The regional group of experts in social service provision for people with disabilities is taking place in Belgrade, Serbia – 22/24 February 2008. Seminar organised Handicap International / EASPD.

The AGENDA of the seminar covers

The Gate-keeping system – key issues

Developing a conceptual framework that works for you

The use of international classifications for the assessment and referral system

Purchasing and contracting services

Macro planning and resourcing

Review of the main challenges in the region, related to gate-keeping procedures, contracting and purchasing of social services

Presentation of the e-learning platform

Today, 19 of February Belgarade hosted Youth Regional Conference, organised by Ministry for Sport and Youth of Serbia. Conference is taking place in Center Sava at 1 p.m.

It is planned to be held seven these conferences with the topic National Strategy for Youth.

Beside Belgrade these conferences will be held in Subotica (22.02), Novi Sad (25.02), Zajecar (27.02), Kragujevac (29.02), Uzice (03.03) and Leskovac (04.03).

Each conference should be attended by representatives of local authorities, youth offices, persons with disabilities, minorities, National Employment Bureau, organisations of youth.

Center for Independent Living Serbia coordinating the participation of youth with disabilities on these conferences and give suggestions for inclusion of youth with disabilities into National Strategy.

In some pool 47% of interviewed in Serbia stated that they do not need Internet. Shocking! Percentage of those who can not use computer and can not afford it is hish (24,9% and 23,3%). And another shock – 52,1% of people that does not use Internet, does not intend to do it in future! This trend I valuable for population older that 40 years of age, which indicate that elderly does not have a clue on usage of this “technological” tool.

Informatic society in Serbia pictures very limited and uninterested image of itself.

Iris MILJKOVIĆ

Guests planning a trip to Disneyland Paris can now download the Disability Guide to Disneyland Paris from the Disneyland Paris website.

http://www.thedisneytraveler.com:80/disneyland-paris-guide-for-guest-with-disabilities-available-online/

The guide includes helpful information from the time you arrive at Disneyland Paris through your time at the resorts and parks. It also includes maps of all three Disneyland Paris parks (Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park and Disney Village) with details about attractions, shops and restaurants.

Sarajevo hosted Conference “From cause to the result: New approaches towards disability” on 4/5^th of February 2008 within the project “Support to Policy Development in Disability Area in BiH (2005-2009)” .

POI is inter state project of Finland and Bosnia and Herzegovina realized by: Directorat for Economic Planning of BiH, Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Policy and Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Republic of Srpska.

CIL representatives participated in this Conference: Gordana Rajkov as a lecturer in Support Services session and Dimitrije Gligorijevic and Borivoje Ljubinkovic as observers in Employment and Housing for PWDs sessions.

Ljubljana January 30 2008 

We are addressing this letter to a wider political audience and the general public on purpose because our requests and plights to solve our problems are usually passed from one institution to another and are usually left unresolved. Nobody replies to our letters and everyone washes their hands over our issues, saying that they are not authorized to deal with them. Just before the end of the year we sent a letter to the members of the National Assembly (parliament), one of the many letters that was ignored. We sent a report titled “Deinstitutionalisation and Community Living – Outcomes and Costs”, financed by the European Commission (EC) and another appeal to the Decision of the distribution FIHO (Foundation for Financing Invalid and Humanitarian Organizations) funds, and yet again, no reply, because everybody is used to distributing the FIHO funds based on sympathies and favouritism.

The member of the National Assembly Barbara Žgajner-Tavš was the only one who asked the Minister of Family Labour and Social Affairs, Mrs. Cotman to do something about it, but her appeal was met with silence. What else can we expect based on the years of experience that we have with dealing with that particular ministry? We also sent a letter to the President of the Republic of Slovenia, however he has not replied to this day.  

Actually, this is old news to us and with all the absurdities that took place in the National Assembly last fall when an act was amended in such a way that FIHO has even more power than ever before few things can surprise us. The Act gave way to privileged groups, elitism, and opaque distribution of earmarked funds. We didn’t have to wait long to see the functionaries of the disability organisations at FIHO to (ab)use their power that they hold in the bodies of the foundation. Not only was this year’s distribution of funds questionable to say the least, the enclosed disclaimer was, as it later turned out, misleading. All of us who dared to appeal to the decision of distribution of the funds for the year 2008 were punished by losing the associated monthly payment until the National Assembly approves the appeal procedure.

The procedure may take a long time and until then we must make monthly payments to the 91 personal assistants that we employ. Without a quick resolution of the issue at hand we are facing the dismantling of our programme and consequently deprivation of 103 of our users and 99 unemployed persons. Let us remind you that the FIHO funds allocated to YHD for the year 2008 is less than we require for the normal functioning of our programme. This is the reason why we appealed because we were well aware that the priorities of financing and appropriate destination of the funds are not being taken into consideration.For six years we have been writing proposals and initiatives and amendments to the acts and laws concerning the foundation. We have also proposed numerous systemic solutions that would regulate the field of social care on the long run and ensure independent living, deinstitutionalisation, empowerment of an individual who should have full control over the services are implemented.

Political decisions and the political will shown is nothing but outright mockery. Our arguments, dialog, and institutional and legal procedures have turned out to be a waste of time, energy and money. We are repulsed with everything that has taken place and is allowed to happen. It seems that the results of one’s work mean nothing in this country and bear no importance at all. All that counts is to be on the right side, to be corrupt, to be ready to do anything, to be cunning, to use all methods of pressure and extortion, but of course you need the resources for lobbying and the legal machinery that clears the possible complaints or makes use of legal exhaustion. The most productive profession in Slovenia is a profession of a disabled person.

The already mentioned report of the EC is very telling. The part of the report that describes Slovenia by a researcher at the University of Siegen (Germany) notes in the introduction that in spite the many appeals to Ministry of Work, Family and Social Affairs, the National Education Institute and Ministry of Health she received no reply from either of these institutions. Her main source of information about Slovenia was thus a report titled “Rights of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities; Accessibility to Education and Employment by Prof. Darja Zaviršek that she prepared with the support of the Open Society Institute and  EUMAP (EU Monitoring and Advocacy Programme). 

The EC report supports the development of community services and independent living of the disabled at the highest level possible and cites only two positive examples: the Silva Foundation and the YHD Association.  This is tragic given that Government Council for Persons with Disabilities published a special publication in which it aims to discredit us and settle account with our association (with no consequences or accepting responsibility for their actions up to this point). What is especially tragic and pitiful is the fact that there are two bodies within the framework of the Ministry of Work, Family and Social Affairs: the Directorate for the Disabled and last but not least the Committee on Labour, the Family Social Policy and Disability that do not seem to be competent enough to offer answers to the new challenges brought about by the new concepts in the field of social, invalid and health care, and above all human rights and equality.  

What else can we do to preserve our existence? 

We need to somehow force you to make things right. 

Just so we are clear about the institutions that we have in mind in the “you” in the sentence above: 

The National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, The Government of the Republic of Slovenia, Ministry of Work, Family and Social Affairs, Commission for Petitions, Human Rights and Equal Opportunities, Committee on Labour, the Family Social Policy and Disability   

Elena Pečarič – president Association for Theory and Culture of Handicap 

Theatre company Mind the Gap is working with Bradford Council to set up its new headquarters in part of Listers Mill, which is currently being regenerated.

Formed in 1988, Mind the Gap is one of the UK’s leading theatre companies for learning-disabled actors. T

he Arts Council donated £1.25m towards the cost of the centre, which is expected to open in July. Councillor Andrew Mallinson said: “Mind the Gap provides a wonderful service in the community and Bradford Council has worked very hard with them to secure funding to make this new centre possible. “We are really excited about the prospect of having one of the leading theatre companies opening its new headquarters in Bradford.”

By Sara Gardner
January 22, 2008
Almost forty-five years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream that one day African Americans would enjoy equality, and today, Barack Obama is running for President. I believe Dr. King would be proud. Because of his dream, and the incredible drawing-together of blacks and whites alike to gain civil liberties for minorities, the United States of America is a very different place today than it was in 1963.I, too, have a dream.

A dream about acceptance and equality. A dream that one day autistics will not have to hide our true selves in fear and shame. A dream that one day parents will proudly say “my child is autistic” and look forward to understanding and support, instead of denial and exclusion. A dream that a man will say to his colleague, “I am autistic” and begin a dialog of communication and kindness, instead of back-stabbing and rumor.

I have a dream that research efforts will be spent on learning ways to communicate with autistics, rather than “cure” them. I have a dream that families will stop seeing their autistic children as typical children with a disabling flaw and begin to see them as they are: fundamentally different – neurologically different – and thus these families will start to see all the positive differences as well as the more difficult-to-understand ones.

Our brains are wired differently. Change our brains and you change who we are. I have a dream that one day, autistics will be judged – not by the size of their amygdala – but by the content of their character.But, unless autistics are willing to come out and say “I am autistic” this dream will never become reality.

Unless parents are willing to tell their children “you are autistic” this dream will die. Unless people are willing to stand up, and insist that autistics have basic human rights to freedom of expression – expression that just might include rocking and flapping and twirling around – then autistics will forever remain in the shadows.Families will continue to hide autism from their children and acquaintances. Adults will continue to hide their autism from their co-workers and friends. All without ever realizing that their condition isn’t really “hidden”. All without realizing that the “typical” people know intrinsically that there is something very different about them. And that they are being labeled whether they choose the label or not.

So, I say – choose the label of Autism. Choose truth. Choose reality. Autism is not a bad word. It’s a neurological difference. Autistics have made, and continue to make, incredible contributions to our society. We need autistics. And autistics need to be accepted and respected. Dream along with me, that one day, “autistic” will be just another word, and not a pejorative. That one day on a playground, a child will tell his companion, “I’m autistic” and the other child will say “Cool! Come on, race you to the swings.”

Sarah is a member of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.

At the invitation of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Gordana Rajkov, Member of Parliament of the Republic of Serbia, gave presentation on position of people with disabilities in Serbia and the current situation regarding disability issues.  

The introduction to this meeting, held on 9 January 2008 in premises of American Embassy in Belgrade, was given by Michael Harvey, USAID Mission Director to Serbia. There were around twenty representatives and associates from various programs and departments of USAID in Belgrade. 

Gordana Rajkov’s presentation contained information on legal and factual position of people with disabilities in Serbia, meaning available data on number of people with disabilities and legal framework on disability issues, as well as basic data on poverty, education, employment and political and civic involvement of people with disabilities. Among all it was mentioned that in Serbia around 60% of people with disabilities live below the poverty line, around 50% have only elementary school or are literate, only 13% of people with disabilities are employed, and around 60% of them do not participate in social life of the community. 

This presentation was a basis for discussion on what could be done in future, and of course, opened many questions raised by participants. One of the questions was related to employment of people with disabilities, meaning how much capacity is there to get people with disabilities into labor force. There were also questions related to discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the question on general attitude towards people with disabilities.

The process of drafting and adopting the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the member countries of the United Nations has now brought the issues of discrimination and exclusion faced by persons with disabilities to centre stage.

The universal definition and understanding of Disability has rightfully moved from being a merely ‘Medical’ to a ‘Human Rights’ framework and heralded a paradigm shift from ‘charity’ to ‘rights based’ approach.

Article 1 of the Convention says “The purpose of the Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.”

In Oct 2007, India has become one of the first few countries to ratify this convention a move that has made all of us happy and proud indeed.

Questions usually addressed to persons with disabilities like “When did you become disabled?”, “How did you become disabled?” should now make way to discussions and finding solutions on questions such as “Are you getting the freedom and choice to live the way you have wanted at home and in society?”, “Does your house/ educational institution / place of work have provisions to enable you to access the toilet safely/ independently?”, “Are you able to make use of the public transport?”, “Are you able to get education on an equal footing like everyone else?”, “Are you getting opportunities for gainful employment?”, “Are you able to benefit from the different development schemes from the Govt.?”, “Do you get an equal share in the property?” , “Are you being restricted from setting-up your own family?”.

In 1995, India enacted “The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act”. The various articles in the present Convention further strengthens the above Act by elaborating the various rights, obligations and monitoring mechanisms that the state parties (countries) need to build on/ adopt.

The Convention, in Article 1, further does not limit to only the 7 disabilities (Blindness, Low vision, Leprosy-cured, Hearing impairment, Loco motor disability, Mental retardation and Mental illness) that have been mentioned in the Persons with Disabilities Act but has opened up a wider definition as – “People with disabilities who have long-term impairments, for example, physical, psycho-social, intellectual and who cannot get involved in society because of different reasons, such as attitudes, language, stairs, and laws, which prevent people with disabilities from being included in society.”  This broad based definition and the recognition of various barriers posed by society assists us to develop a more holistic and sensitive approach in addressing the discriminations faced by persons with disabilities in society.

Following these developments, there is a huge need for creating awareness among persons with disabilities, their care givers, the society at large, and the Government and Non-Government Organisations on the UNCRPD. There is also a need to develop appropriate strategies to review existing laws, policies, programmes and monitoring mechanisms of Govt. Non-Government Organisations and other agencies.

Further, this convention by design is not limited to only Govt. establishments. The Convention states that private businesses and organizations that are open to the public parties have to take initiatives to “eliminate barriers that people with disabilities face in buildings, the outdoors, transport, information, communication and services”.

It is no longer enough to be content with providing a few “good willed” services such as a “wheelchair” or a “hearing aid” or “disability pension” .  It is going to be whether the laws, policies, programmes and schemes are in line and reinforce the principles of the Convention that focus on Dignity,   Ability to choose,  Independence,  Non-discrimination, Participation, Full inclusion,  Respect for difference, Acceptance of disability as part of everyday life, Equality of opportunity, Accessibility,   Equality of men and women and Respect for children.

By signing and ratifying this Convention, it is now legally binding on India and other countries of the UN to create and promote an environment where persons with disabilities are able to exercise their civil, political, social and cultural rights fairly and without prejudice.

It is time that Govt. representatives, representatives from Disabled People’s Organisations, NGOs and other stake holders sit together and chalk out precise strategies as operation plan to take the Convention forward. If this is not done the Convention will be just another book on the shelf.

Finally, this Convention is about creating a society that recognizes and respects the diverse needs of humankind.

References:

1. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is at http://www.un.org/disabilities/
2. The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act is at http://ccdisabilities.nic.in/

About the author:

C. Mahesh works for CBR Forum, as the Advocacy Coordinator in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities through 87 of their community based rehabilitation programmes across the country. In addition he is actively involved with the Office of the Commissioner (Disabilities) Karnataka and other networks in promoting ‘barrier-free’ environment and advocating for the effective implementation of The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act.

C. Mahesh;  +91 80 2549 7387 or 2549 7388; advocacy.cbrforum@gmail.com or cbrforum@gmail.com; www.cbrforum.in

Canada’s Transport Agency announced today that persons with disability who require an attendant no longer need to pay for two seats. 

The government has imposed a “one-person, one-fare” policy that the airlines have to honour, meaning that the attendant travel free. It will be a while before everything is ironed out but it is a step in the right direction. 

Our bus and train transportation has had the policy in place for many years, so it is good to have the airlines on board (so to speak).

The ruling applies for domestic travel only. 

Information on new Visa rules for Serbian citizens could be found on EC delegation in Serbia site

http://www.europa.org.yu/code/navigate.php?Id=115