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Interregional Seminar and Symposium on VI. Summary of proceedings of Cluster Two: capacity building for equalization of opportunitiesA. IntroductionParticipants in Cluster Two reviewed and discussed the interplay between international norms and standards and national action to further equalization of opportunities. The second segment of the Cluster focused on issues and trends in capacity building for disability action and evaluated a pilot workshop to train trainers in advocacy for equalization of opportunities. Participant discussions and working sessions directed special attention to the identification of options to build national capacities for disability-sensitive strategies, policies and programmes. B. Issues in training of trainers for equalization of opportunitiesThe pilot training workshop was organized on the premise that strengthened capacities and improved flows of information on national action and international norms and standards relating to persons with disabilities provide practical, effective and sustainable approaches to further equalization of opportunities. International norms and standard provide a framework for formulating options for national action and for evaluating outcomes. Lessons of national initiatives in terms of progress achieved and obstacles encountered provide a basis for further planning of concerted practical action to further implement international instruments. The pilot workshop was conducted over the two-day period of 14 to 15 December. Mr. Ron Chandran Dudley (Singapore) served as workshop moderator; he was assisted by an international presentation team[88] that had developed a special Internet site to support workshop proceedings, produced multimedia content to facilitate discussions and provided substantive content through Internet-based distance collaboration.[89] C. Introduction to the Standard RulesThe first workshop session considered the development setting in which the United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities[90] had been drafted and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Workshop participants noted that the Rules were drafted towards the end of the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (1983-1992) with a view to providing normative guidance to further implement the goals of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons[91] of “full participation, and equality”. While the Standard Rules are non-binding, their adoption by the General Assembly represents the strong commitment of Governments to take action to further the goal of equalization of opportunities. The Standard Rules consist of 22 Rules, which consider (1) preconditions for equalization of opportunities, (2) target areas for equal participation, (3) implementation measures and (4) monitoring mechanism. In the second workshop session participants reviewed and discussed each of the 22 Rules with reference to their own experiences in promoting full participation of persons with disabilities – as well as other social groups - in social and economic life. Some observed that the Standard Rules provide useful guidance to further equalization of opportunities for all social groups, especially those with special needs, such as families in special circumstances, receiving welfare or social assistance, or having members with HIV/AIDs. Following the intensive review of the 22 Rules, participants were asked during the third workshop session to identify three of the Rules that they judged to be of greatest importance in promoting equalization of opportunities for all. Three Rules received special mention: Rule 5 – Accessibility; Rule 6 – Employment; and Rule 7 – Education. In the fourth session workshop participants considered the role of periodic monitoring and evaluation in furthering the implementation of the Standard Rules. The fifth workshop session focused on strategies for public information and lobbying to gain policy-level support for action to further equalization of opportunities. The sixth, and final, session examined the role of information, including Internet-enabled resources, in information and advocacy campaigns. D. Role of international instruments in promoting equalization of opportunitiesThe session began with an introduction to international instruments related to persons with disabilities, which was provided in a multimedia presentation by the international team. The presentation included a brief introduction to the background to the formulation and adoption of the Standard Rules. The presentation led to an active discussion by participants on similarities and differences in promotion and monitoring the Standard Rules and the “Agenda for Action of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (1993-2002)”.[92] Participants noted that the “Agenda for Action” was monitored biennially on the basis of a questionnaire sent to Governments by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) on progress and obstacles in implementing the targets for action identified in the “Agenda”. Regular monitoring of the Decade along with periodic reviews and updates of Decade targets with the assistance of ESCAP served to stimulate governmental awareness and promote broad-based practical action to further equalization of opportunities of persons with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific. The Standard Rules include a provision for an independent monitoring mechanism, which is carried out with the assistance of the Special Rapporteur on Disability of the Commission for Social Development, who is appointed by the Secretary-General.[93] The Special Rapporteur (currently Mr. Bengt Lindqvist (Sweden)) submits his report[94] on progress and obstacles in implementing the Standard Rules triennially to the Commission for Social Development, which in turn formulates a resolution on further action to be adopted by the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations or the General Assembly, as appropriate. The multimedia presentation “Fundamental Concepts” resulted in a discussion on language and usage as this pertains to persons with disabilities.[95] Participants noted that care needs to be exercised when using the term “Prevention” since it often is associated with the medical model of disability and marginalization of persons with disabilities as objects of care and protection. In contrast, the concept “Community-based Integrated Services" suggests social inclusion and participation. Participants further noted that disability prevention introduces bio-ethical considerations. Similar remarks were directed to the term “Impairment” and its medical model connotations and to “Handicap” as a social construct. Participants stressed that their critical discussion of terms had been stimulated by the multimedia presentation and was not to be interpreted as criticism of the content of the multimedia introduction to the Standard Rules. The review and discussion of the 22 Rules included several points at which the presentation team had incorporated “Reality checks” for workshop participants to review and discuss key issues. For instance, the Reality check for Rule 1 (Awareness raising) led to an active discussion on accessible information and whether the technology employed to promote awareness is appropriate to all. The discussion on Rule 3 (Rehabilitation) focused on the empowerment of persons with disabilities to be active participants in decisions related to rehabilitation and that the persons with disability were not devalued in the process. The best definition of rehabilitation services is obtained in consultation with persons with disabilities and peer-based approaches. In the "reality check" for Rule 3 the comment was submitted that efforts by some Governments to reduce costs of public programmes and various efficiency measures could impact adversely on the situation of persons with disabilities. Moreover, these measures often did not correspond with the guidance contained in Rule 3, which is based on the premise of governmental responsibility for services delivery. In contrast, it was observed that many efficiency measures are based on outsourcing and greater involvement of community groups as responsible care providers. A related concern raised in the discussion on the Preconditions for the Rules related to provision of assistive devices. Because these were often specially manufactured or have low production runs, their costs are far higher than industrially produced goods. There was agreement on a need to include a discussion on strategies to promote more commodity-based approaches to providing assistive devices to lower their acquisition cost to users. The presentation and discussion on Target Areas for Equal Participation directed special attention to the Rules on accessibility, education and employment. A recurring theme in the discussion was the need for inclusive approaches rather than separate facilities, such as “sheltered workshops”. Some participants referred to the important “non-economic” aspects of sheltered workshops, which include socialisation and participation. Another participant made a distinction between “sunrise” and “sunset” industries when pursuing employment opportunities of persons with disabilities. Whatever approach to promoting sustainable livelihoods of persons with disabilities, participants agreed on the importance of training and support services: the focus should not be on charity but job placement. The discussion on social security, family life and culture - Rules 8, 9 and 10, respectively - took special note of their gender implications, especially as this pertains to personal care services. During the second day of the pilot workshop, Internet-based distance collaboration was used in a review and discussion of the Implementation measures of the Rules and to identify a set of priority Rules for special attention in the planning of action to promote equalization of opportunities. Distance collaboration used Internet-based text chat so that it would be accessible and would not pose bandwidth (telecommunications capacity) problems. The on-line dialogue was lively and informed. Participants identified three Rules for priority attention in the light of conditions in their countries: accessibility, education and employment, with accessibility being the most important of all the Rules. Participants expressed the view that the technology for Internet-based distance collaboration must support accessibility measures: visually or print-impaired persons should have audio content since there were not able to interpret the video content of the workshop. E. Strategies to promote equalization of opportunitiesThe workshop included a multimedia presentation on issues and strategies for lobbying and practical skills to influence public policy to further equalization of opportunities, with special reference to the situation of women with disabilities.[96] The presentation listed several points related to effective lobbying: (1) effective lobbying requires clear and distinct objectives; (2) good and reliable data are important in supporting a lobbying effort; (3) lobbying requires good allies, especially among governmental representatives; (4) lobbying also requires a clear and concise statement of reasons why the lobbying effort is being conducted and why it should be supported; (5) lobbying requires patience and persistence; (6) lobbying efforts must be coordinated among the parties concerned; (7) lobbying tactics must appropriate to the context of the particular lobbying effort; (8) effective lobbying requires that all interested parties are keep regularly informed; (9) the moment of success in a lobbying effort should be enjoyed, and then attention directed to other areas and issues. In the discussion of lobbying experiences, participants noted that successful lobbying begins at the grassroots, is based on facts and knowledge, and is appropriate to local conditions. Lobbying must seek and seize new and emerging opportunities to further implement specific goals and objectives, such as equalization opportunities. Information and communications are important and must be appropriate to conditions prevailing at the grassroots. Effective lobbying also needs to take account of relevant regional and interregional activities and instruments, and obtain regular updates of data and information. F. Findings and recommendations for further actionInternational norms provide important frameworks for advocating elimination of discrimination and promotion of equalization of opportunities; they also provide guidance in the formulation and evaluation of disability-sensitive strategies, policies and programmes. International norms must be appropriate to actual conditions in countries and strengthened by the interplay in national implementation experiences and outcomes among intended beneficiaries. The United Nations Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities constitute a comprehensive statement of normative guidance on furthering the goals of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons of “full participation, and equality”. While non-binding, the adoption of the Rules by the member States of the United Nations reflected the strong commitment of Governments to equalization of opportunities. Among the 22 Rules participants identified three Rules that merit special attention in furthering equalization of opportunities: Rule 5 - Accessibility; Rule 6 - Employment; and Rule 7 - Education. The periodic monitoring mechanisms of the Standard Rules as well as for the Asia- Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (1993-2002) provide important opportunities for Governments as well as the non-governmental community and civil society to review and assess progress in furthering equalization of opportunities and to identify new and emerging areas for attention. Capacity building for equalization of opportunities is an important concern for all social groups in their efforts to eliminate discrimination and to achieve “full participation, and equality”. On the basis of an intensive two-day review and discussion of the pilot workshop on training of trainers for equalization of opportunities, participants judged the workshop to be an unqualified success. The presentation of macro-level socio-economic policies and international issues and trends gained added significance through the introduction of relevant regional and national experiences. The workshop exchanges also identified important linkages between international instruments and the full and effective participation of social groups in social life and development. The view was expressed that further workshops might best focus on national or sub-regional coverage to obtain an improved multiplier effect from the technical exchanges and training experience. The view also was expressed that not all workshop modules might be of interest to all participants in a future workshop and the importance of tailoring workshop agenda in accordance with the particular objectives identified, results expected and desired outcomes. With regard to specific training modules, the view was expressed that training in data and statistics may be of greater interest to governmental officials than to grass root activists, which may be more interested in approaches to promoting popular participation, institution building and strategies for lobbying for equalization of opportunities. [88] Associates for International Management Services, consultant to the Equal Opportunities Commission, Hong Kong (SAR) for the Seminar <http://www.intlmgt.com>. [89] “Online guide to the Standard Rules” < http://www.worldenable.net/standardrules/default.htm>. [90] General Assembly resolution 48/96, annex, of 20 December 1993 < http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/dissre00.htm>. [91] Document A/37/351/Add.1 and Corr.1, annex, sect. VIII, recommendation I (iv), endorsed by General Assembly resolution 37/52 of 3 December 1982 <http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/diswpa00.htm>. [92] Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific resolution 48/3 of 23 April proclaimed the period 1993 to 2002 as the “Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons”, with the goal of full participation and equality of people with disabilities. The “Agenda for Action” of Decade (ESCAP document SD/DDP/1, 1992) provides a framework for formulation of policy-oriented options to further implement ESCAP resolution 48/3 < http://www.unescap.org/decade/about.htm>. [93] “Online Guide …” <http://www.worldenable.net/standardrules/sld010.htm>. [94] “Final report of the Special Rapporteur on monitoring the implementation of the Standard Rules …”document A/52/56, annex < http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/dismsre0.htm>. [95] “Online Guide …” <http://www.worldenable.net/standardrules/sld016.htm >. [96] “Lobbying for women with disabilities” <http://www.worldenable.net/women/lobbying.htm>. |
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