This summer, APCD was very busy organizing regional trainings, seminars, workshops, and networking and collaborating. APCD also joined the celebration of the historical upcoming Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol.
The third trimester of the year 2006 began with a Refresher Training on Self-help Groups (SHG) of Persons with Disabilities towards Rights-based and Sustainable Community Development. Ex-participants of previous APCD training courses on SHG and Community-based Rehabilitation learned new dimensions on the topic of SHG. APCD Human Resources Development organized the 3rd Training of Information and Communication Technology for Visually Impaired Persons for 14 participants from 7 countries aimed at training of computer trainers for visually impaired persons.
In this quarter, APCD held a networking and collaborative event in collaboration with the UNESCAP, entitled the UNESCAP/APCD Seminar on South-to-South Cooperation on Disability: Development of APCD Network. In spite of the political instability in Thailand, 17 participants from 10 countries joined the seminar along with participants from the South African region. Through this seminar, APCD and stakeholders could exchange points of view and best practices resulting from the ex-participants implementation during the past 4 years.
APCD continuously networked and collaborated with focal points and associate organizations especially in the information sharing areas.
APCD was pleased to welcome guests especially H.E. Jiro Kawasaki, Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japanese Government representative, in August. APCD also welcomed both the public sectors and private sectors like the SM Supermalls from the Philippines, which did an excellent job in promoting public awareness on physical accessibility issues for persons with disabilities.
Moving towards the 2nd quarter of the year 2006, APCD has continuously implemented three main activities; Networking and Collaboration, Human Resource Development (HRD), and Information Support. However, one of the most important functions of APCD that never gets mentioned is the Administration team that earnestly supports all activities, especially in this quarter, working continuously of the implementation of APCD organization transition.
In this quarter, APCD aimed at monitoring networks with focal points, associate organizations, and former APCD participants. Follow-up missions were to Cambodia, Fiji, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Viet Nam. APCD reviewed the significant and active activities implemented by APCD stakeholders in each country; activities of Community-Based Rehabilitation, the formulation of Self-Help Groups, Information and Communication Technology, Non-Handicapping Environment, Independent Living, Information Networking, along with a strong network and collaboration. APCD observed that networks among APCD stakeholders have been formed not only domestically but regionally. Apart from overseas missions, APCD also held a Seminar to Follow-up Thai Ex-trainees at the APCD Training Center; ex-trainees shared their experiences on how they expanded their knowledge in their communities and/or organizations.
In addition to APCD's three main activities, APCD, in collaboration with the Disabled Peoples' International Asia-Pacific Region co-hosted the EPIC Arts Cambodia on Tour in Thailand Performance. This event aimed to raise public awareness of the disability issues in society.
APCD welcomed many visitors to the Center. Mr. Takao Toda, Group Director, Human Development Group II (Technical and Higher Education/Social Security), JICA, showed great interest in APCD activities. In collaboration with the International Development Bank (IDB), APCD welcomed and shared information with Ms. Mara Christina Gabriili, General Secretary on disability issues in San Paolo, Brazil as a reminder, the APCD Resource Room is now opened for the public.
The year 2006 began with APCD implementing several networking and collaboration missions and follow-up missions. APCD also has the great honor to be involved in the "Laos Disability Legislation Workshop: Initial Discussion on a Draft for the National Law for the Rights of People with Disabilities" by providing preliminary information to draft the national law in Lao PDR. APCD continues to carefully monitor the situation in Pakistan since the earthquake regarding long-term support, especially in consultation of accessibility issues.
Two training courses were hosted by APCD; ICT for All: Training of Digital Accessible Information System (DAISY) for Persons with Print Disability and the Training of Managerial Personnel of Independent Living Centers for Persons with Disabilities/Refresher Training Course in Peer-Counseling for Persons with Disabilities.
APCD Information Support formulated a Taskforce consisting of professionals in the field of information network, specifically in cross-disability areas. The taskforce will work along with APCD to improve and expand the disability-related information network and information exchange within the Asia and Pacific region.
APCD has also been honored to receive many visitors. Ms. Sue Rickell from the Allies in Change UK Ltd. was welcomed to exchange knowledge about "Disability Equality Training (DET)" and Ms. Izabel de Loureiro Maior, General Coordinator of the Presidency of the Republic of Brazil Special Secretariat for Human Rights National Coordination for Integration of Persons with Disabilities. In addition to this, APCD welcomed Mr. John Lancaster, Executive Director of National Council on Independent Living, who formerly worked with disability issues in Viet Nam. Last but not least, APCD was pleased to join the wheelchair donation ceremony by Japan where H.E. Mr. Tanin Kraivixien, Chairperson of the Foundation for the APCD served as Chairman.
