Welcome to the United Nations
Back to the Fourth session of the Conference of States Parties
Printable list of side-events: Updated - 6 September
7 September
Time: 11.45 - 1.00
Venue: E
Title: Gender Perspectives: Using International Law to Advance the Rights of Women and Girls with Disabilities
Organizer: AUCD – Association of University Centers on Disability, Center on Disabilities, University of Hawaii at Manoa, co-sponsor: UNFPA and DESA.
Speakers: Rangita DeSilva, Director of International Human Rights Policy ; Stephanie Ortoleva, current international human rights lawyer; Carole J. Petersen, Director of the Matsunaga Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution and Professor of Law, (moderator);Akiko Ito, UNESCO representative (to be confirmed), UNFPA representative (to be confirmed);
Details: This panel invites participants to apply a gender perspective to disability and will discuss how gender and disability are currently applied in the context of existing international norms and United Nations mechanisms. We will also explore ways to empower women and girls disabilities and to mitigate violence against them. (23)
Time: 1.15 - 2.30
Venue: 4
Title: Why Persons with Disabilities Need a Global Network to Advance Their Rights
Organizer: Permanent Mission of Turkey/World Disability Foundation
Speakers: Mr. Metin Senturk – President – World Disability Foundation, Mr. Necdet Ozrturk – Vice President- World Disability Foundation, Ms. Nursel Atar – Attorney – World Disability Foundation
Details: Discussions on the importance of global networking and cooperation among organisation and institutions working in disability. With regards to the subject participants will introduced the World Disability Union and its vision of the international cooperation among local NGOs for persons with disabilities by the Vice president, Mr Necdet Ozturk. The Founding President, Mr. Mertin Senturk's personal world speed record will be showcased and he will give a small concert to symbolize personal achievement of a person with visual disability.
Summary: On September 7, 2011, World Disability Foundation (WDF) of Istanbul, Turkey hosted a side event at the 4th Session Conference of the State Parties to the CRPD, co-sponsored by the Turkish Permanent Mission to the United Nations. The panel was moderated by Ms. Janet Lord and Ms. Nursel Atar, both legal experts on disability law. Mr. Metin Senturk and Mr. Necdet Ozturk took the floor at the panel discussion. The President of the WDF Metin Senturk, an artist and activist with visual impairment, not only gave a speech about WDF but also played his instrument and sang two songs which was hailed as a fresh new approach to holding a side event. Among the topics emphasized at the event were the importance of the 2012 Disability and Development High Level Meeting, capacity building, success management, contribution to the implementation of CRPD through international cooperation, advancement of DPOs and NGOs, and working towards the establishment of the World Disability Union in Istanbul. (22)
Time: 1.15 - 2.30
Venue: B
Title: From Policy to Practice: Global Perspectives on Inclusive Education
Organizers: UNICEF, International Disability Alliance (IDA), Human Rights Watch (HRW), FIDIDA and Finnish universities
Speakers: Representative from UNICEF, Representative from IDA, Judy Heumann, Special Advisor on International Disability Rights, US State Department, Shantha Rau Barriga, Human Rights Watch, Kalle Konkkola, FIDIDA (Network of Finnish Disabled Peoples’ Organizations)
Summary: The event focused on effective strategies for supporting the inclusion of children with disabilities in schools. Speakers highlighted the need for governments to take interim steps toward creating fully inclusive education systems. Participants discussed the various interpretations of "inclusive education" (access to the education system through special schools versus creating school environments where all students can learn). Speakers shared examples of inclusive education in practice from around the world, particularly in the United States and Nepal, and discussed how it
can be implemented in low-resource countries. The event featured remarks on the major barriers faced by deaf children and how deaf people and other persons with disabilities should be involved in implementing an inclusive education strategy. Specific recommendations were shared from the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Education Vernor Muñoz and a new report by Human Rights Watch, including the need for teacher training, curriculum adaptations, data collection, and support for parents. Participants also learned that USAID will soon launch their inclusive education strategy. (31)
Time: 1.15 - 2.30
Venue: E
Title: Tools for Transformation: Resources Developed through International Cooperation
Organizers: Rehabilitation International, Disability Rights Fund and US International Council on Disabilities (USCID); co-sponsored by DESA
Speakers: Anne Hawker, President of RI, Rehabilitation International, Catherine Townsend, Co-chair, Disability Rights Fund, David Morrissey, Executive Director, US International Council on Disabilities
Details: Article 32 calls for international cooperation in implementing the CRPD. This session will highlight three new resources: 1) Rehabilitation International’s best practices for training stakeholders in leadership, self-advocacy, and the rights to health, rehabilitation and work; 2) a new guide for donors by the Disability Rights Fund provides practical guidance; 3) the Global Disability Rights Library distributes information to communities without internet access. (10)
Time: 1.15 - 2.30
Venue: 7
Title: Working Group on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, High Level Authorities’ Meeting on Human Rights of MERCOSUR
Organizers: CO.NA.DIS (National Advisory Commission for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities of the Republic of Argentina); GPDD (Global Partnership for Disability and Development); Sponsored by DESA and the World Bank
Speakers: Lic. Silvia Bersanelli, Secretary General, CO.NA.DIS, Argentina; Lic. Ana Paula Crosara de Resende, Director, Director of Thematic Policies on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, National Secretary for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities SNDPD, Brazil; Dr. Alberto Dellagata, National Honorary Disability Commission CNHD, Uruguay.
Commentator: Aleksandra Posarac, Lead Economist, Disability and Development team leader, HDNSP, World Bank
Details: Regional arrangements and cooperation in the implementation and follow-up of the CRPD are very important to promote regional and subregional collaboration, enhance capacity-building and awareness, and render technical assistance. This side event will highlight the activities sustained by the Working Group on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, High Level Authorities’ Meeting on Human Rights of MERCOSUR. (11)
Time: 1.15 - 2.30
Venue: 6 (PLEASE NOTE NEW CONFERENCE ROOM NUMBER)
Title: Disability, international development and cooperation policies and the Millennium Development Goals
Organizer: Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations
Speakers: Ms Isabel Martínez, Secretary General for Social Policy, Spanish Ministry of Health and Social Policy, - Mr. Jaime Alejandre, Director General for Disability Policies, Spanish Ministry of Health and Social Policy, Ms Ana Peláez Narváez, Member of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, - Mr. Luis Cayo Pérez-Bueno, President of the Spanish Committee of Representatives of Persons with Disabilities (CERMI), Representative of the Permanent Mission of Spain to the United Nations, Ms Regina Atalla, Member of the Board of Directors of the International Disability Alliance.
Details: The promotion of Human Rights is one of the most important objectives of the Spanish international cooperation policy. During the session, speakers will analyze the relationship between the abovementioned policy and the human rights of persons with disabilities, emphasizing its importance in the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals. The event will be opened with the presentation of the report “Poverty, disability and human rights”, by Beatriz Martinez Ríos, who was awarded the III CERMI Disability and Human Rights Award. See Invitation and Flyer (27)
Time: 2.45 p.m.
Venue: Visitors’ Lobby, UN Headquarters
Title: Concert for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: "Spes" Anthem for Hope (inspired by the CRPD)
Organizer: Permanent Mission of Spain to the UN
Details: The side event on Disability, international development and cooperation policies and the Millennium Development Goals (from 1.15 pm-2.30 pm in Conference Room 8) will be followed by a concert in the UN Visitor’s Lobby. The orchestra will be made up of 20 musicians, a choir of 30 singers and 2 soloists-soprano and tenor from different countries. They will interpret Spes, the Anthem for Hope by Pablo Peláez. This Anthem is dedicated by its composer to the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and aims to promote and raise awareness on its principles and values to further the implementation of this international treaty. (28)
Time: 3.00-4.15
Venue: B
Title: Rights and Welfare for Older Persons with Disabilities
Organizer: Swedish Institute of Assistive Technology (SIAT)
Speakers: Introduction by Ms Maria Larsson, Swedish Minister for Health and Social Affairs; Mr Javed Abidi, Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) in India, founder of the Disability Rights Group, India; Ms Ima Placencia, European Commission, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Deputy Head of Unit Integration of People with Disabilities
Details: Could CRPD be a tool to ensure older person’s rights and dignity? The global demographic situation is rapidly changing and many countries will face an increased population being older and likely to become persons with disabilities – but with challenges comes new possibilities. Join us to explore a global change and a global challenge. (3)
Time: 3.00-4.15
Venue: E
Title: A Voice of Our Own Documentary
Organizer: Disabled Peoples' International North America and the Caribbean Inc. (DPI NAC Inc.)
Speakers: Mr. Leslie A. Emanuel, Executive Director, DPI NAC Inc.
Details: A Voice of Our Own is a documentary produced by DPI NAC Inc. in 2010 that takes an intimate look into the lives of four (4) indigenous Antiguans and Barbudans with different disabilities. The views and opinions expressed by the participants are indicative of the situation of persons with disabilities in general in every country in the English-speaking Caribbean that is comprised of developing countries. (9)
Time: 4.45-6.00
Venue: B
Title: Unlimited: Towards Good Practice on the CRPD in the Commonwealth
Organizer: Commonwealth Secretariat and DESA
Invited Speakers: Dr Purna Sen (Commonwealth Secretariat) H.E. Mr. Shekou M. Touray (Sierra Leone) , Ambassador and Permanent representative of Sierra Leone to the UN, Mr Alvin McIntosh (Jamaica), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Mr Javed Abidi N.C.P.E.D.P (India), Mr Ronald McCallum, Chairperson CRPD Committee (Australia), DESA (Representative).
Details: An exploration of the initiatives undertaken on disability rights in parts of the Commonwealth, identifying gaps and challenges and sharing ways to promote good practice to promote the rights of persons with disabilities in the Commonwealth (http://www.thecommonwealth.org/). (16)
Time: 4.45 - 6.00
Venue: E
Title: The Impact of the CRPD on States Parties Policies: Early Indicators, Implications for Reasonable Accommodation, Technology and Employment, ILO Initiatives
Organizer: G3ict, Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs, co-hosting with the International Labour Organization (ILO)
Speakers: Co-hosts: Barbara Murray, Senior Specialist – Disability, ILO; Axel Leblois, Executive Director, G3ict ; Moderator: John Kemp, President & CEO, Abilities! Panelists: Susan Mazrui, Director, Global Public Policy, AT&T; Frances West, World Wide Director, Human Ability & Accessibility Center, IBM; James Thurston, Sr. Strategist – Global Policy & Standards, Microsoft; Janet Parker, Corporate VP, Human Resources, Time Warner Cable
Details: According to G3ict's latest global CRPD Progress Report, States Parties are fast adopting legislations reflecting the dispositions of the CRPD on reasonable accommodation and accessibility. This session will provide a unique insight into the experience of international technology companies at the forefront of innovation in matters of employment of persons with disabilities. Those testimonies will demonstrate how the dispositions of the CRPD on reasonable accommodation and employment are in fact already implemented by major private sector organizations. A presentation of the ILO Global Business and Disability Network, constituted of large private sector corporations from around the world, will conclude the session. Also, see the Invitation to the event. (21)
Time: 4.45 - 6.00
Venue: Conf. Rm. 7 (PLEASE NOTE NEW CONFERENCE ROOM NUMBER)
Title: The Hague 2000 Protection of Adults Convention and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Synergies and Support for International Co-operation for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults
Organizer: Hague Conference on Private International Law
Speakers: Ms. Maja Groff, Legal Officer, Hague Conference on Private International Law (www.hcch.net), Delegate from a State Party to both the 2000 Convention and the UN 2006 Convention (to be confirmed)
Details: Addressing a Conference sub-theme, the Hague Convention of 13 January 2000 on the International Protection of Adults (http://www.hcch.net/index_en.php?act=conventions.text&cid=71) will be introduced as a tool to implement Articles 12 and 32 of the 2006 Convention. The international co-operation features built into the 2000 Convention to protect vulnerable adults across borders will also be addressed. (13)
Time: 6.15 - 7.30
Venue: 4
Title: How to Engage Media to Promote Awareness
Organizer: ABILITY Awareness
Speakers: Jamie Colby - FOX News Anchor, Dr. Valerie Karr - Adelphi University - Brown Lloyd James PR, Regina Hall – Actress, Journalist - ABILITY Magazine, Daniel Chalfen – Documentary Producer, Chet Cooper – ABILITY Awareness; Lara Salahi, ABC News Health and Medical Coverage; Judy Young, Manager of our National Employer Technical Assistance Center on Employment of People with Disabilities, Cornell University; Patricia Almeida, journalist and Vice-Consul for Consular Protection at the Brazilian Consulate in NY, Special advisor Brazilian Secretary for Disability within the Ministry for Human Rights in Brazil; Romney Snyder, Former Director of the ABILITY House Program; TBA – CNN News
Details: The Panel will discuss best practices to foster media attention to disability issues. Topics discussed will include: writing a press release that will be noticed, what to pitch, who to pitch, Underlining theme -pity – charitable – human interest, effective squeaky wheel, TV-Radio-Print-Web-Social Media—different media, different approach. (1)
Time: 6.15-7.30
Venue: B
Title: Join the Global Campaign on Living and Being Included in the Community
Organizer: Inclusion International (II) & Mental Disability Advocacy Center (MDAC), others
Speakers: TBC, Klaus Lachwitz, President II, Connie Laurin-Bowie, Executive Director Inclusion International, Oliver Lewis, Director MDAC, others TBC
Details: The event will detail international efforts by Inclusion International, MDAC and other international organizations to raise awareness with governments and other stakeholders of the rights contained in Article 19 and their implications for policy makers. Inclusion International will share its participatory research initiative which will culminate in a Global Report to be released in October 2012. MDAC and other partner organizations will discuss policy initiatives at the European Commission which will impact on the implementation of Article 19. (12)
Time: 6.15 - 7.30 p.m.
Venue: C
Title: Harnessing the Power of Young People with Disabilities as partners for development
Organizer: UN DESA – UN Programme on Youth and the Secretariat of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNICEF, UNESCO and Leonard Cheshire Disability
Speakers: Daniela Bas, Director, Division for Social Policy and Development, DESA, Rosangela Berman Bieler, Senior Adviser on Children with Disabilities, UNICEF, Dianne Mallari, Leonard Cheshire Disability Young Voices (Philippines) and Richard Mbugua Mwathi, Leonard Cheshire Disability Young Voices (Kenya), Victor Pineda (Pineda Foundation for Youth/World Enabled)
Details: The event will include a screening of a short movie featuring young people with disabilities. It will then be followed by a panel discussion featuring both youth advocates and supporters who will discuss collaborations across sectors to strengthen networks of youth leadership and advocacy. The event will also include a policy dialogue on youth with disabilities.
Summary: The side-event co-sponsored by DESA and Leonard Cheshire Disability with the support of UNICEF and UNESCO aimed at pre-launching DESA's upcoming publication "'Building a Better Tomorrow for All', the voices of young people with disabilities on the process and challenges involved in creating an equal global community".
Such event brought together 3 youth activists with disabilities (2 of them represented Leonard Cheshire Disability Youth Voices and the third one was Victor Pineda, Victor Pineda Foundation) as well as Rosangela Berman Bieler, of UNICEF. The 4 panelists (one of them joined us via a video recorded message) discussed issues faced by young people with disabilities and envisioned some of the many ways to involve youth with disabilities in the mainstream and disability agenda. (35)
Time: 6.15 - 7.30
Venue: E
Title: Transformation and Innovation: employment Policies and Practices that Enhance Labour Market Participation for Persons with Disabilities
Organizer: Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL)
Speakers: (TBC)
Details: The purpose of the side-event will be to explore policies and practices that enable access to inclusive labour markets and competitive employment for adults with intellectual disabilities. This information would help communities and States Parties enhance labour market attachment and improve employment outcomes for adults with intellectual disabilities. (7)
Time: 6.15- 7.30
Venue: 6
Title: Commonwealth Disabled Peoples' Forum
Organizer: Members of the Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Disabled Peoples Forum invite all persons with disabilities from Commonwealth Countries to an open meeting to discuss the work of the organization. (40)
Time: 6.15- 7.30
Venue: 7
Title: Using the World report on disability as a tool for implementing the CRPD
Organizer: World Health Organization and World Bank, co-sponsored by DESA
Speakers: The event will be hosted by WHO the World Bank and DESA and will feature contributions from the CRPD Committee, DPO community and member states (representatives to be confirmed).
Details: The first ever World report on disability, published jointly by WHO and the World Bank, suggests that more than a billion people in the world today experience disability. This pioneering World report on disability will make a significant contribution to implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. At the intersection of human rights and development, the report provides an important resource for policy-makers, service providers, professionals, and advocates for people with disabilities and their families. More information: http://www.who.int/disabilities/world_report/2011/en/index.html. CART services will be provided. (19)
8 September
Time: 10.00 - 11.15
Venue: B
Title: Developing policies and legislative frameworks that promote disability programmes in Africa: The Kenyan experience
Organizer: Mission on the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations.
Speakers: Kibaya I. Laibuta Constitutional Guarantees on the Rights of PWDs, Josephine Sinyo Legislation for Persons with Disabilities, Phoebe Nyagundi National Council for Persons with Disabilities, Cecilia Mbaka Legislation, Policies and Social Protection programmes for PWDs
Details: According to the UN report of 9th June, 2011, more than one billion people worldwide experience some form of disability. Half of these live in developing countries like Africa. This calls for State Parties that are signatory to CRPD to work towards eliminating those barriers that often relegate persons with disabilities to the margins of society and to invest proportional resources in legislation, policies and programmes that unlock the vast potential of persons with disabilities. Kenya’s experience in the constitution making process, formulation and implementation of legislative frameworks, prolific disability policy and programmes for PWDs provide valuable lessons for other African countries. (32)
Time: 10.00 - 11.15
Venue: E
Title: Addressing Disability in Early Childhood
Organizer: UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO
Speakers: Nurper Ulkuer, Chief of UNICEF’s Early Childhood Development Unit; Alana Officer, Coordinator of the World Health Organization’s Disability and Rehabilitation Team; UNESCO representative; Connie Lauren-Bowie, Executive Director of Inclusion International on behalf of the International Disability Alliance; Susan McKay the Director of Disability Inclusive Development for the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID); and Dr. Michael Guralnick a leading expert on disability in early childhood from the University of Washington.
Details: This interactive discussion will provide an opportunity for advocates, policy makers, and early intervention specialists to share experiences and strategies for addressing disabilities in early childhood through comprehensive and integrated policies and programmes. Sign language and CART services will be provided. (20)
Time: 11.45-1.00
Venue: B
Title: Empowering Persons with disabilities though Education a University of west Indies Experience
Organizer: UWI Centre for Disabilities Studies, Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the UN
Speakers: Floyd Morris ( former Senator and Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in Jamaica and currently the Coordinator/Head for the UWI Center for Disability Studies.
Details: Presentation on the University of West Indies experience in providing education and training for person with disabilities in the English speaking Caribbean. During the past ten years, for example, UWI has graduate over one hundred students with disabilities who pursued various areas of studies ranging from a first degree to PHD.
Note: The University of the West Indies (UWI) is the premier tertiary educational institution in the English-Speaking Caribbean. It has 3 main campuses and accepted its first student with a disability on the Mona campus in the 1960s. Since then, the institution has adopted a progressive approach towards education and training and this has seen a number of persons with disabilities (PWDs) graduating from that institution. Over the last 20 years, its Mona campus has put in place some policies which has yielded positive results for PWDs. These include: Adoption of policy for PWDs,
Establishment of special committee to cater to the needs of PWDs, Construction of special facility for PWDs, Purchase of modern technologies for PWDs, Improving physical access for PWDs, Building of large cadre of volunteers for PWDs.
The experience of UWI Mona in providing education for PWDs makes an excellent case study as this has resulted in over 100 PWDs graduating from the institution within the last 10 years. It is this experience that was presented at the Side Event at the UN Conference of States Parties. (37)
Time: 11.45-1.00
Venue: E
Title: Calling States to Account: The role of National Human Rights Institutions in Monitoring Implementation of the CRPD
Organizer: Canadian Human Rights Commission, International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Harvard Law School Project on Disability
Moderator: Prof. Michael Stein, Harvard Law School Project on Disability
Speakers: David Langtry, Acting Chief Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission; Harvey Goldberg Senior Policy Advisor, Canadian Human Rights Commission; Dr. Judy McGregor, Joint Acting Disability Rights Commissioner, New Zealand Human Rights Commission; Diane Mulligan, Great Britain Equality and Human Rights Commission
Details: The requirements of Article 33.2 to establish independent mechanisms to promote, protect and monitor the rights set out in the CRPD is a powerful new tool for calling states to account for implementation of the Convention. Article 33.2 can also be a powerful catalyst to fostering dialogue at the domestic level between states, civil society, DPOs and people with disabilities. In establishing independent mechanisms the CRPD requires states to take into account the same standards (the Paris Principles) used for the international accreditation of National Human Rights Institutions. A recent survey of NHRIs indicated that many have already been designated as independent mechanisms and others anticipate that this will happen. The side event will review the findings of the survey and discuss how existing, and yet to be created National Human Rights Institutions, can help to ensure implementation of the CRPD. See also: CALLING STATES TO ACCOUNT: The Role of National Human Rights Institutions. (24)
Time: 1.15-2.30
Venue: 4
Title: Attitudes towards persons with disabilities in working life
Organizer: Handisam, Swedish Agency for Disability Policy Coordination
Speakers: Maria Larsson, the Swedish minister for children and elderly
Summary: The side-event was organized by the Swedish Government, presently chairing the Conference of State Parties to the Convention. Taking up one of this year’s priority themes, access to working life/employment, the idea was to organize a side event on different perspectives on where we stand today and what challenges the future hold working towards realizing the CRPD regarding attitudes and participation in working life for persons with disabilities. During the event the Rapporteur on Disability and a board member of the International Disability Alliance shared their points of view. In order to get a broader perspective on the topic, a gender perspective on working life and disability was also presented, as well as a project on how to actually change attitudes about mental disabilities. After the event, during the sponsored lunch, discussions between panelists and participants continued. (4)
Time: 1.15 - 2.30
Venue: B
Title: Autism – Life Saving Awareness
Organizer: Permanent Missions of Angola, Germany and Israel, the Eng Aja Eze Foundation and Alut- the Israeli Society for Autistic People
Speakers:
Details: Over the years studies have shown the importance of early comprehensive intervention services. When it comes to autism, it is critical that children be diagnosed as early as possible and referred to appropriate effective intervention services. Some children that received such early intervention services achieved remarkable long lasting gains. Increasing global communities’ awareness to autism, especially in Africa, may help make the change and improve lives of many people with autism, by advancing them from the time of infancy. The knowledge of the symptoms of autism must reach everybody – beginning with doctors, psychologists, therapists through kindergarten and school teachers and ending with parents, siblings and grandparents. Therefore, raising awareness is the most important task today of all organizations dealing with autism. Read the Concept Note on the event. (18)
Time: 1.15-2.30
Venue: E
Title: Implementing Article 24: Inclusive Education through International Cooperation
Organizer: U.S. and Australian Governments: USAID and AusAID.
Co-Chairs: Rosemary McKay, Director, Disability Inclusive Development, Australian AID; Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, Coordinator, Office for Disability and Inclusive Development, USAID
Presenters: Mr. David Coleman, Education Advisor, AusAID; Mr. Roger Tootooalii Stanley, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, Samoa; Dr. Suezan Lee, Acting Basic Education Team Lead, USAID; Ms. Donna Lene, Director of Special Needs Education Society (SENES) Samoa; Dr. W. Aubrey Webson, Director, Perkins International; Ms. Judy Gregorian, United States Department of Education
Details: The side event will highlight U.S. and Australian efforts on inclusive education. CART and ASL will be provided (15)
Time: 1.15- 2.30
Venue: 6
Title: DPO Collaboration to build UNCRPD capacity in the South Pacific
Organizer: Pacific Disability Forum, United Kingdom Disabled People's Council (formerly British Council of Disabled People)
Speakers: Setarreki Macanawai CEO Pacific Disability Forum
Richard Rieser, UKDPC International Committee/ World of Inclusion
Details: UKDPC/PDF collaborated on a Commonwealth Foundation funded project to develop the capacity of DPOs in the South Pacific to ratify and implement the UNCRPD. Initial contacts, agreements, survey, situation analysis, materials and successful 6 day training of DPO/ Young disabled leaders from 8 countries and outcomes will be presented and discussed. (5)
Time: 3.00-4.15
Venue: E
Title: Accessible Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Current Initiatives
Organizer: GAATES (Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments)
Speakers: Gary Fowlie, Head, International Telecommunication Union Liaison Office to the United Nations , Cynthia Waddell, Executive Director, International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet (GAATES First Vice President), Bob Topping, Architect, Designable Environments, Inc. (GAATES Treasurer),Chuck Letourneau, Owner & Principal Consultant, Starling Access Services (GAATES Secretary), Hani Abu Huwaij, sponsored by Higher Council for Affairs of Persons with Disabilities, Jordan.
Details: Focus on leading initiatives around the world on accessible information and communication technologies (ICTs); presentations from ITU, lead UN agency on technology, and GAATES multi-stakeholders. Topics include ITU Connect a School, Connect a Community for development; Free and Open Source Software; Accessible ICT standards in Abu Dhabi; a resource project in Canada; government procurement models, and software innovation for persons with quadriplegia. CART and ASL will be provided. See promotional flyer for event in English, Arabic, French and Spanish
Summary: The Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES) side event was moderated by Cynthia D. Waddell, GAATES 1st Vice President and Executive Director of the International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet (ICDRI). The GAATES panel of speakers represented the accessibility issues of ICT: availability, affordability and accessible design. All five presentations are available online at http://www.gaates.org/013Papers.shtml#UNSide. Gary Fowlie, Head, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Liaison Office to the United Nations, spoke on “Connect a School, Connect a Community and ICTS for Persons with Disabilities.” He discussed: ITU’s role in promoting connected, schools and accessible ICTs, Challenges and solutions for school connectivity, Challenges in Availability, Cost and Inclusive Education, and Leveraging accessible ICT enabled schools as community hubs for job training and skills for Adults with Disabilities. Hani Abu Huwaij, sponsored by Higher Council for Affairs of persons with Disabilities, Jordan, next spoke on “Imagine Cup Award 2011: An Innovation for Persons with Quadriplegia.” He discussed how a team of university students competed and won a Microsoft Accessibility award for an innovative and cost effective software and hardware solution for persons with quadriplegia and limited physical mobility. The solution enables accessibility by providing computer control using head movements. Chuck Letourneau, GAATES Secretary and Owner of Starling Access Services, spoke on “Procurement of Accessible ICTs.” He discussed UNCRPD Articles 4, 9 and 27 and how entities can use their procurement power to purchase mainstream technology designed to be accessible. Countries implementing accessible procurement practices were highlighted and resources were provided for created procurement documents. He also pointed out that at least 420 companies provide Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates. Bob Topping, GAATES Treasurer from Designable Environments, Inc, spoke on “GAATES Resource Project for Information and Communications Regulations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Canada.” He explained the AODA regulation timetable and provisions as well as the penalties for failure to comply with the Accessible Information and Communication Standards. He also discussed the related GAATES project and resource guide Accessible Information and Communications: Guide for Small Business. Cynthia Waddell, GAATES 1st Vice President and Executive Director from ICDRI, spoke on “Update on GAATES ICT Projects and a Free & Open Source Software Business Model.” A brief overview was given on two UNESCO projects: Accessibility Guidelines for Multimedia Centres (accessible built environment & ICT) and the project underway for the Global Report on the use of ICTs in Education for Persons with Disabilities. She also discussed the completion of the Abu Dhabi Government Accessibility Enablement project that developed Phone, Kiosk and Counter Accessibility Guidelines, Toolkits and Implementation Plans. The final project discussed was one for the UNCRPD Secretariat, Technical Paper on Accessibility Provisions of the UNCRPD: For an Inclusive & Accessible Society for All, a monograph developed for the UN Expert Group 2010 Meeting on Accessibility. Finally, she highlighted Project F123, a free and open source software business model led by Botelho & Paula Consultoria of Brazil at http://f123.org. (14)
Time: 4.45 - 6.00
Venue: E
Title: A conversation with users and survivors of psychiatry about our aspirations for the CRPD
Organizer: WNUSP
Speakers: Moosa Salie (WNUSP Chair), Tina Minkowitz (CHRUSP), and others (to be confirmed).
Details: A face to face conversation with user/survivor leaders and COSP participants, in order to bring up questions/concerns people have on what is required for full implementation of the CRPD; what is impeding governments from abolishing involuntary psychiatric treatment and incapacity tests aimed at limiting full legal capacity, and all discriminatory laws. Users and survivors will speak out on what is separating discrimination (that has to be rejected), from needs that have to be met, in non-discriminatory and non-human rights violating ways.
Summary: Moosa Salie, chair of the World Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry, spoke about our worldwide movement and the serious human rights violations faced by our members including being chained and being forcibly drugged and institutionalized. Tina Minkowitz, president of the Center for the Human Rights of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry and one of the drafters of the CRPD, discussed the relevant provisions focusing on legal capacity, liberty, and integrity. In response to audience questions, we welcomed the participation of mental health professionals in changing mental health services to be more healing rather than coercive and traumatizing, acknowledged the discrimination faced by the children of people with psychosocial disabilities, and discussed how to interact in supportive ways despite one’s own feelings of frustration, by creating a valued mutual relationship that can allow both people to explore something new. (33)
Time: 6.15 - 7.30
Venue: 4
Title: Realizing Universal Suffrage: An Interactive Discussion on Challenges to Ensuring the Right to Vote for People with Disabilities
Organizer: European Disability Forum (EDF), Human Rights Watch (HRW), Mental Disability Advocacy Centre (MDAC), Open Society Foundations (OSF)
Speakers: Pat Clarke – International Disability Alliance and EDF (moderator), Oliver Lewis – MDAC, Shantha Rau Barriga – HRW, Javier Guemes – EDF, Self advocate, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (to be confirmed), Representative from State Party delegation (to be confirmed)
Details: Interactive discussion based on the following topics: analysis of voting rights for persons with disabilities based on examples from across the globe; analysis of why restrictions exist in some countries; advocacy strategies for challenging these restrictions; example of current advocacy to influence the European Commission for Democracy through Law (the Venice Commission) to redraft its ‘interpretive declaration’ on the right to vote for people with disabilities in line with Article 29 of the CRPD. (29)
Time: 6.15 - 7.30
Venue: B
Title: Disability Movement in the Arab World in the light of the Arab Spring
Organizer: Arab Organization of Disabled People (AODP)
Speakers: Dr. Nawaf Kabbara (AODP board member and chair of the monitoring unit in the AODP)
Details: The event will discuss the impact of the Arab spring on the development of the disability movement in the Arab world. The presentation will focus on the role of Arab persons with the disability in the uprising and its impact on highlighting disability rights in the Arab world. (17)
Time: 6.15 - 7.30
Venue: E
Title: Strengthening efforts to make development accessible and inclusive
Organizer: Sightsavers/Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind (on behalf of the International Disability and Development Consortium)
Speakers: Stig Langvad DPOD/ Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities , Javed Abidi- National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People , Moderator- Marianne Schulze, OHCHR, tbc, New Zealand, tbc , IDDC speaker,
Details: Based on the recently adopted Human Rights Council resolution 16/15 on Article 32 CRPD, which underscores the importance of putting the CRPD into practice through inclusive development, this discussion intends to explore what needs to be done to make inclusive development a reality, including in MDG related work. (25)
Time: 6.15 - 7.30
Venue: 7
Title: Human Rights and Inclusive Policies for Children and Adolescents with Disabilities
Organizer: Mission of Brazil
Speakers: Representatives from the Brazilian Ministry of Education; Ministry of Social Development; Ministry of Sports; Paralympic Committee; National Secretariat for Human Rights and Brazilian Congressmen.
Details: Discuss human rights with a special focus on inclusive public policies for children and adolescents with disabilities so as to strengthen, disseminate and consolidate good practices that have been institutionalized through the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (36)
Time: 6.15 - 7.30
Venue: C
Title: National and Regional Disability Strategies as Tools for Implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Organizer: Inclusion International and the Center for Disability Law and Policy, National University of Ireland Galway
Moderator: Connie Laurin-Bowie, Inclusion International
Speakers: Dr. Eilionóir Flynn, Centre for Disability Law and Policy, National University of Ireland Galway; Harvey Goldberg, Canadian Human Rights Commission; Anne Hawker, Rehabilitation International; Roseweter Mudarikwa, African Decade of Persons with Disabilities; Janet Lord, Research Associate, Harvard Law School Project on Disability; and Professor Ron McCallum, Chair of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Details: This interactive discussion will address the role of National and Regional Disability Strategies or Action Plans in implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at grassroots level. Success factors for ensuring that national and regional strategies can be effective mechanisms for domestic implementation of the Convention will be discussed. The panellists will highlight examples of best practice and lessons learned from a number of countries and regions in developing Disability Strategies. Following the panel discussion, a recently published book on National Disability Strategies: Flynn, E. From Rhetoric to Action: Implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011) will be officially launched by Professor Ron McCallum, Chair of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Read the flyer on the event.
Summary: This side event consisted of a lively panel discussion on the criteria necessary for effective disability strategies and action plans at regional and national levels that have the potential to implement the Convention at grassroots level. Key criteria discussed included the involvement of people with disabilities at all stages in planning, implementing and monitoring disability strategies, the need for transparency and accountability in reporting on progress and independent monitoring, and leadership from political actors and grassroots communities. The speakers highlighted examples of best practice from Europe, Africa, and Asia. In closing, Ron McCallum launched a new book on national disability strategies, available at: http://www.cup.cam.ac.uk/us/knowledge/isbn/item6453565/From%20Rhetoric%20to%20Action/?site_locale=en_US. (6)
9 September
Time: 10.00-11.15
Venue: B
Title: Fighting to End Institutionalization & Promote Community Inclusion: Voices of People with Disabilities from Kosovo and Mexico
Organizer: Disability Rights International
Speakers: Eric Rosenthal, Executive Director, Disability Rights International,Raul Montoya, Executive Director, Colectivo Chuhcan, Mexico, Mario Solórzano Betancourt, Director of the Strategic Litigation Program, Documenta. Analysis and action for social justice, Mexico, Members of Ne per Ne an advocacy organization of people with intellectual disabilities in Kosovo will be featured on video
Details: This event will feature advocates with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities from Mexico and Kosovo fighting against institutions that segregate them from society. Activists from Mexico will describe their mutual support and advocacy programs. We will show a video on self-advocates with intellectual disabilities from Kosovo. (30)
Time: 11.45-1.00
Venue: B
Title: Making It Work – From Good Practice to Good Policy
Organizer: Handicap International
Speakers: Priscille Geiser (Handicap International), Francesca Piatta (Handicap International), Catherine Naughton (CBM), Connie Laurin-Bowie, Inclusion International, Moctar Ba, Malian Association of Handicapped People (FEMAPH), and Michael Guy, Handicap International
Details: Making it Work is a straight-forward methodology for documenting and using existing good practices as the most effective way to implement the CRPD. Many organisations around the world are using this common approach and sharing good practices/recommendations. We will present the methodology and examples of projects (special focus: Article 29). (8)