Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Nigeria: As the World Celebrates the day of People With Disabilities

According to the United Nations, out of the over 6.5 billion human population across the globe, 10 per cent are with one form of disability or the other. Also people with disabilities account for roughly 20 per cent of those living in poverty in developing countries. Worldwide, they suffer high rate of unemployment and often lack access to adequate education and healthcare while in many societies, there are simply no provisions made for this group and they end up living in isolation, disconnected from their own communities.

In Nigeria, over three million out of the estimated 150 million population are faced with hearing disability.
To appreciate and make them part of society, the United Nations General Assembly in 1982 declared December 3 of every year as World Disability Day. The 2010 edition has the theme; "Keeping the Promise: Mainstreaming Disability in the Millennium Development Goals towards 2015 and Beyond". In commemoration of the day last Week, the Lagos State Government through Office of Youth and Social Development gathered people with disabilities in the state to join their counterparts worldwide to mark the day. Produces of persons living with disabilities were on display just as musical talents were showcased.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Social Development, Dr Dolapo Badru assured that plans were underway to put ramps in every public place so that people on wheelchairs can access and go about their daily business without hindrance. He described the theme as timely saying that the "MDGs provide the best available framework for fulfilling the promise by world leaders at the summit in 2000 to spare no effort to free our fellow men, women and children from abject poverty and dehumanizing condition of extreme poverty."

The SA said that government was responsive to the yearnings of the people and would not relent in its efforts to provide the basic necessities of life that will make life better for people with disabilities. He stressed that the day provided opportunity to mobilize action to achieve the goal of full and for equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities.


"This year's celebration presents another opportunity to make a renewed commitment to the principles of dignity and justice, equal opportunity, and to make sure that convention on the rights of persons with disabilities is implemented. Today is here for everyone to celebrate our mutual humanity and to remind us of the need to include the issues of disabilities as the world is working hard towards the achievement of the MDGs," he noted.

Head of Service, Adesegun Ogunlewe urged every human being; lead or the led, male or female, able or disabled to apply the three fundamental principles proffered by the Department of International Development (DFID) whenever the issues of persons with disabilities are considered. These he said include; do not harm, address discrimination and proactively promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all human activities.


"We appeal to political leaders and parties to be ready and willing to accommodate persons with disabilities who have necessary qualifications and abilities to serve their communities," he pleaded."It needs be emphasized that the sustenance of equality of rights and opportunities in all our plans, programmes and policies will serve as a stepping stool to inclusion; and by extension bring about the dawn of greater attainments, creativity and productivity for persons with disabilities," Ogunlewe represented by Oluseyi Weno stated.Earlier, President, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Okikiade Adeyemi urged the federal and state governments to include persons with disabilities in their schemes even as he called on his members to register and vote for leaders that would advance their course in the 2011 general elections.


Adeyemi also solicited for use of sign-language and Braille on television to enable the hearing and virtually impaired have access to information and happenings around them.


"Since we all detest street begging and other anti-social behavours, it then becomes very necessary and crucial that the governments consider and provide persons with disabilities with necessary means of livelihood for survival," he maintained.

Friday, December 10, 2010

International day of Persons with Disabilities - Peshawar



On 2nd December 2010 SPDA (Special Persons Development Association) has organized a Seminar regarding “World Disable Day” 03rd December 2010. The seminar was held in the PMC (Peshawar Medical College Peshawar) in collaboration with Peshawar Medical College. The title of the Seminar was “The Laws made for the Disabled Persons and our Responsibilities.  The Chief Guest of the Seminar was Dr. Iftikhar Director Peshawar Medical College Peshawar. All the Executive members of SPDA and participants from Peshawar Medical College, Mr. Dr. Farhat Malik, Professor Dr. Aisaam and Dr. Zahoor have expressed their views regarding Special Persons.
The seminar was started by the recitation of the Holy Quran. After the recitation the SPDA General Secretary Mr. Ihsan Ullah Daudzai has given presentation to all the participants regarding Special Persons. He appreciated the efforts of the college staff and its administration for their cooperation. He said that Disability is not in the Special Persons but it is in our environment which has created different barriers for us. He also showed the documentary program of the Special Persons to the participants. Dr. Farhat Malik said that approximately 10 % of Pakistan populations have different types of disabilities and we should struggle to overcome on the problems facing by these Persons. The SPDA president Mr. Malik Mahaz Ullah said that the Special Persons can do anything which they want but the problem is that they are being ignoring by the society. He said that if the Special Persons are encouraged then, they can do anything. Dr. Aisaam has said that the Special Persons are facing different problems in their daily life. He said that government should take the steps for solving their problems.
Dr. Iftikhar (Director Peshawar Medical College) has said that the most of the Special Persons are become depressed due to their disability and loss their courage. He said that the Special Persons should be encouraged. Prof. Dr. Usman Nazar has said that in the developed countries there are special facilities for the Special Persons. He said that the Pakistan govt. can also provide those facilities for the Special Persons in their own country. He appreciated the efforts of SPDA staff, PMC staff and Social Welfare Society for been arrangement of the Seminar. The SPDA Finance Secretary Mr. Zafar Khan Zafar has presented parodies and Hycho, which has been very much enjoyed by the participants.
At the end the prizes were given by the SPDA President among different representatives. The News Reporters has given full coverage to the Seminar and highlighted the problems of Special Persons in the Newspapers.




Wednesday, December 8, 2010

IDPD, 3rd December observed in Bhutan

We observed the International Day 
for the Persons With Disabilities on 3rd December 
involving Secretaries of some ministries and agencies; 
representatives from business community; persons in and 
around the capital city from with different background of 
disabilities; Representatives from International Agencies 
and NGOs; schools and institutes having children with 
special needs of capital, nearby district, general 
hospital; etc. The theme was: "Keeping the promise: 
Mainstreaming Disability in the MDG's towards 2015: and 
beyond".
We had the Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan as the 
Chief Guest and he delivered a speech encouraging the 
participation of disabilities in the society, 
socio-economic development, electoral processes in the 
country and others.
We are very happy to inform you that on the Day, the 
secretariat of Civil Service Organization Authority (CSOA) 
and the Secretary of Home Affairs informed us that our 
proposal for registration of Disabled Persons Association 
is accepted and the certificate for NGO will be awarded on 
20th December. Our Association will be known as Disable 
Persons Association of Bhutan (DPAB).
We applauded the news and now looking forward for the day 
of certificate. We also feel that we have great 
responsibilities vested on our initiative and would 
fulfill our mission one day. We will seek necessary help 
and guidance from you whenever necessary.
With warm regards.

Sincerely
(Pema Chhogyel)
Special Education
Ministry of Education
Thimphu, Bhutan.

Campaign on the international day of people with disabilities



We organized a campaign on the 3rd of December- International day of people with disabilities. Many other organizations, officials, students  and mass media joined us on that day.
 I am sending some photos of that day. 
Regards
-- 
KARINE GRIGORYAN
President and executive director of
"Agate" center for women with special needs NGO
Baghramyan 29
Gyumri 3106
Shirak region
Armenia
Tel: 374-312-412-54
Mobile: 374-94-83-21-94
www.agatengo.am
Email: karine@agatengo.am 
info@agatengo.am





Rally on World Disability Day - Multan


Society for Special Persons (SSP) took out Rally on 3rd December World International Disabled Day. The rally was started on Multan Press club. Large number of persons with disabilities (PWDs) participated in this rally and different local NGOs. In Rally Pwds said that they dedicated their International day to flood affected brothers and sisters. They addressed a message of Peace, Health, and brotherhood to the whole world. In that time they serve flowers to the surrounding community. The news channel “GEO, SAAMA, EXPRESS and DUNIYA coveraged it Live. In this occasion Media also interviewed the messages of PWDs about World Disability day. Zahida Hameed Qureshi, Asif Iqbal, Yasir Hameed.Sazia Ameen, and Others addressed in this occasion.

--

Zahida Hameed Qureshi,
SPO, Multan
President 
Society for Special Persons
Multan




Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Editorial: Attitude towards the differently-abled - Bangladesh

THE International Day of Persons with Disabilities last Friday went by in Bangladesh with very little in the way of promoting more understanding of disability issues. The day is observed globally, obviously to sensitize the public and mobilize support for the dignity and well-being of people who are ‘handicapped’ in one way or the other due to various congenital or acquired abnormalities. But though a national policy for the handicapped, drafted two decades ago (1990-91), exists, not much is noticeable to indicate that attitudes towards the ‘differently-abled’ have improved -- apart from a few reserved seats on some public buses. 

Decision makers are by and large found to be still quite indifferent and their unique situation is often the last to be considered in the annual budgets and developmental plans. This official apathy is compounded by widespread prejudice and lack of job opportunities. Thus the handicapped have to battle not only their physical disabilities but also the gross insensitivities around them in their struggle to live respectable lives. Pity is not what the handicapped need if they are to be empowered and integrated with the mainstream society. But except for those in the upper strata of society, most of Bangladesh’s disabled end up in really pitiable situations. Most have no access to education, employment and health care. This must be remedied sooner rather than later, in the enlightened national-interest of Bangladesh. 

Social workers dealing with the special challenges of handicapped people believe there can be no headway unless the government and society ramp up their mental attitude, in empathy with the disabled. They recommend, first and foremost, paying attention to the person rather than his/her condition during communication, and keeping in mind that physically disabled does not necessarily mean mentally disabled as well. This is not to say that the mentally challenged are not entitled to better behaviour from the more forunated sections of the population. Indeed, educational institutions and all kinds of media ought to be instructed to use sensitization messages designed to welcome the handicapped into mainstream life. There are countless stories of the latent talents of the differently-abled being expressed in miraculous ways and these should be disseminated to help the obtuse members of the public become empathetic. 

It may be mentioned here that the much used IQ or intelligence quotient, popularised in the early 20th century as the only yardstick to measure people’s intelligence -- the rational, mathematical kind -- has long been proven inadequate by a more enlightened approach to the rich variety of differently-abled human beings in this world. Neuroscientists and psychologist had amassed enough evidence by the turn of the century to establish that emotional intelligence (EQ) and spiritual intelligence(SQ) are equally, if not more, important for human beings to function at the optimum level. When the areas that control EQ and SQ are healthy, people are found to be sensitive, and able to reach the depths of their own as well as other people’s feelings, explaining ‘the full complexity of human intelligence’ and ‘the vast richness of the human soul and imagination.’ 

There are of course miles to go before society in Bangladesh is ready to give the sublime and the sacred potential within everyone -- abled and disabled alike -- a chance to be expressed. But without people’s intelligence in general evolving in that direction, justice can hardly be done to the differently-abled in this country.

Presidential Proclamation--International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary

Presidential Proclamation--International Day of Persons with Disabilities

America stands in solidarity with the growing number of nations around the world that have committed themselves to ending unequal treatment of persons with disabilities.  On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we acknowledge the contributions of women and men with disabilities around the world, and we recognize our charge to ensure that all individuals can enjoy full inclusion and participation in our societies.
My Administration is continuing to protect and promote human rights, fair opportunity, and equal access for people with disabilities.  Last year, the United States became a proud signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the first new human rights treaty of the 21st century.  Like our laws in the United States, this treaty urges equal protection and equal benefit of the law for all persons with disabilities, and it reaffirms the inherent dignity, worth, and independence of the 650 million individuals with disabilities worldwide.  To advance our international work in this area, my Administration has named a Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the Department of State.  My Administration also continues to support the efforts of the World Intellectual Property Organization to facilitate and increase access to literary, artistic, and scientific materials for persons with disabilities.  With our partners around the globe, we can affirm the rights of individuals with disabilities to live independently if they choose, free from the fear of discrimination, stigma, or economic insecurity.
In acknowledging the progress of the past year, we also reflect upon important milestones in America's civil rights struggle for people with disabilities.  This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the 35th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  These historic, bipartisan civil rights laws were clarion calls for equal access for and an end to discrimination against persons with disabilities, and they have paved the way for countless Americans with disabilities to share their talents and strengthen our communities.
We have made progress, but still have a great distance to journey before every person living with a disability can benefit from the same access and protections, in the United States and abroad.  As we celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us reinvigorate our commitment to eradicate barriers and ensure equal opportunity for all.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 3, 2010, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities.  I call on all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA

News on the 3rd Meeting of DPI Korea

DPI Korea hold its general meeting under the subject of "Oppressive System and Persons with Disabilities" from December 2 to 3 at E-room Center in Yeoido, Seoul. About 300 members of numerous DPOs participated in this meeting. The general meeting consisted of an all hands meeting and 6 conferences on following thema; mobility rights, independent living, income security, prohibition on disability discrimination and recovery of rights, disability employment and UN CRPD. Also, following side events were held; Workshop on the New Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, Universal Design Exhibition, Award for Disability Welfare 2010, Debate Forum on the Fact-finding Survey on Independent Living Institutions.

(find out more at http://www.ablenews.co.kr/News/NewsContent.aspx?CategoryCode=0034&NewsCode=003420101202134509218750)

3rd December related activity in Mirpurkhas





Mirpurkhas Special sports and welfare Association (MSSWA) Gulistan-e-Mazooreen Mirpurkhas took out Rally on 3rd December World International Disabled Day. The rally was started on Post office chowk mirpurkhas to Mirpurkhas Press club. Large number of persons with disabilities (PWDs) participated in this rally and different  local NGOs.They are demanding to President of Pakistan that includes disabled persons in National Assembly and Provincial Assembly. Jawaid Malik,Qameruddin, Imam Baloch, Dr. Umer Kaka, Dr. Pershotam, Nadeen Rana, Mujahid Panher, and Others addressed in this occassion.

 

Thanks

 

                          Qameruddin
                          General Sec.
Mirpurkhas Special sports and welfare Association (MSSWA) 
       Gulistan-e-Mazooreen Mirpurkhas

Office Ph. +92-233-872687-+92-334-2801706


Monday, December 6, 2010

International Day of Persons With Disabilities: Ceremony(Dec. 3, 2010) - A STAR Project Pakistan


International Day of Persons With Disabilities
Speech by the representative of PBA
International Day of Persons With Disabilities
300 participants in the hall
International Day of Persons With Disabilities
Short Drama

     The international day of persons with disabilities was celebrated in Abbottabad, in collaboration with two Disabled Peoples Organizations (DPOs), SEWA(Social Welfare Energetic Association) and PBA(Pakistan Blind Association, Abbottabad) Same as the ceremony held las year, planning, preparing and organizing are done by these two DPOs. The president of the former organization is the ex-staff of A STAR Project and the Projeject Steering Team (PST) member at present. The president of the later organization is the PST member.
     Some of A STAR PST members, staff and the leadership trainees supported them to give speeches, preside the ceremony and joined as drama actor/actress. All A STAR staff who joined in the ceremony, took a day off. It means that there was no financial input for the ceremony from A STAR Project. The cost for the rent of the ceremony hall, sound system and the refreshment was covered by the fund raised by SEWA.
     The program included the welcome note of the PST member (Executive Director of Pak-Irish Rehabilitation Center), the local songs by the guest and his students with visual disabilities from Mansehra, speeches by the presidents, SEWA and PBA, the songs by the PST member (famous singer), the short drama, "Clothes Shop" by the president, SEWA and actor, and the speeches by the KPK Provincial Minister of Food and A STAR Project Director (DCO, Abbottabad).
     In the short drama, president of SEWA as the shop keeper with his collegue had a conversation with three persons with hearing, visual and physical disabilities, who were A STAR staff and leadership trainee. The drama showed the current situation and problem in disability issue and tried to rise the awareness through the funy drama. Finally the Minister and Project Director gave their speeched that we try to make efforts to achieve the job quota.
International Day of Persons With Disabilities
Cake cutting by A STAR staff, whose birthday is Dec. 3.


The Children of Hayat-e-Nau Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children has performed in a tablue in a program organized by Shah Latif Special Education Complex for Mentally Retarded Children, Hyderabad at Gulshan-e-Shehbaz, Khuda ki basti, Kotri to mark the Universal Day of persons with disabilities on 6th December, 2010. The present audience appreciated the performances of children with disabilities. Mr. Manzoor Ali Mastoi (Regional Director, Special Education Government of Sindh was the chief guest of this program.
 
Javed Sadiq
Executive Director
Hayat-e-Nau Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children
P.O. Box No. 1001, Latifabad, Hyderabad - 71800
Sindh - Pakistan
Tel: +92-22-3860753
Mobile: +92-333-2671396
             sfh_development@yahoo.com



MNA distributes sheets with flowers among disabled children

source 
http://www.onepakistan.com/news/local/karachi/76539-mna-distributes-sheets-with-flowers-among-disabled-children.html


Karachi, Member of National Assembly Kishwer Zehra has emphasized Government and Civil Society work together for the empowerment of disabled people so that they are able to play their role in the society according to their skills and knowledge.
She asked the concerned government departments to take such steps that provide maximum opportunities without any discrimination to the special people. She also advised the responsible members of the Civil Society to accept their services as far as possible at all levels and accommodate them in their organizations without any discrimination and according to their skills and capabilities they are not isolated from other members of society and don’t suffer in inferior complex. She expressed these views at a function organized in connection with the World Disabled Day by the NGO 'Support Trust ' which is engaged in the work of rehabilitation of disabled people. On this occasion Chairman of the society Shabbar Zaidi and others also spoke and highlighted the work that is being undertaken by 'Support'. Kishwer Zehra appreciated the role of Support with regard to the work Rehabilitation and empowerment of special people in the society as a part of their efforts they are making for the empowerment of disabled people .
She also appreciated the move of submission of proposals in the meeting of Standing Committee for Human Rights of National Assembly. She hoped that the case presented by 'Support Trust' in the Standing Committee of National Assembly on lst December 2010 would bring positive results and the proposal presented in the meeting would be implemented as per recommendations made in the meeting by the Standing Committee for Human Rights of National Assembly according to the spirits , 'Support Trust' conceptualized and pointed out. She further said the recommendations made by the committee on the suggestions and proposals presented by 'Support' are important move in the efforts for the rehabilitation of special people. If they were implemented most of the problems being faced by them would be solved and their demands would be fulfilled, she added. She asked the concerned departments of the government to take immediate steps for the implementation of the recommendations made by the Standing committee for the Human Rights so that long standing demands of the special people are met and efforts of the government for their rehabilitation bear its results. The Support Trust also distributed the sheets with flowers among disabled children in various schools in the city 

-- 
Muhammad Akram
Founder & Chairman
DANISHKADAH
www.danishkadah.org.pk

Group Leader ALDA - Asia Pacific 
Chairperson International Committee of ALDA Inc. USA
Asst. Director Deaf Friends International (DFI)

SAAYA Celebrated 3rd December



The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues, the rights of persons with disabilities and gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities. The Day provides an opportunity to mobilize action to achieve the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities, established by the World Program of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982.

Saaya Association has organized series of seminars on the 3rd December International Day of Disabled Persons in diffident  Universities & girls collage G-10/4 Islamabad. The main purpose of these seminars to create maximum awareness among the students about the Disability issues.


Regards,


Mian Asim Zafar President
Saaya Association

YPSA Event on 3rd December


Federation of DPOs, Sitakund. organised and Sitakund Upazilla Social welfare Department and YPSA jonitly Supported Rally and discussion meeting at Sitakund to mark the “19th International Disability Day 2010” on 3rd December at Sitakund Upazilla Auditorium Hall. Mr. Md Emran Khan Officer of Sitakund Upazilla Social welfare Department presided the discussion meeting. Mr. Md. Abdullah Al Baker Bhuiyan, Upazilla Chairman, Sitakund was Chief Guest and Other Special Guests are Md. Mahabubur Rahman, Director (Field Operation) of YPSA, Polas Chowdhuri Director (Finance) of YPSA, Vashker Battacharji program Officer of YPSA, Mr. Babul Nath Precedent of Federation of DPOs, Sitakund and Sadhan Das, Sultana Yesmin, Jesmin Akter, Samsul Alom member of Federation of DPOs, Sitakund are spice in this program.    Mr. Newaz Mahmud Program Officer of YPSA has facilitated that program.
From beginning the discussion meeting about 300 people with disability attend in a colorfull rally in sitakund main road.




Recreational Activity on 3rd December


Greetings from Hayat-e-Nau Society for Human Development, Hyderabd, Sindh - Pakistan!
On the Universal day of persons with disability, we wish You Happy 3rd December, 2010.
To mark the day with reminding rest of the word to keep promise mainstreaming disability, persons with disabilities, we celebrated this day at Rani bagh and Zoo with Children of Hayat-e-Nau Rehabilitation Centre, Hyderabad - Sindh. They enjoyed picnic and lunch at Students Biryani Restaurant.
Javed Sadiq
Executive Director
Hayat-e-Nau Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Children
P.O. Box # 1001, Latifabad, Hyderabad - 71800
Sindh - Pakistan
Tel: +92-22-3860753
Mobile: +92-333-2671396
             sfh_development@yahoo.com





Contribution of Scott Rains

contribution:

http://www.rollingrains.com/2010/12/international-day-of-persons-with-disabi
lities-2010.html



Scott Rains
The Rolling Rains Report
http://www.rollingrains.com/

Khairpur Mirus Forum of Persons with Disabilities ataged Rally on 3rd December

                      
 In District Khairpur  Registered Organizations President Riaz Ahmed Mani “Confident Disable Welfare Association (CDWA)”, President Nabi Bux Shar “Sindh Disable Welfare Association(SDWA)”,  President Muhammad Ali Phulpoto “All Special Persons Welfare Association (ASPWA)” jointly at the forum “KHAIRPUR FORUM FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY (KFPD)” staged a  rally on 3rd december 2010. They demanded that according to law of Government Pakistan 2% Government jobs quota strictly implemented,  Education should be inclusive and Free at all levels, at least Government offices should made accessible, for social inclusion Personal Attendants should be provided by Government, road sides and crossing should be accessible & accessible transport should be provided.
                        Play cards and banners were chanted during the rally for their rights. Pakistani persons with disabilities don't need social security in shape of charity like Zakkat and Bait-u- mall but they need employment and jobs to live a life with dignity. Zakkat and Bait-u- mall charity should be provided illiterate and vulnerable people  but persons with disabilities should be included in mainstream society. 

At the end they gave a message to all DPOs that work with true spirit for fellows with disabilities not just for self. They will get results when working for fellows. They also criticized NDSP and its president's role.


Riaz Ahmed Mangi President (CDWA) 03463410112/03462170516
Nabi Bux Shar President (SDWA) 03002298481
Muhammad Ali Phulpoto President (ASPWA) 00923013872092


Nation-Wide Video Conference on "Keeping the promise: Mainstreaming Disability in the Millennium Development Goals towards 2015 and beyond"by Telenor Pakistan


Program Report

Telenor Office  (Karachi)

Telenor Pakistan invited leaders of DPO’s to attend Nation-Wide Video Conference from Telenor Offices located in Islamabad/Lahore/Karachi/ Multan Quetta/Hyderabad to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Thursday, 2nd December, 2010. The Theme of the Nation-Wide Video Conference was "Keeping the promise: Mainstreaming Disability in the Millennium Development Goals towards 2015 and beyond".


Lunch was served as soon as the participants arrived at the Telenor Office. The program started with the Recitation from the Holy Quran by Abdul Qudus. Mr Kashif Hafeez welcomed the guest, gave a brief speech on the background of the video conference and facilitated a round of introduction of participants from Islamabad/Lahore/Karachi/ Multan Quetta/Hyderabad. Mr Muhammad Atif Sheikh, President STEP, spoke about UNCRPD’s present situation, signing and ratification of convention by Pakistan, background of the theme of this year, how MDGs can be inclusive & overview of national policies related to disability in Pakistan.

Ghulam Nabi Nizamani CEO PDPO / DPI PAK spoke about UNCRPD’s Global Trends, & numbers of countries who have signed or ratified UNCRPD, how it is being implemented and how DPOs can contribute towards it.

Palwasha Khan & Abia Akram spoke about selected Articles of UNCRPD & where DPOs can play their role as catalyst or implementer.

Open Discussion was conducted where all DPO’s were given time for brief presentation of their contribution towards creating awareness on convention, implementation or influencing government to ratify.

At the Conclusion of the Nation-Wide Video Conference, the National Leaders of the Disability Movement, Mr Ghulam Nizamani, Mr Shafiq ur Rehman, & Mr Atif Sheikh enhanced the DPO’s leaders & representatives with their enlightened knowledge gained through constant visit aboard to attend Training, Workshops, Seminars, & Conferences.

Mr. Noorudin.S.Bhamani, President Awareness Voluntary Organization, Project: Awareness Pakistan was also present in this Nation-Wide Video Conference, the hospitality & the acceptance approach of Persons with Disabilities by Telenor & its staff was outstanding.

Awareness Voluntary Organization gave memento of appreciation to some of the organizing staff.











A vote of thanks was presented to the participants by Mr Kashif Hafeez.