information for many announcements, resource links, and news items that I post at We Can Do is … YOU! Many of the items posted at this blog are submitted by We Can Do readers. If you have an announcement, news item, or resource suggestion that you think would be interesting for blog readers, please do contact me at ashettle [at] patriot.net (use an @ at sign in place of [at] and remove the spaces).

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Subscribe to We Can Do
Learn how to receive an email alert when new material is posted at We Can Do (wecando.wordpress.com).

Other Resources at We Can Do
Catch up with the news; explore resources, toolkits, or funding and fellowship opportunities; find research, reports, papers, or statistics; or look up conferences, events, call for papers, or education/training opportunities.

We Can Do Copyright
This blog post is copyrighted to We Can Do (wecando.wordpress.com). Currently, only two web sites have on-going permission to syndicate (re-post) We Can Do blog posts in full: BlogAfrica.com and www.RatifyNow.org. Other sites are most likely plagiarizing this post without permission.