Pertuni :: World Blind Union Publications

January 16, 2012 WBU e-Notice

2012-01-23T02:27:00.000-08:00

 Be sure to tell us what your organization achieved in 2011 and what are your goals for 2012. We would be happy to publish and share your successes with the rest of the WBU global family.

 2012 is the 25th anniversary of the pharmaceutical corporation Merck’s decision to make available for free the drug Mectizan to combat avoidable blindness. Mectizan is a medicine that kills the parasite that causes River Blindness in many developing countries. Over the years, Merck has worked with the World Health Organization, the World Bank, INGOs, and local governments to distribute the drug Mectizan in countries were River Blindness was endemic. The World Blind Union thanks the employees and shareholders of Merck for this incredible humanitarian gesture, benefiting countless millions of men, women and children. We look forward to the day when River Blindness is eliminated worldwide.

 The Guardian UK has posted on their website 15 interviews with persons living with disabilities in developing countries. These are stories of individuals who struggle to live within their culture despite the many barriers in society. To read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2011/dec/15/disability-voices-development

 A new guide has been made available on making mobile phones more accessible for persons with disabilities. Download link: http://g3ict.org/resource_center/publications_and_reports/p/productCategory_books/subCat_1/id_191

 Read RNIB’s Kevin Carey’s article on the importance of Louis Braille’s contribution to world literacy, titled The Brilliance of Braille by following this link: http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/01/05/the-brilliance-of-braille/

 There have been many businesses that developed technology that has benefitted the visually impaired, making their lives better by improving the way they can relate to the world. There is an award that recognizes technological contributions to humanity. Many WBU members may know of companies to nominate for this award. Businesses can also self-nominate to have their achievements recognized. To learn more about the Tech Awards follow this link: http://thetechawards.thetech.org/nominations

 A new fund has been set up by the United Nations to boost action on disability rights and to help in the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; read more: http://www.beta.undp.org/undp/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2011/12/08/new-united-nations-fund-to-boost-action-on-disability-rights.html

 UNESCAP with Leonard Cheshire Disability will organize the “Conference on Disability-Inclusive MDGs and Aid Effectiveness” March 12 to 14, in Bangkok, Thailand. This global forum will bring together UN agencies, disabled people’s organizations and academics. More information: http://www.lcdisability.org/aideffectiveness

This year’s WBU members conference notices and links:

February 13 to 17: The International Mobility Conference is taking place in Palmerston North, New Zealand: www.imc14.com

February 27 to 29: The 5th Asian Blind Union (ABU) General Assembly will be held at the Hotel City Park, Delhi, India. To register go to: http://www.abu2012.abunion.org/

March 11 to 16: ULAC 8th General Assembly, Mexico city. Register at: http://www.ulacdigital.org/mexico2012.htm

March 26 & 27: 28th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability & Diversity "Living to Our Complete Potential" Honolulu, Hawaii, USA www.pacrim.hawaii.edu

May 15 to 18: IKK International Congress of War Blind, in Pretoria South Africa: www.ikk2012.org.za

September 17 to 20: IAPB 9th General Assembly, in Hyderabad, India. For details go to: http://9ga.iapb.org/

November 8 & 9: AFUB 7th General Assembly, Bangkok, Thailand.

November 10 to 18 – WBU/ICEVI General Assemblies - Bangkok, Thailand. Our website is now up and running so you can read more about this exciting event: www.wbu-icevi2012.org

You can support the World Blind Union by donating online through Canada Helps. The link is:
http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=s97435

E-newsletter of WBU-ICEVI 2012

2011-11-29T22:09:00.000-08:00

JOINT MESSAGE FROM WBU AND ICEVI PRESIDENTS

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

As you are aware from previous messages as well as articles in the WBU E-Bulletin and the ICEVI Educator, the ICEVI and WBU have agreed to hold a joint General Assembly event in Bangkok Thailand in November 2012. Details of the program outline are included in this newsletter, but include the Regional Assembly of the African Union of the Blind, a WBU Diversity Forum, WBU General Assembly and ICEVI General Assembly as well as joint program days, a joint Gala dinner and joint Technology Exhibition.

We hope that the members of our two organizations are as excited as we are about this collaborative event. We believe that it will provide an excellent opportunity for organizations of blind persons, for service providers and educators to come together for mutual sharing and learning. We believe that we will be able to attract some excellent speakers of international caliber for our joint sessions and that technology exhibitors will be eager to participate. We also recognize that many of our members traditionally attend both WBU and ICEVI events and will therefore be able to take advantage of these joint activities.

Program and organizing committees have already begun their work and over the coming months you will hear much more from us about the programs, and the local arrangements. Our local hosts, led by the Thailand Association of the Blind have formed a number of committees to take care of local arrangements and with the funding assistance of the Thai government have been able to hire some professional support to help them with the organization and local logistics of what we know will be a first class event.

The next year will pass very quickly until we meet in Thailand. There is much to be done, but with the effort and commitment of WBU, ICEVI and TAB, this will be an event not to be missed.

We very much look forward to seeing you in Bangkok Thailand in November 2012.

With warm regards,

Lord Colin Low Mrs. Maryanne Diamond
President ICEVI President WBU

Welcoming message from the President of Thailand Association of the Blind

On behalf of Organizing Committee, it is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you, your colleagues, and your family for joining The World Blind Union 8th General Assembly: WBU GA, International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment General Assembly: ICEVI GA held here in Bangkok, Thailand on 8-18 November 2012.

The World Blind Union (WBU) was formed in 1984 through the Union of the International Federation of the Blind (IFB) and the World Council of for the Welfare of the Blind (WCWB). Since the WBU conference was held in Saudi Arabia on 26 October 1984, WBU has been providing forums where blind and partially sighted persons can establish the right to speak for themselves. The World Blind Union (WBU) has been eliminating prejudice and promoting belief in the proven abilities of visually impaired people as well as achieving full participation and equality in society. Moreover, this congress has received cooperation from International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) which is a professional non-government organization that welcomes any group or person who supports its aim which is to promote equal access to appropriate education to all visual impaired children and youth. ICEVI general body is now held every 4 years since 2002.

WBU-ICEVI 2012 will include the General Assemblies of both organizations as well as two days of overlapping programs that will enable our two organizations and our members to work even more closely together and to build on opportunities for information sharing and cooperation. The participants will have the experiences of Thai culture and hospitalities such as traditional Thai performances and Thai cuisine. Last but not least, the organizing committee also provides various types of tours for you, your colleagues, and your family to have full experiences of happiness in the Land of Smile.

We look forward to welcoming you in Bangkok, Thailand. Sawasdeekrab.

Senator Monthian Buntan
President, Thailand Association of the Blind
Chairman, Local organizing committee for the WBU-ICEVI General Assembly 2012

WBU/ICEVI General Assemblies: Achieving Our Vision through Empowerment and Partnerships

Activities
Date AFUB WBU ICEVI
8-Nov-12 AFUB - -
9-Nov-12 AFUB - -
10-Nov-12 - WBU Diversity Forum -
11-Nov-12 - WBU Diversity Forum (morning) -
- WBU Executive Committee (afternoon) -
Welcome Reception (evening)
12-Nov-12 WBA GA Opening Ceremony Exhibition (12-16 November)
- WBU General Assembly -
13-Nov-12 - WBU General Assembly -
14-Nov-12 - WBU General Assembly -
15-Nov-12 - WBU General Assembly ICEVI Events & Assembly
16-Nov-12 - WBU General Assembly ICEVI Events & Assembly
Closing Ceremony
Gala Dinner (evening)
17-Nov-12 - WBU ICEVI Events & Assembly
18-Nov-12 - - ICEVI Events & Assembly

Venue Facilities: The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel

The congress will be held at The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok. Located on Sukhumvit Road, the property backs directly onto the beautiful Benjasiri Park. The Emporium, one of Bangkok’s premier shopping complexes, is five minutes’ walk across the park, as is the BTS sky train Phrom Phong station. The hotel provides luxurious conference and banquet facilities to suit any event, with 40 function venues of various sizes. The Grand Hall offers 1,375 sq.m that can serve up to 2,500 persons for a cocktail event and 1,700 persons for theatre style.
http://www.imperialhotels.com/imperialqueenspark/

WBU-ICEVI 2012 - Registration Fee

Meeting Date Delegate Observers Guides / Interpreters/ Accompanying Person Notes
AFUB General Assembly Nov
8 - 9 200 USD include Lunch & 2 Coffee Breaks
WBU Diversity Forum Nov
10 – 11 (AM) 150 USD 150 USD 150 USD include Welcome reception, Lunch & 2 Coffee Breaks
WBU General Assembly Nov
12 – 16 350 USD 300 USD 250 USD include Welcome reception, Gala dinner, Lunch & 2 Coffee Breaks
ICEVI Events & Assembly Nov
15 – 18 300 USD 250 USD 200 USD
WBU General Assembly & ICEVI Events & Assembly Nov
12 – 18 600 USD 500 USD 400 USD
WBU Diversity Forum,
WBU General Assembly & ICEVI Events & Assembly Nov
10 – 18 700 USD 600 USD 500 USD

Gala dinner Nov 16 (evening) 100 USD For additional purchase
Exhibition visitor Nov
12 – 16 20 THB Entry to Exhibition

 Online registration will be available at www.wbu-icevi2012.org, as of January 2012.
 For any information regard the registration, please contact registration@wbu-icevi2012.org

Accommodation
We have blocked 500 rooms at Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok. The room rate will be around 3,900-5,700 THB included taxes and breakfast.
Online reservation will be available on www.wbu-icevi2012.org in January 2012.

Social Programs
Welcome Reception 11 November 2012 (evening)
WBU GA Opening Ceremony 12 November 2012
Exhibition 12-16 November 2012
WBU GA Closing Ceremony 16 November 2012
Gala Diner 16 November 2012 (evening)

About Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital, largest urban area, and primary city of Thailand. Known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or Krung Thep meaning "city of angels" for short, it was originally a small trading post on the west bank of the lower Chao Phraya River. Due to the 1980s and 1990s Asian investment boom, many multinational corporations make their regional headquarters in Bangkok and the city is a regional force in finance and business as well as the increasing influences on global politics, culture, fashion and entertainment. In 2009, it was the second most expensive city in South-East Asia behind Singapore. Even though Bangkok is rapidly modernized, it still contains cultural landmarks which reflect the city’s rich history such as Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. Moreover, Bangkok is considered to be the center of spa industry of Thailand and Asia due to its heavily concentrated spa industry and, most of all, Thai massage. Moreover, for those who like to shop, Bangkok offers dozens of grand department stores and shopping malls where products from around the world are available for shopping. In conclusion, Bangkok can be a place for you to visit.

Contact Persons:

WBU-ICEVI 2012 enquiries:

 General enquiry: info@wbu-icevi2012.org

 Enquiry on exhibition and sponsorship: exhibition@wbu-icevi2012.org

 Enquiry on conference program and abstract: conference@wbu-icevi2012.org

 Enquiry on registration: registration@wbu-icevi2012.org

 Any other enquiry: wbu.icevi@gmail.com

WBU enquiries

 Penny Hartin, CEO, WBU: penny.hartin@wbuoffice.org

ICEVI enquiries

 Dr. Mani, Secretary General ICEVI: sgicevi@vsnl.net

November 15th, 2011 WBU e-Notice

2011-11-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

Here is our two-page notice of current breaking news and events.

As we gather our news in the English language only, the websites with links to the full stories are shown only in English. Google can be used to translate web-pages into your own language. Although this is not a perfect solution, we apologize that we cannot provide links for the stories in all languages.

 The International Day for Persons with Disabilities is December 3rd and this year’s theme is “Together for a Better World for All: Including Persons with Disabilities in Development”. For more information on what groups can do on this day visit http://usicd.org/detail/event.cfm?event_id=117&id=92.

 The Blind Advantage – is a book that relates the story of an educator whose life changes once he becomes blind. “How going blind made me a stronger Principal and how including children with disabilities made our school better for everyone” by Bill Henderson. To listen to an interview with the author, follow this link: http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/2011/oct/12/inclusionary-education/

 Are you using the spice saffron in your family’s meals? It has been scientifically documented that saffron has slowed down the effects of age-related macular degeneration… http://www.macula.org/saffron-and-amd.

 Dr. Mark Patterson explores philosophical approaches to touch and blindness in his upcoming book ‘Seeing with the Hands’. Click the following link to read his article for the WBU http://geotheory.wordpress.com/blindness/

 Optic nerve damage may be reversed… http://www.contactlenses.co.uk/contactlensesnews/article56814/optic-nerve-damage-can-be-reversed.html?catid=4

 Early detection could prevent 90% of glaucoma-induced blindness… http://thedailynewsegypt.com/health/early-detection-help-avert-90-pct-of-glaucoma-induced-blindness-cases.html

 Foundation Fighting Blindness will invest in gene therapy trails to combat certain eye diseases: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/foundation-fighting-blindness-invests-825-million-in-six-gene-therapy-research-projects-poised-for-clinical-trials-2011-10-31

 The Spanish National Organization of the Blind (ONCE), through its Center of R&D on Assistive Technology for the Blind (CIDAT), is organizing TifloInnova 2011, a unique opportunity to know the latest market trends and industry's offer of software, hardware and other products for people with blindness and visual disabilities. TifloInnova 2011 will be held at the ONCE "Sports and Cultural Centre" in Madrid, Spain (Paseo de la Habana, 208), on November 18, 19 & 20, 2011. It will be open to professionals and general public (free admission for all visitors). For more information, visit their website at http://tifloinnova.once.es.

2012 Conference Notices:

February 13 to 17: International Mobility Conference - Palmerston North, New Zealand. For more information, visit their website at www.imc14.com.

February 27 to 29: The 5th Asian Blind Union (ABU) General Assembly will be held at the Hotel City Park, Delhi, India. Feb 27 - Women’s Forum; Feb 28 - ABU regional conference (focused on the UNCRPD); Feb 29, ABU General Assembly. For information and registration, visit http://www.abu2012.abunion.org/

March 11 to 16: ULAC 8th General Assembly, Mexico city. March 11 & 12 - the 5th Women’s Forum; March 12, 13 & 14 - the 7th Congress, Theme: Citizens Participation in Local Development = Total Inclusion; March 15 & 16 ULAC General Assembly. All events will be held at the Ramada Reforma Hotel in Mexico City. For more information, visit their website at http://www.ulacdigital.org/mexico2012.htm

May 15 to 18: 15th IKK -International Congress of War Blind - Pretoria, South Africa. For more information, visit their website at www.ikk2012.org.za.

September 17 to 20: IAPB 9th General Assembly, Hyderabad, India. For more information, visit their website at http://9ga.iapb.org/.

November 2012 – Bangkok, Thailand
 November 8 & 9: AFUB 7th General Assembly, to be held just before the WBU/ICEVI meetings
 November 10 & 11: WBU Diversity Forum
 November 12 to 16: WBU General Assembly
 November 15 to 18: International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) General Assembly.
The website for the WBU/ICEVI joint events will be launched in January 2012.

October 31st, 2011 WBU e-Notice

2011-11-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

Here is our two-page notice of current breaking news and events.

 Thailand is experiencing the worst floods to hit in 50 years. The Thailand Association of the Blind (TAB) is pitching in to help the people using the temporary hostel set up to house the residents who had to flee their homes. Blind masseurs and musicians gave comfort to the hundreds of displaced people, while TAB members and volunteers contributed five truck loads of necessities to the shelter

 Visually impaired or blind? Know someone who is? Now there is a free online Entrepreneur Program for the blind and their loved ones, at the Hadley School for the Blind: http://www.hadley.edu/fce.asp

 Creating prosthetics for the blind starts with trails on monkeys: http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-prosthetic-eyes-blind-20111010,0,5647631.story

 A team in Australia creates new drug to combat/prevent cataract growth. Cataracts are a major cause of blindness and currently the only way to cure blindness from cataracts is through surgery. Read more: http://www.thehindu.com/health/rx/article2537049.ece

 DPI (Disabled Peoples’ International) recently held their world assembly and posted a declaration about the implementation of the UN CRPD (Charter of Rights for Persons with Disabilities) on their website: http://www.dpi.org/lang-en/documents/index?page=18

 Sightsavers hopes to eliminate blinding trachoma in 14 endemic countries by 2020: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/simon-bush/trachoma-is-the-end-in-sight_b_1010395.html

 Sometimes the rights of the disabled are just lip-service and not implemented in society. The disabled people of Ghana cheered 5 years ago when The Persons with Disability Act gave them rights and access to society and free education. But over the years, they have not seen any of this legislation acted upon. Read more at: http://allafrica.com/stories/201110070592.html

 AFB (American Foundation for the Blind) has recently published: Art Beyond Sight: A Resource Guide to Art, Creativity and Visual Impairment, a stunning 504 page book offering a wealth of essential art-related information. To order follow this link: http://www.afb.org/store/find.asp?type=search_find&mscssid=HNB6R4QM6XQP8PWPPP3VGGQ4KMPQ3GUC&search_source=%2Fstore%2Fdefault.asp&search_type=2&find_spec=art+beyond+sight&Go=Go

2012 Conference notices:

February 13 to 17: The International Mobility Conference is taking place in Palmerston North, New Zealand: www.imc14.com

February 27 to 29: The 5th Asian Blind Union (ABU) General Assembly will be held at the Hotel City Park, Delhi, India. Mark down the following dates: Women’s Forum, Feb 27th; ABU regional conference (focused on the UNCRPD), Feb 28th; ABU General Assembly, Feb 29th. For information and registration, visit http://www.abu2012.abunion.org/

March 11 to 16: ULAC 8th General Assembly, Mexico city. March 11 & 12, the 5th Women’s Forum, March 12, 13 & 14, the 7th Congress. Theme: Citizens Participation in Local Development = Total Inclusion. March 15 & 16 is the General Assembly. All events will be held at the Ramada Reforma Hotel in Mexico City. More information at: http://www.ulacdigital.org/mexico2012.htm

May 15 to 18: IKK International Congress of War Blind, in Pretoria South Africa: www.ikk2012.org.za

September 17 to 20: IAPB 9th General Assembly, in Hyderabad, India. For details go to: http://9ga.iapb.org/

November 2012 – Bangkok, Thailand
 November 8 & 9: AFUB 7th General Assembly, to be held just before the WBU/ICEVI meetings
 November 10 & 11: WBU Diversity Forum
 November 12 to 16: WBU General Assembly
 November 15 to 18: International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) General Assembly.
The website for the WBU/ICEVI joint events will soon be launched!

Remember, members who have brief notices and news to share can send them to: Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org. We would love to hear from you and spread your success stories to others.

September 30th, 2011 WBU e-Notice

2011-10-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

Here is our two-page notice of current breaking news and events.

 Remember, members who have brief announcements to share can send them to: Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org. We would love to hear from you and spread your good news to others.

 World Sight Day this year is Thursday, October 13th. To see what kind of activities are planned for this day check out the Vision2020 WSD 2011 website: http://www.vision2020.org/main.cfm?Type=NI&objectid=4522

 White Cane Safety Day is October 15th. This date has been commemorated in America since 1964 to acknowledge the independence achieved through the use of this tool. To learn more about the history follow this NFB link: http://www.nfb.org/nfb/White_Cane_Safety_Day.asp

 Many of the keynotes speeches and papers from the Africa forum are now available in English and French on the Perkins website. Follow the link to read Kevin Carey’s lecture or Kudakwashe Dube’s opening remarks: http://www.perkins.org/idp/africa-forum/papers/

 There have been many books written about 9/11 and its heroes. There is a book that has received many great reviews about a guide dog, Thunder Dog, who lead her master to safety amid the rubble of a collapsing building: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/in-memory-of-a-remarkable-guide-dog.html

 We have come across a website called Radio for the Blind that offers access to many radio stations from around the world. To try it out you can access the website here: http://www.blindradio.com/

 American jazz guitarist Jeff Golub continues to perform despite recently becoming blind. http://www.examiner.com/smooth-contemporary-jazz-in-national/guitarist-jeff-golub-suddenly-goes-blind

 Contest reminder for a new name for e-Bulletin (WBU newsletter) is October 14th. Send your ideas to: Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org. You can also send your stories and articles for this publication.

 The UN office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is conducting a Thematic Study on Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Political and Public Life. To learn more go to: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Disability/Pages/ParticipationPoliticalAndPublicLife.aspx Deadline for submissions is October 15th.

2011 Conference notices:

Oct. 4 to 8: European Blind Union’s 9th General Assembly 2011, in Fredericia, Denmark. To learn more:
http://www.euroblind.org/projects-and-activities/events/upcoming-events/nr/3

Oct. 10 to 13: Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) 8th World Assembly, to be held in Durban, South Africa. Visit their website to learn more: http://www.dpi.org/

2012 Conference notices:

February 13 to 17: The International Mobility Conference will take place in Palmerston North, New Zealand website: www.imc14.com

March 26 & 27: 28th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability & Diversity "Living to Our Complete Potential" Honolulu, Hawaii, USA www.pacrim.hawaii.edu ; prinfo@hawaii.edu
www.facebook.com/PacRimHawaii

May 15 to 18: IKK International Congress of War Blind, in Pretoria South Africa: www.ikk2012.org.za

September 17 to 20: IAPB 9th General Assembly will take place in Hyderabad, India. For details go to: http://9ga.iapb.org/

November 10 to 16: WBU’s General Assembly will take place in Bangkok, Thailand. There will be overlapping sessions with the ICEVI (International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment).

WBUAP ANNOUNCEMENTS - SEPTEMBER 2011

2011-09-08T06:16:00.000-07:00

8 September 2011.

To all National Delegates, Honorary Life Members and Friends of Wbuap:

Dear All,

RE: ANNOUNCEMENTS - SEPTEMBER 2011

I have much pleasure to inform you of the following, and also to request you for suggestions:

1. The WBUAP Website: At last our website http: //wbuap.org is up and running. Our thanks go to the WBUAP-DANIDA Project for engaging Mr. Wong Yoon Loong as the Regional Communications Co-ordinator for designing and helping to upload information, and for paying the starting costs for the website. Our thanks also go to the National Council for the Blind, Malaysia (NCBM) for agreeing to pay for the yearly subscription for the next two years.

Please visit the website and give your comments on its usability. Also, give your suggestions as to how we can make our website a "living" instrument for the sharing of knowledge and experiences.

2. Preliminary Announcement on the 11th WBUAP Massage Seminar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Preparations for the Seminar are well underway and full details will shortly be released to you through emails and via a website set up specially for the purpose. NCBM has partnered up with Bonvo Travel to form the Organising Committee, and they will put out the full information within the next six weeks. For the time being, please keep your diary free for the beginning of May 2012 - participants arrive on 2 and depart on 6 May 2012. For those who are interested to go on tours after the Massage Seminar, Bonvo Travel will be working out packages with very reasonable prices.

The Registration fee for "Early Bird" will be US $250.00, and for those who register very close to the dates of the Seminar, it will be US $300.00. Full details will be released within the next few weeks. Please inform everyone about the Seminar, including our friends in the other regions of WBU.

Malaysia is a "Paradise", take the opportunity to experience the warm weather, delicious foods, different cultures and scenic spots.

3. Country Reports: There are 22 countries in WBUAP and every country is expected to send in a report at the Mid-Term or Quadrennial Regional Meetings. After making so much efforts in writing the reports, the organisers can only give you a maximum of five minutes for the presentation.

The President, Dato' Kulasegaran, has suggested that countries should be encouraged to send in their reports at any time giving news on special events of interest to all, things you would like to highlight about your organisation or country, etc., and we can upload them on our website. If that is acceptable, we can request Ms. Michiko Tabata, the Editor, to work out a template or we can use the guidelines sent out before the Mid-Term Assembly in Japan for the purpose.

Your views and reactions will be much appreciated. Thank you.

With best wishes,

(Ivan Ho Tuck Choy),

Secretary General,

World Blind Union-Asia Pacific.

August 31st, 2011 WBU e-Notice

2011-09-07T03:07:00.000-07:00

Here is our two-page notice of current breaking news and events.

 Remember, members who have brief announcements to share can send them to: Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org. We would love to hear from you and spread your good news to others.

 The schedule for the World Congress Braille 21 is now online. You can find a list of the programs by following this link: http://www.braille21.net/en/programme

 Contest reminder for a new name for E-Bulletin (WBU newsletter) is October 14th. Send your ideas to: Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org

 Gene therapy done at University of Dalhousie, Nova Scotia, may lead to cure for some types of blindness. http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1258704.html

 Exhibit opens in New York City that exposes visitors to what it would be like to be completely blind. Dialog in the Dark: http://www.nj.com/entertainment/arts/index.ssf/2011/08/dialog_in_the_dark_visually_im.html

 Australian pop band Rudely Interrupted won the Grand Prix Award for Good at Cannes Lions 2011 for their video film clip “Close My Eyes”. The band’s lead singer is blind and 5 of the 6 members have some form of disability. http://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/rudely-interrupted-gets-behind-the-ndis/#.TiP2fGL_C-4.wordpress.

 Theme set for International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, 2011. The theme is: “Together for a better world for all including persons with disabilities in development”. For sub-themes and more information visit: http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1561.

 The Hadley School for the Blind has launched its new re-designed website. Visit www.hadley.edu to view the user-friendly features.

 In Kenya there is one ophthalmologist for every two million people. This grim fact prompted Canadian doctor to travel to Kenya to help: http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/article/1042271--a-remarkable

 We are still accepting ideas for the theme for White Cane Day until the end of August. Send to Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org

2011 Conference notices:

Sept 7 to 9: Fourth session of the Conference of States Parties (CRPD conference at United Nations HQ, New York City, learn more:
http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1571

Sept. 21 to 23: World Bank/GPDD Disability & Development Forum.
The Global Partnership for Disability and Development (GPDD) will hold its 3rd Disability and Development Forum and membership meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Members and partners will focus on options for action towards the social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities, particularly in light of Article 32 of the CRPD. Email for more information: francesca.deant@gmail.com

Sept. 28 to 30: Braille21 Conference, in Leipzig, Germany. This will provide updates and information on Braille with participants from around the world. For information and registration: www.braille21.net

Oct. 4 to 8: European Blind Union’s 9th General Assembly 2011, in Fredericia, Denmark. To learn more:
http://www.euroblind.org/projects-and-activities/events/upcoming-events/nr/3

Oct. 10 to 13: Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) 8th World Assembly: to be held in Durban, South Africa. They have set up a website to register: http://www.dpi2011.co.za/en/home

You can support the World Blind Union by donating online through Canada Helps. The link is:
http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=s97435

WBU E-BULLETIN, VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3, July 2011

2011-08-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 3
A NEED TO CREATE A NEW IDENTITY 4
CHANGE IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION 5
WELCOME TO ALIMATA ABDUL KARIMU 5
TRIBUTE TO THE 1ST WBU PRESIDENT - SHEIKH ABDULLAH
AL-GHANIM REMEMBERED. 5
STORIES FROM THE INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
(IDP) 5TH AFRICA FORUM 7
AFRICANS WITH ALBINISM 8
RNIB’S TECHSHARE LAUNCHED AT FORUM 8
CREATION OF THE GHANA BRAILLE AUTHORITY 9
UPDATE ON WIPO MEETINGS 9
LAUNCH OF THE WORLD REPORT ON DISABILITY: 11
WBU EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE BANK PROJECT UPDATE 13
VICTORY FOR THE HONG KONG BLIND SPORTS ASSOCIATION 14
UPDATE FROM BRAILLE WITHOUT BORDERS (BWB) 16
DISCOVERING LOUIS BRAILLE’S BIRTHPLACE 17
REMINDERS 19
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BRAILLE: BRAILLE21 19
WBU CONTEST FOR WHITE CANE DAY – DEVELOP THE THEME 20
WBU SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION – STILL OPEN 20
ANNOUNCEMENTS 20
WBU’S 8TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY PLANNING UNDERWAY 20
NATIONAL BRAILLE PRESS AWARD 21
HADLEY NEW COURSES INFORMATION 21
LAUNCH OF THE IDA CRPD NEWSLETTER 21
DISABLED PEOPLES’ INTERNATIONAL (DPI)
8TH WORLD ASSEMBLY 21
WORLD OPHTHALMOLOGY CONGRESS 2012 22
IAPB’S 9TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY - SEPTEMBER 2012,
HYDERABAD, INDIA 22
ROADMAP LAUNCHED TO ELIMINATE GLOBAL BLINDNESS 22
RESOURCES 22
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION’S WORLD REPORT
ON DISABILITY 22
WORLD BLIND UNION’S 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 23
BOOKSHARE 23
F123.ORG AND THE INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK ARE BRINGING A WORLD OF SOLUTIONS TO BLIND PEOPLE 23
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS 24
AFRICA 24
AFUB LAUNCHED A NEW WEBSITE 24
ASIA-PACIFIC 24
THE ASSOCIATION OF BLIND CITIZENS OF NEW ZEALAND’S
2011 CONFERENCE 24
ASIA 24
ABU GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND RELATED EVENTS 24
TRAINING WORKSHOP ON ADVOCACY FOR CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES 25
EUROPE 26
EUROPEAN BLIND UNION – 9TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY 26
A MESSAGE FROM THE EBU PRESIDENT 12.7.2011
(COLIN LOW) 26
ONCE’S INVOLVEMENT WITH WORLD YOUTH DAY 2011 26
LATIN AMERICA 26
ULAC – 8TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY ANNOUNCEMENT 26
VIRTUAL CONSULTING IN TEACHING MATH 27
ONCB WORKS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO AUDIO DESCRIPTION
IN BRAZIL 27
NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 30
CANADIAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND’S LOBBYING EFFORTS
PAY OFF 30
THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND (AFB) 30
WBU OFFICERS 31
REGIONAL PRESIDENTS 31
WBU STAFF 31

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN
Contributions are welcome to the e-Bulletin. We thank those of you who have been providing us with content for the e-Bulletins and encourage stories and contributions from all regions. Our next deadline for content submission is Friday, October 7, 2011 for our autumn issue of the e-Bulletin. We gladly accept submissions in English, French, and Spanish, preferably in electronic format. Please send your submissions to Marianne McQuillan at Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Maryanne Diamond
It has been a busy few months with much taking place at the international level on disability which impacts on the lives of those of us who are blind or partially sighted and those working in this field.

You will read about the release of the WHO World report on disability, the 5th Africa Forum, update on our employment initiative and our work to achieve a treaty with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to name a few.

It is with great sadness we heard the news that our founding president SHEIKH ABDULLAH AL-GHANIM, passed away on 4 July, 2011. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time. An article prepared by our past president, Euclid Herie, can be found in this issue.

We say goodbye to one of our Regional Presidents, Chuji Sashida, who has held the position of WBU-AP Regional President since 2008. Due to poor health Chuji has decided to stand aside from this role and focus on getting well. We wish Chuji a good recovery and look forward to his involvement in our movement sometime in the future. Dato Kulasegaran of Malaysia, former VP of the region, has taken on the role of President for the remainder of the term. We welcome Kula to our team and look forward to working with him moving forward.

I urge you to obtain a copy of the WBU 2010 Annual report as it is a good summary of our achievements during 2010 and shows our progress against our strategic plan for the term. Copies can be downloaded from the WBU website.

I trust you will find the material contained in this issue informative and interesting.

Maryanne

A NEED TO CREATE A NEW IDENTITY
The World Blind Union in order to inform and educate our members produces two main communications devices: this newsletter – produced four times a year and a more frequent shorter piece that goes out approximately every 2 weeks (usually twice a month). We have been calling the bi-weekly document our e-notice and the quarterly newsletter has been known as the E-Bulletin. In order to avoid confusion we seek to create a new name (identity) for this quarterly newsletter, and for this we need your help. We are looking for a new name to replace “E-Bulletin” for the quarterly newsletter.

Please send your unique ideas to: Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org. All entries will be submitted to the Table Officers for selection. We will feature a story about the creative individual and give a nominal prize of $100 USD to the person who submits the winning name. This new name will be launched with our first newsletter of 2012.

CHANGE IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION
It is with regret that we have to inform you of the resignation of Asia-Pacific President Chuji Sashida of Japan. He stepped down for health and personal reasons. Taking over in his place will be Dato Kulasegaran of Malaysia, former VP of the WBU Asia Pacific region. We thank Chuji for his years of dedication and support and wish him a speedy recovery to good health. We congratulate Kula on his new position and welcome his valued contributions.

WELCOME TO ALIMATA ABDUL KARIMU
Alimata is the new Executive Director of the Africa Union of the Blind (AFUB). Alimata is replacing Nadia Gouy who is moving back to Morocco to accept a position with the Public Service there. Prior to assuming her new position with AFUB, Alimata was coordinating the WBU CRPD research project in Africa in conjunction with AFUB. We welcome Alimata to the WBU family and wish her all the best in her new position.

TRIBUTE TO THE 1ST WBU PRESIDENT - Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ghanim Remembered.
By Euclid Herie CM, Past President, World Blind Union

At the recent Africa Forum in Accra, Ghana, we learned that Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ghanim had died on July 4, 2011. I was pleased when asked to write this Obituary for Abdullah on behalf of the World Blind Union. I confess that on reflection this has proven a daunting challenge given that thousands upon thousands of blind members personally knew Abdullah in person and millions of others in countless countries were touched in one way or another through his leadership, influence and at times, his personal generosity.

Of the seven WBU Presidents, Sheikh Abdullah is the first to make that "final crossing" into immortality however expressed and understood in his Faith or Religion. We as individuals and collectively as a community of the Blind of the World mourn his passing; feel deeply a sense of true loss; and join our hands to encircle the world to offer condolences and support to the Al-Ghanim family in their time of loss and grief. We are comforted to learn that his family plan to publish a biography on Abdullah's life and accomplishments on a dedicated web site.

On a more personal note I have reflected daily since learning of Abdullah's death attempting to bring into clear focus precisely what our relationship meant to me. Was it Abdullah an Arab man from Saudi Arabia? Was it Abdullah as the Founding President of the WBU? Or, was it Abdullah whom I came to know as a loyal friend and our numerous journeys traveled over the 20 more years in our work within the WBU and the fun times we shared? Perhaps it is the 3rd question that strikes more closely as how best to remember Abdullah Al-Ghanim?

Geoff Gibbs, former WBU Treasurer, points to “Abdullah's charismatic and strong presence particularly when he spoke in Arabic”. David Blyth, also a WBU Past President, remembers Abdullah from the Founding Assembly in Riyadh in 1984. David played a key role at that Assembly as Chair of the Constitutional Committee. “Without Abdullah, I doubt the WBU would have been born. He brought good will to those present and embodied the hopes of many, especially persons from the developing World”, wrote David. ‘Abdullah was a good man who loved his fellow man and who did want to make a difference for those who had so little!” A high tribute indeed from David who himself personifies precisely this very same sentiment!

Abdullah possessed his own style of leadership and was unapologetic when it came to his turn in the Chair during his term as WBU President. He was controversial at times including his wanting to move the WBU closer to cross disability organizations and most definitely when he raised the prospect of serving for a second four-year term as President. Interesting that in both instances we know that in 2011 the WBU is a key player in the International Disability Alliance [IDA]; and the WBU membership fiercely upholds the constitutional provision that a President may serve only one term from any of the six current Regions.

At the 7th WBU General Assembly in Geneva in August 2008, Abdullah was not able to attend due to ill health. Sadly, he was therefore, not photographed among the then seven living Presidents as the WBU celebrated its 25th silver anniversary. This was doubly true as Abdullah was the Founding President and de facto was entitled to the first chapter in the history as compiled by Sir John Wall that each of us contributed to as well.

Those who attended the Assemblies in Madrid, Cairo and Toronto knew Sheikh Abdullah enjoyed popularity and a large presence. In my term, he chaired the first regional meeting in the Middle East in Amman, Jordan, hosted by his Highness Prince Raad, where the first woman was elected to the new regional Board for Asia. All these and untold other shared personal experiences forged an enduring and fond friendship between us.

From 1984 in Riyadh until this past July 4th, we traveled the same path to freedom and security for the blind in every member country; we embodied their hopes and dreams; we gave our energies and abilities to the fullest; and more often than not, just simply enjoyed happy times together. That Abdullah is who we most want to cherish and retain from our time together, from your passion and vision, whether in controversy or agreement; you were respected and now "Remembered!"

From your fallen hand is passed the torch of Office to your successor Presidents, current and future. May they remain loyal to your founding contribution, to the values and work of the WBU and ever remain aware of the responsibilities of that High Office confided with trust by our peers whom we are elected to serve!

May you "rest in peace old friend" with the gratitude and quiet respect of we, the blind and visually impaired, in our hundreds of millions.

STORIES FROM THE INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (IDP) 5th AFRICA FORUM
For further information, please visit the IDP website at: www.wbu-idp.org. This conference was a huge success with almost 400 participants in attendance at the five day forum.

Africans with Albinism
At the Forum this year was the largest gathering to date of Africans with Albinism, including Tanzania Member of Parliament (MP), the Honourable Al-Shaymaa J. Kwegyir. She spoke at the Forum of the struggles faced by albinos like her. Ms. Al-Shaymaa said she often fills her car with bottles of sun block to distribute among people with albinism in her country and educate them on the importance of protecting their skin, which lacks melatonin. Melatonin is the protective agent in the skin that without it makes them vulnerable to developing skin cancer and dying prematurely. Albinism is more prevalent in East Africa with estimates of 1 in 2,000 people being affected, whereas, the ratio in the rest of the world is more like 1 in 20,000.

People with albinism are also prone to eye problems in various degrees, many are legally blind and/or have low vision, and need access to low vision clinics to get prescription lenses and low vision devices. Recently a team of experts lead by Dr. Rebecca Kammer of the Southern California College of Optometry went to Tanzania to conduct a low vision clinic. It ran from June 19 to July 3, sponsored by the international development organization ‘Under the Same Sun’. Dr. Kammer distributed hundreds of eyeglasses at no costs to children with Albinism. This simple step is so important as it will help them see possibly well enough to attend school and get an education.

At the Forum there was a session to educate the public on albinism, dispelling misconceptions that are dangerous to those who live with the condition. Many albinos in several African countries have been victimized by those in society who still harbour old beliefs like people with albinism have magical powers and so to gain and use the body parts of albinos will make one rich. Lies like this have lead to many people with albinism being killed by witchdoctors who perpetuate these misguided beliefs and profit from it. More can be learned about the work to educate and help others learn how to support people with albinism at: http://www.underthesamesun.com/aboututss

RNIB’s TechShare Launched at Forum
TechShare - the largest exhibition and training on assistive technology was set up at the conference in Ghana, giving participants the opportunity to test out various kinds of Braille printing equipment, screen readers and other technological breakthroughs. Such extensive sharing of high-tech solutions for the visually impaired provides transformational opportunities for education, rehabilitation and more productive living through the range of available technology. Many corporations were on hand to demonstrate their products like, Microsoft, Humanware, Dolphin, and Index Braille. Thanks to all the companies who shared their knowledge through TechShare.

Creation of the Ghana Braille Authority
Braille standards need to be established in Africa so that people can rely on the materials being produced in Braille for their knowledge and education. For most blind people, reading Braille is the key to further education. The creation of the Ghana Braille Authority will play a vital role in setting common rules for the use of Braille in Ghana and serve as a model for other countries. This will advance literacy and education standards for all of Africa. The WBU’s World Braille Council will offer support to maintain this important initiative.

UPDATE ON WIPO MEETINGS
By Chris Friend, WBU Strategic Objective Leader - Accessibility Chair WBU Global Right to Read Campaign

As WBU members would know, even in 2011, people living with a print disability still have very limited access to books and other published works. Only some 5% of published books are ever made accessible in richer countries, and less than 1% in poorer ones. We call this a “book famine”, and have sought to have this rectified by submitting a treaty to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) who make treaties and other international laws on intellectual property rights such as copyright and patents. Essentially the World Blind Union, assisted by copyright experts, drafted the treaty proposal. The governments of Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Mexico then tabled it at WIPO in 2009.

The WBU treaty proposal would:
 Make it legal for print disabled individuals and specialist organisations to make accessible copies of published works in all countries which sign the treaty
 Make it legal for accessible books to be sent internationally without permission for publishers
 Prevent contracts with publishers from undermining copyright exceptions for print disabled people (currently they sometimes do)
 Still respect copyright law: we want to work cooperatively with publishers

Ever since then WBU’s working group on the Right to Read has been following up and attending WIPO and other meetings on behalf of our members to move this treaty along. The following is an update from Chris Friend who with Maryanne Diamond, recently attended WIPO meetings in June.

WIPO's Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) meets normally for one week, twice a year. However, at this last scheduled meeting was extended by an additional three days to allow time for a detailed examination of four proposals tabled to solve the book famine.

As you may know from previous WIPO updates, we drafted a treaty which was then tabled at the SCCR meetings. This was followed by the US Government and the European Union tabling two separate non-binding recommendations or consensus instruments and finally the African group of delegates tabled a complicated Treaty Proposal embracing education, libraries, research and the disabled based on the WBU Treaty to a great extent and expanded.

Two years of talking about the problem from outside the actual proposal texts evidenced the opposition to any Treaty based on lobbying of government delegations, the US and EU in particular but eventually last November our proponents in Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Mexico succeeded in persuading SCCR to go forward to a specific work plan and timetable, separating out the WBU Treaty for a fast track examination alongside the other three in June and the other issues in the Africa treaty to follow in November. Also we have managed to restrict the WBU treaty as designed specifically around the copyright issues affecting the Visually Impaired and Print Disabled and all other disability issues such as sign language and subtitles for the deaf and other movie related issues for example, to be included in the second Treaty.

WBU’s objective is to win as much of our own design in the four proposal examination and to persuade the meeting that to achieve the text, a binding Treaty is really needed now. This would prevent a very long drawn-out process favored by United States and European Union with one of their non-binding texts being put out for a test which would then take at least three or four years to give sufficient time to see if they worked. Followed by commissioning a report (which means 18 months to gather info and write), followed by waiting for a slot at the bi-annual SCCR Meetings to present the Report, followed by probably another two years to get the treaty initiative to get back to the top of the SCCR agenda and then probably two or three years to go through the process all over again. None of us want to wait another 10 years to achieve the ability to gain access to books and other published works! This would be catastrophic for so many who value their right to read.

So we had with us in Geneva a very high powered WBU Delegation led by President Maryanne Diamond, supported by the Right to Read global team and 12 experienced VIP leaders from all geographic regions all who are working to further our position and make WIPO understand what is at stake for millions of people worldwide who are waiting for the book famine to end.

There was great progress made at the meeting. The new draft text developed replacing the previous four texts provide the Committee with a good basis for completing its work on a treaty. We are hopeful that at the November 2011 meeting the text will be finalised and there will be agreement on the type of instrument. WBU will be there to provide advice and support to the committee urging them to agree on a treaty and call for a diplomatic conference to bring this into law. We will keep our members posted and provide the next update in early 2012.

LAUNCH OF THE WORLD REPORT ON DISABILITY:
By William Rowland - Past President, WBU

9 JUNE 2011, NEW YORK – The World Health Organization and the World Bank have revealed new global estimates that more than one billion people experience some form of disability. They urged governments to step up efforts to enable access to mainstream services and to invest in specialized programmes to unlock the vast potential of people with disabilities.

The first-ever World Report on Disability provides the first global estimates of persons with disabilities in 40 years and an overview of the status of disability in the world. New research shows that almost one-fifth of the estimated global total of persons living with disabilities (between 110-190 million) encounter significant difficulties that affect their quality of life.

The report stresses that few countries have adequate mechanisms in place to respond to the needs of people with disabilities. Barriers include stigma and discrimination, lack of adequate health care and rehabilitation services; and inaccessible transport, buildings and information and communication technologies. As a result, people with disabilities experience poorer health, lower educational achievements, fewer economic opportunities and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities.

"Disability is part of the human condition," says WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan, "Almost every one of us will be permanently or temporarily disabled at some point in life. We must do more to break the barriers which segregate people with disabilities, in many cases forcing them to the margins of society."

“Addressing the health, education, employment, and other development needs of people living with disabilities is fundamental to achieving the Millennium Development Goals," says Robert B. Zoellick, President of The World Bank Group. “We need to help people with disabilities to gain equitable access to opportunities to participate and contribute to their communities. They have much to offer if given a fair chance to do so.”

Key findings and recommendations:
The report shows that people with disabilities are more than twice as likely to find healthcare provider skills inadequate to meet their needs, and nearly three times more likely to report being denied needed health care. In low-income countries people with disabilities are 50% more likely to experience catastrophic health expenditure than non-disabled people. Children with disabilities are less likely to start school than non-disabled children and have lower rates of staying in school. In Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, the employment rate of people with disabilities (44%) is slightly over half that for people without disabilities (75%).

The report recommends that governments and their development partners provide people with disabilities access to all mainstream services, invest in specific programmes and services for those people with disabilities who are in need, and adopt a national disability strategy and plan of action. In addition, governments should work to increase public awareness and understanding of disability, and support further research and training in the area. Importantly, people with disabilities should be consulted and involved in the design and implementation of these efforts.

The report highlights a number of approaches used by countries worldwide to enable people with disabilities to access services, infrastructure, information and jobs.

Nearly 150 countries and regional organizations have signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and over 100 have ratified it, committing them to removing barriers so that people with disabilities may participate fully in their societies. The World Report on Disability, developed with contributions from over 380 experts, will be a key resource for countries implementing the CRPD. The World Blind Union was represented at the launch event by its Immediate Past President, Dr William Rowland.

WBU EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE BANK PROJECT UPDATE
We are pleased to advise that the Employment Resource Bank project is underway, thanks to the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. World Blind Union, in collaboration with CNIB, will create the first dedicated central repository of employment tools, resources and discussion groups targeted to people who are blind and partially sighted, employers, and organizations of and for the blind and partially sighted.

The Development Phase of this project is now active, with staffing dedicated to conducting a thorough and detailed scan of existing employment tools and resources currently available around the world. Jacinta Haryett, an experienced employment counsellor with CNIB has undertaken the scan, and is compiling results into a report which will include a comprehensive list of available resources, their potential benefits, current accessibility, and language options. Resources will be categorized, gaps will be identified, and recommendations will be made. Your support of this phase of the project is essential and valued; please respond positively to Jacinta if you are contacted to provide information or resources. Please also feel free to initiate contact with Jacinta at: Jacinta.haryett@cnib.ca

Upon completion of the scan, and upon receipt of the report, a framework will be developed for placement of resources on the WBU website. Next, a testing and modification phase will be implemented to ensure that the site is fully accessible, user-friendly, intuitive, and contains the information necessary to meet the goals of the project. Finally, the site will be fully launched and made available world-wide. This exciting project is an innovative approach to resolving the well-documented challenge of high unemployment rates among persons who are blind or partially sighted, and we can all be proud to be a part of it.

Case Studies for the Employment Initiative
We continue to collect case studies of individual blind and partially sighted persons in different employment situations as well as examples of models of employment programs for the Employment Resource Bank program that will be launched on the WBU website in 2012. We welcome your input. You may find the guidelines on the WBU website at: http://www.worldblindunion.org/en/our-work/campaigns/Pages/default.aspx

VICTORY FOR THE HONG KONG BLIND SPORTS ASSOCIATION
Dragon Boat racing team results report by Grace Chan

The Hong Kong Blind Sport Association (HKBSA) has been active since April, 2008 with a mission to promote equal participation and sports for all. Through professional training courses and recreational social events like marathons, bowling, golf, dragon boat paddling, swimming and blind football. We are happy to see our blind athletes regain confidence, become socially active and live an independent life. Our blind athletes have positively changed from being passive to being very energetic in life. Today, we have blind runners’ complete full marathons within four hours, half marathons within two hours and 10K marathons in less than an hour.

In 2008, our blind swimmers together with sighted swimmer broke the Guinness World Record by assembling the most participants (254) in completing a swimming relay within an hour. Our blind golfers and bowling players won various awards in Hong Kong and Malaysia’s Friendly Matches. They also participated in many other international events such as the Beijing International Marathon, the Standard Chartered Hong Kong and Kula Lumpur Marathon widening their horizons to a great extent.

HKBSA began Dragon Boat training in February 2010, thanks to the immense support from our coaches; Mr. Hou Chi Fai, Vice-Chairman of Stanley Dragon Boat Association, Mr. Jacky So and Mr. Kwok Ka Ming. Our team participated in Shatin Dragon Boat Race, Stanley Dragon Boat Short Course Race and the 2010 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Race. To our pleasant surprise, our Dragon Boat Team won the championship in the 2010 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Adaptive Paddling Invitational Race and the second runner up in the 2010 Hong Kong Sa Sa Mixed International Championship Silver Bowl Final! It was indeed a great encouragement to and achievement by our visually impaired athletes.

This year HKBSA was faced with a new group of challengers, the Guangzhou Jiang Men Brothers. In the first round of the competition, HKBSA did not achieve the ranking we anticipated, finishing third. However we did not lose faith. Our team was filled with only positive energy, eager to make a comeback in the second round of the competition. With a breaking new record of a minute and ten seconds, better than last year, HKBSA’s energy and perseverance won them the Silver trophy in the end. Although we did not win the gold trophy, our team in fact was the champion of Hong Kong! Our team will never give up and will only cherish the experience, wonderful memories and friendship that will never be forgotten.

“The Spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur” (Vince Lombardi). Although we didn’t win first place this year, our team won in sprit. The team was enlightened to a whole new lesson in life, they learned to appreciate one another, to appreciate what they already have, and learned not just more about the sport but also life lessons that only this kind of experience can provide.

Our Dragon Boat Team was a combination of athletes with and without visual impairment. Through this experience members learned to acknowledge the need to depend on one another and appreciate the existence of one another. The team learned to work in harmony. Members that are visually impaired not only become more socially active and physically healthy but also see the world differently, look at things with a different perspective. “The human spirit is never finished when it’s defeated; it is finished when it surrenders” (Ben Stein). Our team’s soul and sprit will never ever surrender but only grow stronger and become remarkable! You can learn more about our programs by visiting our website, the Hong Kong Blind Sports Association at: http://www.hkbsa.hk/en/index.asp?bianhao=2

UPDATE FROM BRAILLE WITHOUT BORDERS (BWB)
As WBU readers may know, BWB works in Lhasa, Tibet, and their sister organization, the International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs (IISE), works in Kerala, India. BWB educates blind students, providing Braille materials to further their knowledge and lead them to higher levels of education. The IISE program was created to teach students essential skills in entrepreneurship so they learn the importance of being innovative, how to make business plans, understanding finance and ways to market their products or ideas, and develop public speaking skills to increase their ability to reach out into the world and implement lasting change. Both programs are progressing with new opportunities and are being recognized for their excellent work.

The BWB work in Tibet is running well and several renovation projects are underway. A Chinese company that makes solar hot water systems plans to donate several of their products to the school in Lhasa and to the farm in Shigatse. This will help them to integrate environmentally friendly measures into the program and the students will enjoy their hot showers. A five star hotel opened its doors in Lhasa; the St Regis. Since then they have been purchasing 'Tibet Mountain Cheese' and the different kinds of 'Tibetino cheeses' that are produced on the BWB cheese farm in Shigatse. At the moment BWB is looking at ways how to further market the cheeses in order to create more sustainable income generation. This summer a Chinese marketing specialist will come to the farm to help with this process. She will also look at how to best market the other products that are being produced at the farm: bread, vegetables, knitted items and carpets.

A recognition was given to the IISE in the form of an award from INCITE, (International Centre for Intellectual Training & Empowerment). It was the 'Incite Excellence Award in Social Entrepreneurship 2011'. One of the board members of this organization is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India.

Lastly, there has been a change in the duration of the IISE course. From July 2012 onward the duration of the IISE course will be 7 months instead of 11 months. If you know a potential candidate, please ask them to check out the website and apply: www.bwb-iise.org/apply

DISCOVERING LOUIS BRAILLE’S BIRTHPLACE
An extraordinary destiny
Louis Braille was born on January 4th, 1809 in his family’s house in Coupvray, in Seine-et-Marne, France. He was baptised in Saint-Peter’s church the local parish church on January 8th. He went blind at the age of 5; however Louis entered Coupvray’s primary school at age 6 where he proved to be an “attentive, thoughtful and very clever pupil”. At age 10 he entered the Royal Institution of the Young Blind, where he proved to be a brilliant student in all subjects (intellectual as well as manual works, and music), and later he became a unanimously respected and admired teacher. Louis learned to read and write with the technique set up by Valentin Haüy which was a system of raised lettering, and in 1821, he tried Charles Barbier de la Serre’s sonography system. Dissatisfied with those systems, Louis worked to create a new simplified method, and in 1825, he introduced his reading and writing system for the blind, which today is know as the Braille system.

Light for the blind
So as not to steal a single minute from his homework time, Louis Braille did his own research work during his spare time. He worked at night or during his vacation and he set up his raised-dot system before 16 years-old. The Braille alphabet is very simple as it is based on the combination of 6 dots placed in a rectangle. Braille also adapted his system to mathematics and music. In order to write, one embosses paper with a style, reverse side, from right to left. Then the writing, which looks like a series of raised dots is read right side from left to right. Thanks to Louis Braille, blind people could now read and write and gain the same level of literacy as sighted students. This also gave the blind access to knowledge and culture, as Braille is a way to represent the alphabet letters that can be used in many languages.

The family house, now a museum
Louis Braille’s native house, in lower Coupvray, is a massive country house from the 18th century. His family consisted of his father Simon-René Braille, a master saddler and harness maker, known for his fine leather goods for horses, his mother Monique, and their four children including Louis, who was the youngest. For more than a century, the Braille family had been saddlers passing on the craft from father to son. Some of the saddler’s furniture and tools still can be seen in the workshop, including a workbench, collar-making tool, sewing pliers, and branding iron. Young Louis lost sight while playing with a sharp tool in his father’s workshop. This changed the direction of his life as Louis would no longer be able to apprentice as a saddler.

Although his studies took him far away from his home, Louis Braille always maintained a deep affection for his native village. When Louis was ill, he would return to Coupvray to rest. Family mementos as well as documents and objects connected with the invention of the writing for the blind remain in the rooms Louis would use when at home. Louis Braille died from tuberculosis on 6th January 1852, at the age of 43, and was buried in the Coupvray cemetery. However, in tribute to his great contribution to humanity, on June 22nd, 1952, his ashes were solemnly transferred to the Panthéon in Paris. In 1956, the Braille family house was converted into a museum and open to the public. As a municipal museum, Louis Braille’s native house is now managed by the French Louis Braille Committee and the World Blind Union.

A visit to the Louis Braille Museum in Coupvray
The village of Coupvray is 35 KMS east of Paris and can be accessed by car or rail. Near Euro-Disney, the village is known for its castle ruins and walking trails as well as being the birthplace of Louis Braille.

The commemorative monument
A commemorative monument was set up in 1887 thanks to international support of the “grateful blind people” of the world. It was made by sculptor Etienne Leroux, and represents Louis Braille wearing the uniform of the Royal Institution of the Young Blind.

The village cemetery
From the Saint-Peter’s church walk up to the cemetery along the washhouse called “Lavoir des Médisances”. Louis Braille was buried on 10th January 1852 in Coupvray’s small cemetery where already rested his father and his sister Marie.

How to get there from Paris
 Motorway A4, exit 14 (Disney-Paris/Coupvray)
 By train from Gare de l’Est (the Meaux line) to Esbly, then taxi or bus to Coupvray
 By suburban train RER A to Marne-la-Vallée-Chessy, then taxi or bus to Coupvray

Museum hours:
Summer schedule (1st April – 30th September)
Open daily, except on Monday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 02:00 p.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Visits start at: 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 02:00 p.m., 03:00 p.m., 04:00 p.m. and 05:00 p.m. (Duration of the tour: 1 hour).

Winter schedule (1st October – 31st March)
Open daily from 02:00 p.m. to 05:00 p.m., except on Monday.
Group visits on Friday only, by appointment.
Visits start at: 02:00 p.m., 03:00 p.m. and 04:00 p.m. (Duration of the tour: 1 hour)

The museum is closed on 1st January, 1st May and 25th December

Admission Fees:
Individual: 5 €
Group (more than 10 people):4 € per person
Children under 10: free
Schools: 3 € per pupil

To arrange for group visits and for all other information, contact:
Musée Louis Braille, Maison natale
13, rue Louis Braille, 77 700 Coupvray
Tél. fax : +33 (0)1 60 04 82 80 musee.louisbraille@faf.asso.fr

REMINDERS
International Conference on Braille: Braille21
Registration is now open for Braille21, focused on innovations in Braille organized by the WBU World Braille Council and the German Central Library for the Blind. The conference will take place in Leipzig Germany from September 27 – 30th. For more information please visit www.braille21.net

WBU Contest for White Cane Day – Develop the Theme
As announced at the Africa Forum there is a contest to create the theme for this year’s White Cane Day – October 15th. Members are invited to think about what this day means to them and share a theme and messaging that would be used by WBU and its members to promote White Cane Day to the media and the public. The deadline for all applicants is Friday August 26th, 2011. Send your themes/ideas to: Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org

All themes will be submitted to the WCD panel for consideration, and there is a reward for your creativity. A nominal prize of $100 USD will be granted to those who submitted the winning theme. We will send out information on the winning theme in early September so that members have the opportunity to get the message out to their local media for October.

WBU Scholarship Application – Still Open
This is a reminder that we are still accepting applications for one of our scholarship funds for 2011. The Hermoine Grant Calhoun Scholarship fund for blind and partially sighted women and girls – applications are still open for this scholarship. Remember, limited funds are available. You can find the guidelines and application forms for this scholarship on the WBU website at the following link: http://www.worldblindunion.org/en/resources/scholarships/Pages/default.aspx.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
WBU’s 8th General Assembly Planning Underway
Planning is already underway for the WBU 8th General Assembly which will be held in Bangkok, Thailand in November of 2012. This will be an expanded event as ICEVI will be participating. Both organizations will hold their own General Assemblies, and programs will be organized in such a way as to allow two days of overlapping sessions that would be of interest to both WBU and ICEVI members and which will enable networking and sharing of information and expertise between the two organizations. We will have a joint organizing committee and joint program committee as well as a common registration process. Please watch the newsletter for updates as the planning progresses. We will also alert our members of a WBU GA website link for more information and to register once this has been set up.

National Braille Press Award
The National Braille Press is now accepting nominations for their Prize for Genius innovation award. Amount to be won $20,000 US dollars. To learn more about this and to apply click here: http://www.nbp.org/ic/nbp/programs/tog/tog_prize

Hadley New Courses Information
The Hadley School for the Blind’s Forsythe Center for Entrepreneurship recently announced seven new study modules to teach visually impaired entrepreneurs how to start and run their businesses successfully. These modules include Market Research, Marketing Plan, Financial Plan, Business Plan, Business Insurance, Forms of Ownership and Veterans’ Benefits.

Over the next several years, Hadley is planning to release approximately 50 modules. In addition, visually impaired people can participate in online seminars and discussions about entrepreneurship. Besides the new courses and seminars, Hadley also offers a business directory for visually impaired entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses and connect with other business owners and jumpstart their networking activities.

For more information, or to register for the new modules and seminars, please visit: http://www.hadley.edu/FCE.

Launch of the IDA CRPD Newsletter
The International Disability Alliance will launch a newsletter in September 2011 to provide best practices, share methods and provide a venue for success stories for implementing the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. If your group has stories to share send them to Stefan Tromel Sturmer at: stomel@fundaciononce.es

Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) 8th World Assembly
It will take place from October 10 to 13, 2011 in Durban, South Africa. To learn more and to register for this assembly visit their conference website: http://www.dpi2011.co.za/en/home

World Ophthalmology Congress 2012
It is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from February 16 to 20, hosted and organized by the Middle East Council of Ophthalmology. For more information, to submit papers, or to register to go: www.woc2012.org

IAPB’s 9th General Assembly - September 2012, Hyderabad, India
The WBU is partnered with the International Association for the Prevention of Blindness through the Vision Alliance (consisting of the 3 international bodies: World Blind Union, ICEVI – International Council for Education for people with Visual Impairment, and the IAPB). Information on IAPB’s next general assembly can be accessed at: http://www.9ga.iapb.org/

Roadmap Launched to Eliminate Global Blindness
The International Coalition for Trachoma Control has pulled together a plan with the help of other groups working to eliminate avoidable blindness. The global strategic plan, called 2020 INSight, lays out the actions to take and the milestones to meet in order to achieve their goal of reducing and eventually eliminating trachoma in countries where it still causes blindness. Please share 2020 INSight with your colleagues and global partners. Feel free to post the PDF file on your websites to promote the document and its messages as broadly as you can. The full document can be downloaded at http://www.trachomacoalition.org/node/713 A French version is forthcoming.

RESOURCES
World Health Organization’s World Report on Disability
This report is the first focus on disability by the UN agency in over 40 years. It updates figures putting the total percentage of disabled persons at 15% of the global population. It also addresses rehabilitation, education and employment issues for the disabled. The full report can be accessed from the UN link: http://www.who.int/disabilities/world_report/2011/en/index.html

World Blind Union’s 2010 Annual Report
The 2010 Annual Report shows all the work done last year, what we have achieved and what we are currently focused on. It is available on our website by following this link: http://www.worldblindunion.org/en/our-work/stratplan/Documents/Annual%20Report%202010%20with%20pics%20-Eng.doc. Financial documents are also on the WBU website under “About WBU”.

Bookshare
Another interesting find from the Africa Forum was learning about Bookshare. Bookshare is the world’s largest online library for individuals with print disabilities and has over 120,000 books (30,000 titles available globally) including bestsellers, children’s books, reference books, classics, fiction and nonfiction direct from publishers. Bookshare has over 140,000 members.

To learn more and sign up go to: www.bookshare.org. Bookshare is offering a free 60-day membership for WBU members and associates. Use the code “WBU” when signing up. Remember, Bookshare needs your proof of qualifying disability in order to be granted a membership.

F123.org and the Inter-American Development Bank are Bringing A World of Solutions to Blind People
(Reprinted from the GPDD newsletter)
A low-cost screen reading and magnification software solution for those with visual impairments called F123.org is now spreading throughout Latin America thanks to an award from the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). The F123.org Project, which allows blind and low vision users to navigate the web and edit text documents, spreadsheets, e-mails, and instant messages, is now available in Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Peru, and Uruguay. The F123.org Software can be installed directly on computers or carried portably in an USB drive (or pen drive). The software opens all of the major file formats used in offices and schools, and can interact with every major messaging network. The system is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and will soon be available in French. Those interested can learn more at http://www.F123.org/en or write to info@F123.org

NEWS FROM THE REGIONS

AFRICA
AFUB Launched a New Website
The Africa Union of the Blind (AFUB) now has a new website, and they welcome feedback to ensure it fully serves their members. Please visit the new website at: www.afub-uafa.org. The French part of the site will soon be launched.

The biggest news from this region was the success of the Africa Forum held at GIMPA in Accra, Ghana, from July 3rd to 8th, 2011. More stories and interviews can be found at: http://www.perkins.org/idp/africa-forum/

ASIA-PACIFIC
The Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand’s 2011 Conference
They are holding Conference a week earlier than usual. It will commence Friday September 30th, concluding Sunday October 2nd. "Building our Future" is this year's theme and speakers and topics will shortly be announced on their website: http://www.abcnz.org.nz/

ASIA
ABU General Assembly and Related Events
It has been decided that the ABU General Assembly will take place in Delhi, India, from February 27th to 29th 2012. Along side the General Assembly, a meeting of the Women’s Forum of ABU and a Regional Conference have also been planned. The theme of the Regional Conference this time is “UNCRPD—Implications and Prospects”. The President, 1st Vice President, Secretary General and CEO of WBU as well as International Director and Programme Director of NABP have given their consent to attend the events. Programme has been finalized for the three events. The Programme Committee will meet shortly to work out detail arrangements. About 90 representatives from 22 countries of our region as well as dignitaries from WBU and NABP would participate. More information will be available on the ABU website in the fall. http://www.abunion.org/

Training Workshop on Advocacy for Central Asian Countries
The ABU organized a 3-day workshop that was held at Orbit Resort House, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 25th June. The workshop had the following major objectives:

a) To strengthen the advocacy and leadership skills of leaders of blindness organizations in the participating countries particularly for engaging pro actively with the Government for the protection of rights of persons with disabilities and ratification/implementation of UNCRPD
b) Ascertaining the existing status of legislative and policy framework in the participating countries in relation to the rights of persons with disabilities in general and blind in particular
c) Providing a platform to the activists belonging to participating countries to device a concrete strategy in their respective country for ratification/implementation of UNCRPD as the case may be

Twenty BPS representatives (11-M and 9-F) from three Central Asian Countries—Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan participated. The Chair of the ABU Advocacy Committee, Mr. S.K. Rungta, conducted the workshop with the help of an interpreter and a couple of local resource persons. During the 3-day workshop the following facts were revealed:
a) Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have special laws pertaining to persons with disabilities while Kazakhstan does not have such law
b) All the three participating countries are largely dependent on special schools for the education of the blind and other disabled and inclusive education is yet to be promoted
c) All the three participating countries have though signed the UNCRPD, but have not yet ratified it
d) The participating representatives were able to formulate a specific strategy for ensuring ratification of UNCRPD by their respective governments
e) The process of unifying disability organizations and disability movement should immediately be initiated -the participants agreed
f) The target of achieving the ratification of UNCRPD was fixed as one year from now

EUROPE
European Blind Union – 9th General Assembly
This will take place from October 4 to 8, 2011 in Fredericia, Denmark. To register and to learn more here is the link to their website:
http://www.euroblind.org/projects-and-activities/events/upcoming-events/nr/3

A message from the EBU President 12.7.2011 (Colin Low)
Lord Low of Dalston CBE, European Blind Union President
I would like to warmly thank the 447 Members of the European Parliament who signed the Written Declaration 14/2011 (External link). In doing so, they have highlighted the need for accessible labeling in a most compelling manner. Accessible labeling is one of our major priorities and thanks to the success of the written declaration the issue is now back on the EU agenda. The European Blind Union will continue to work with Members of the European Parliament in order to ensure that blind and partially sighted people get full and equal access to information.

ONCE’s Involvement with World Youth Day 2011
ONCE is working to make the World Youth Day Pilgrimage August event accessible to all. The visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Madrid, Spain from August 16th to 20th in celebration of World Youth Day will be unique this year as there is a strong focus to ensure it is an accessible event for those with various physical and sensory disabilities. This is the first time such a target of accessibility has been achieved for this popular religious pilgrimage. Event facilities will be labelled in Braille and the website for the event is in accessible format. There will be training courses for volunteers, teaching them how to assist disabled pilgrims, as they are expecting over 5,000 disabled people to attend this event, many coming from other European countries. To learn more: http://www.once.es/new/sala-de-prensa/notas-de-prensa/la-jmj-sera-accesible-para-los-peregrinos-con

LATIN AMERICA
ULAC – 8th General Assembly Announcement
There will be 3 events that run from March 11th to 16th, 2012 held in Mexico City. The 5th Women’s Forum will run on March 11 and 12. The 7th Congress will run March 12, 13 and 14 and the theme is: Citizens Participation in Local Development = Total Inclusion. The General Assembly will be on March 15th and 16th with participants from 19 countries of the region and ULAC delegates. All events will be held at the Fiesta Americana Reforma Hotel in Mexico City. A special e-Bulletin series has been created for the upcoming ULAC GA called “Mexico 2012”. More information at www.ulacdigital.org

Virtual Consulting in Teaching Math
The Latin American Union of the Blind has launched a virtual consulting to aid in teaching math to visually impaired students. Through ULAC’s Secretariats of Education, Culture and Technology and Access to Information a team of teachers for the blind has been formed, lead by math teacher Juan Jose Della Barca. He will respond to queries received from teachers working with students with visual impairments. To learn more visit their website: http://www.ulacdigital.org/inicio.htm

ONCB works to improve access to audio description in Brazil
In a ceremony held in the auditorium of the Human Rights Secretariat of the Presidency 20 June 2011, various ministry departments as well as representatives of various civil society institutions, and dozens of journalists and people with disabilities, met to hear the government’s announcement of the initiation of adding access to audio description of TV programs broadcast in Brazil in compliance in Ordinance No. 188/2010 of the Ministry of Communications. ONCB attended the event represented by Mizael Conrado, two-time Paralympics soccer gold medalist.

ONCB supports the statement by Minister Maria do Rosario which said that the two hours of weekly programming in audio description amounts to very little. ONCB’s goal is to eventually get all TV broadcasts to be accessible for those with visual impairments. They wish the government will supervise the implementation of Decree 188 by television broadcasters and denounce cases of noncompliance.

The day after this event, the president of ABERT (the Brazilian Association of Radio and Television), Emanuel Carneiro, posted on the ABERT website their position that demonstrates a note of dissatisfaction and their objections with the obligation of broadcasters to provide audio descriptive programs to the general public.

The National Organization of Blind of Brazil challenge ABERT’s position and wish to negate their objections by providing clarification as to the importance of implementing audio description. It is estimated that there are more than 16 million Brazilians with some degree of visual impairment who need this service to better understand, absorb and share the information provided through this medium.

The requirement of two hours of weekly programming audio description only counts for 1.2% of the entire week’s schedule, cutting out over 98% of all broadcast shows from those with visual impairments. Even in 10 years when the amount of audio described programming is raised to twenty hours a week, this will cover less then 12% of the total programs available to the general public. This is huge gap between what is out there and what is made available to the visually impaired to consume, and affects their ability to fully participate in society.

95.7% of Brazilian households have at least one television set. It is clear that television is the most democratic and comprehensive means of dissemination of culture, information, education and leisure in their country. Television is the obvious vehicle to impart the standards of accessibility outlined in the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (United Nations treaty). Brazil signed and ratified this treaty guarantying to all citizens the inalienable right to culture, information, education and leisure. This shows there is a disconnection between what visually impaired Brazilians are entitled to and what they actually can expect to receive.

Research conducted by several universities in Brazil, North America and Europe demonstrates that the understanding by people with disabilities of movies, plays, television programs, and other audiovisual products increases by 80% when accompanied by audio description. Although audio description exists and has been applied in other countries since the 1980s, audio description is still a novelty for the Brazilian broadcasters. They have an apprehension to take this on citing various reasons why they need more time. ONCB stressed that this issue was thoroughly discussed in several consultations and public meetings held between the Ministry of Communications, and representatives of ABERT and ONCB. Most European countries are well advanced with regard to improving accessibility for people with disabilities; the European Parliament itself has published ample legislation in place, especially in the field of accessible communication.

In England, for example, Ofcom requires all television stations, to report quarterly the amount of programs broadcast with subtitles for the deaf, audio description, and with interpretation in sign language. In the consolidated report of 2010, Ofcom itself notes that, of 72 television stations existing in that country, they all complied with the minimum standards and 69 voluntarily exceeded the required quota of 10% of programming, with some exceeding the rate of 40% their broadcasts with audio description. This clearly shows it can be done if the broadcasters step up and take on the responsibility.

In the United States, after eight years of struggle, in October 2010 President Obama signed legislation known as the 21st Century Communication and Information Act, which determines the transmission of at least 50 hours of television programming with audio description. 50 hours per quarter may seem a rather small amount, but transform the Brazilian requirement of two hours a week for the same period established in U.S. law; it is evident that Brazilian broadcasters are only obliged to 24 hours per quarter, less then half of what can be expected in the USA.

The good news is there are countries which, while not having specific legislation, already apply to audio description in its programming. Argentina for example, is adding audio description on some of their programs via SAP analog even before the Law Medios be regulated. Certainly the implementation in Brazil of all the accessibility features for people with disabilities is an important competitive advantage for our digital television system that we intend to spread in other countries.

ABERT insists that the audio description was required only in digital television, claiming that this system is that it offers the best resources for this purpose. However, digital television sets are the most expensive in the stores, making them not affordable for everyone. Approximately 80% of the 25 million Brazilians with a disability are citizens with lower purchasing power. Perhaps more than any possible technical difficulties, this is the greatest impediment to the spread of television access for people with disabilities. Millions of Brazilians are eager to be consumers of television programs delivered to them in an accessible format but if it is tied to the most expensive technology, then this cannot become a reality for most.

The National Organization for the Blind in Brazil is willing to work hand in hand with the Ministry of Communications to create a solution with the television broadcasters that promotes opportunities for inclusion for all Brazilians, with or without a disability. "Nothing About Us, Without Us".

NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Canadian Council of the Blind’s Lobbying Efforts Pay Off
The Bank of Canada unveiled its new series of plastic bank notes on June 20, 2011. The bank notes include enhanced accessibility features including durable tactile features, high contrast numerals and distinct colours. “The Canadian Council of the Blind appreciates the Bank of Canada’s continued efforts to improve the accessibility of bank notes for Canadians with vision loss,” said Louise Gillis. “The enhanced features on the new notes tell me that they have listened to feedback provided by our members.” The new bills can be identified with ease using a bank note reader. The new $100 bill will begin circulating in November followed by a $50 note in March of 2012. The $20, $10 and $5 bank notes will be issued by the end of 2013. Printed on a plastic polymer material, the new bills include innovative security features including transparent windows--the biggest banknote window in the world--and intricate metallic holographic images. http://www.ccbnational.net

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
AFB celebrated its 90th anniversary on June 28, marking an impressive track record for setting standards and achieving milestones to improve the quality of life for people with vision loss. Ninety years ago, a resolution was passed by the American Association of Workers for the Blind to create "...a central organization to cooperate with and supplement the work of existing agencies in work for the blind..."

In the intervening decades, AFB has become a leading organization for people who are blind or visually impaired by advocating for their rights and interests, broadening access to technology, promoting and facilitating independent living and elevating the quality of information and tools available for families and professionals. "Our 90th anniversary isn't really about AFB; it's about the many people and programs that have made this achievement possible," said AFB President and CEO, Carl Augusto. "This milestone reflects an idea that's embedded in AFB's culture — that we serve people of all ages living with vision loss by looking ahead and making sure they can live lives of hope, possibility and expanded opportunities." http://www.afb.org/

WBU OFFICERS
Ms. Maryanne Diamond, President
maryanne.diamond@visionaustralia.org
Mr. Arnt Holte, 1st Vice President
arnt.holte@blindeforbundet.no
Ms. Frances Candiru, 2nd Vice President
aiykko@gmail.com
Mr. Enrique Pérez, Secretary General
umc@once.es
Mr. A. K. Mittal, Treasurer
akmittal@rediffmail.com
Dr. William Rowland, Immediate Past President
rowland@sancb.org.za

REGIONAL PRESIDENTS
AFRICA (AFUB)
Mr. Mohammed Ez-zaoui
med.ezzaoui@gmail.com
ASIA (ABU)
Mr. Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Allouzi
fabjo@index.com.jo
ASIA PACIFIC (WBU-AP)
Mr. Dato` Kulasegaran
ranthoku@streamyx.com
EUROPE (EBU)
Lord Colin Low
Colin.Low@rnib.org.uk
LATIN AMERICA (ULAC)
Dr. Guillermo Moreno
dr_guillermo_moreno@hotmail.com
NORTH AMERICA/CARIBBEAN (WBU-NA/C)
Mr. Carl Augusto
caugusto@afb.net

WBU STAFF
Dr. Penny Hartin, Chief Executive Officer
penny.hartin@wbuoffice.org
Ms. Ianina Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant ianina.rodriguez@wbuoffice.org
Ms. Marianne McQuillan, Manager of Fund Development & Communications
Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org

TWO IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

2011-08-02T03:20:00.000-07:00

1. New Vice-President: This is to inform you that Ms. Martine Abel-Williamson from New Zealand has been elected the new Vice-President of WBUAP with effect from 1 August 2011. We extend to her our heartiest congratulations as she assumes this responsible position for the remaining term of this Quadrennium.

We wish to thank all of you who have taken part in this important exercise, and we can assure you it was a very difficult decision for your Board to make. Several factors were taken into consideration, including the nature of the Board's composition.

2. WBUAP Quadrennial General Assembly: The WBU 8th General Assembly will be held in Bangkok, Thailand from 10 - 15 November 2012. As is our usual practice, WBUAP will hold its Assembly one day before or during the WBU event. The exact date will be informed to you at a later date. You are kindly requested to take note of two items:

2.1. Membership Fees: Any Member-Country which is not financial by 31 December 2011 (not paid up its fees by this date), will not be entitled for support by WBU to attend the Assembly or have the right to vote. If you have any doubts, please contact the WBU or the WBUAP Secretariats.

2.2. Elected Positions on WBUAP: In conjunction with the WBUAP Quadrennial General Assembly, please give some thoughts to the line-up in 2012. These are the four principal office-bearers - President, Vice-President, Secretary General and the Hon. Treasurer. The other three positions on the Board are the Representatives who will attend the WBU Executive Committee meetings.

With best wishes,

(Ivan Ho Tuck Choy),

Secretary General,

World Blind Union-Asia Pacific.

June 15th, 2011 WBU e-Notice

2011-06-15T20:47:00.000-07:00

Here is our brief two-page notice of current breaking news and events. Members who have brief notices that we can share can send them to: Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org

 Don’t forget, WBU members from French or Spanish speaking developing nations who find it challenging to cover their annual dues can arrange to pay in kind by offering translations services to WBU. Please contact Penny Hartin at penny.hartin@wbuoffice.org to discuss this option.

 Members of WBU’s Right 2 Read Working group will be attending the World Intellectual Property Organization Standing Committee on Copyright & Related Rights in Geneva over the next two weeks as we continue to advocate for our Treaty for the Visually Impaired.

 The 2010 World Blind Union’s Annual Report is available on the website by following this link: English: http://www.worldblindunion.org/en/our-work/stratplan/Documents/Annual%20Report%202010%20with%20pics%20-Eng.doc Financial documents are also on the WBU website under “About WBU”.

 The Audio Description Toolkit is now available in English on the WBU website at: http://www.worldblindunion.org/en/our-work/campaigns/Pages/AccessToTechnology.aspx The French and Spanish versions will soon follow. Note, the links on page 20 of the document are not all functional; this will be fixed at a later time.

 Visually impaired Canadian student likes creating new apps for others: http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/123037878.html

 The WBU’s World Braille Council is compiling a list of Braille libraries around the world. In order to do this we need your help. Please respond the to survey that will be sent to all members, or go to the WBU website to complete the survey by following this link: http://www.worldblindunion.org/en/our-work/stratplan/Pages/default.aspx

 Remember to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. The following article warns of the dangers of eye damage due to sun exposure: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/health/Seeing+light/4882423/story.html

 June 9th the World Disability Report was launched at UN Headquarters in New York. The report is now available at: http://www.who.int/ /world_report/en/index.html. Link to YouTube videos “What’s disabilities Disability to Me?”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_2ZEwhh9WQ

 World Sight Day is Thursday October 13th and White Cane Safety Day is October 15th. Start to think of activities your organization can do to celebrate these days. We will share member ideas as they come in.

 Aging and Visual impairment – the report done by the Elderly working group is now available (in English only) on the WBU website at: http://www.worldblindunion.org/en/resources/general-documents/Documents/Ageing%20and%20visual%20impairment%20Report%20-May%202011.doc The French and Spanish versions will soon follow.

Conference notices:

July 3 to 8: 5th Institutional Development Program’s Africa Forum: Access Africa, in Accra, Ghana. To register:
http://www.perkins.org/idp/africa-forum/program/

Sept. 28 to 30: Braille21 Conference, in Leipzig, Germany. For information and registration: www.braille21.net

Oct. 4 to 8: European Blind Union’s 9th General Assembly 2011, in Fredericia, Denmark. To learn more:
http://www.euroblind.org/projects-and-activities/events/upcoming-events/nr/3

WORLD BLIND UNION ANNUAL REPORT 2010

2011-05-29T00:15:00.000-07:00

Message from the President
By Maryanne Diamond

I am pleased to introduce the 2010 annual report of the World Blind Union (WBU). This is the second report of the current term, 2008 – 2012.
Our work is based on the strategic plan developed in 2008 which was reviewed during 2010 by the officers and executive committee refining it where necessary. The plan remains to be based around three priority areas: representation, capacity building and information sharing.

This report outlines our work against these areas. In addition, to enable us to undertake the work in each of these priority areas, the plan contains one Enabling Priority.

In reading the report, it is clear that we have made good progress in some areas; some level of progress made in other areas although there remains much to do in order to achieve our plan as set down at the start of the term.

One area of our work which continues to make good progress taking a great deal of time and effort is our work with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) on a treaty for the blind and print disability community. During 2010, through our hard work the issue of access to information has been discussed at the highest levels at the international level with a highlight being a speech made at the WIPO General Assembly by Stevie Wander in support of our treaty. 2011 is a critical year for the negotiations and we are hopeful that governments around the world will come together and solve this problem. The ability to share alternate format published works from country to country opens up opportunities in education, employment and access to the community for millions of people who are blind or have low vision and will be a demonstration of implementing many articles contained in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

As a result of a great deal of hard work in 2010, it is pleasing that in 2011 we will commence two projects with funds obtained from foundations. One is a Human Rights project in Africa and the other in Partnership with CNIB is to establish an employment resource bank.

Our partnerships with a range of organisations have been very successful during 2010. We had presentations from a number of these at the executive meeting held in Melbourne during November. WBU chaired the Vision Alliance during 2010 and together with IAPB and ICEVI we have identified areas of work to undertake jointly. Our agreement to hold our next general assembly with ICEVI November 2012 in Bangkok is a very exciting opportunity for us and one which provides a huge information exchange and collaboration for those in the field of education and those with the lived experience of blindness and provision of rehabilitation services.

I would like to thank the six Regional Presidents and 6 Table Officers for their leadership and hard work over the year. Particular thanks must go to our small but hard working staff: Penny Hartin, Ianina Rodriguez and Sarah Smith without whom we could not have achieved what we have in 2010. Sarah Smith was with us during 2010 as our Manager of Communications and Fund Development. Her contribution in the redevelopment of our webpage, communications and introductions of potential funding bodies was a huge contribution. I would like to thank Sarah for her contribution and wish her every success in her next endeavours.

Special thanks must go to our sponsors and supporters who make it possible for us to undertake our work. There are huge, in-kind contributions at all levels provided to us which must be recognised and celebrated. These are drawn primarily from amongst our membership. We have begun to capture these contributions and is evident the generosity of our members without who we could not achieve our work.

I look forward to continuing to work with all of our members and partners in 2011.

We should celebrate and be proud of the great deal we have achieved. Of course, much more needs to be done to make the kind of change we are all working towards, in the lives of people who are blind or partially sighted.

Our Work

The work of the WBU during 2010 has continued to be guided by our Strategic Plan which was developed in December 2008 and sets out our priorities and workplan for the 2009 to 2012 timeframe. The following pages discuss our Vision, Values and Priorities for the period as well as the work that has been undertaken so far in the advancement of those priorities. This report focuses primarily on initiatives undertaken at the global level. Our six WBU Regions also undertake a great deal of work within their regions to further these priorities and objectives. The specific Regions should be consulted directly for information about their regional initiatives and activities.

Our Vision

We have adopted a pyramid Vision structure which reflects our Vision of what we would hope to achieve within a twenty year timeframe as well as our Vision for this strategic planning cycle which is four years.

Our long term, twenty year Vision is:

A community where people who are blind or partially sighted are empowered to participate on an equal basis in any aspect of life they choose.

Our short term, four year Vision, has three ladders that together will move us towards the realization of our long term vision. These three Vision ladders are:

1. That WBU is recognized as the authentic voice representing blind and partially sighted persons at the international level
2. That our members at all levels have the capacity and capability to deliver their programs
3. That the WBU is recognized as an international source of information in matters related to vision impairment

Strategic Priority 1: Representation

Strategic Priority Leaders: Ajai Kumar Mittal, Treasurer and
William Rowland, Past President
Promoting full participation and equal opportunities for blind and partially sighted persons in all aspects of social, economic, political and cultural life

Working towards a world accessible to blind and partially sighted persons

Specific initiatives have been developed in the areas of access to information, mobility & transportation and access to technology. A good deal of progress has been made in each of these areas under the leadership of Christopher Friend.

 The Right to Read Campaign, whose objective is to dramatically improve access to printed material for persons with a print disability has demanded a great deal of effort and has made good progress towards the achievement of a WIPO Treaty for the Visually Impaired. The WBU treaty was the topic of discussion during two SCCR (Standing Committee on Copyright & Related Rights) Committee meetings of WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) during 2010, at which WBU members and partners played a significant role. Some good progress has been made to get countries “on board” but still there is much work to be done by our members at the international and national level. There is resistance from the publishing industry in some countries and three counter proposals to the Treaty have been put forward, which we do not believe will adequately resolve the “book famine” for blind and partially sighted persons. 2011 will be a critical year in advocating for our position for the Treaty for the Visually Impaired. In addition, several countries have now introduced Right to Read campaigns and have forged alliances to advance these.
 Some of the issues being undertaken by the mobility & transportation group include: the issue of silent cars, shared spaces, access to airline services. With respect to silent vehicles, some good progress has been made in achieving recognition of the safety issue imposed by silent vehicles: Advocacy work has been undertaken in several countries with several car manufacturers now recognizing the need for adaptations; Legislation regarding hybrid cars has been passed in some countries, notably the United States in late 2010; WBU wrote a letter to the international regulatory body dealing with the issue, calling for mandatory and consistent standards. Work has also been done working with an ISO committee on the redevelopment of Tactile Walking Surface Indicators; a new standard was agreed by the working group in 2010 and is now with ISO country delegates for voting. WBU members are advocating with their national representatives on the adoption of this new standard. The WBU and International Guide Dog Federation are continuing to look at ways to work together to resolve some of the mobility and transport issues that continue to face blind and partially sighted persons. An area of key concern is the continued problem that many blind persons still face when travelling alone on airlines and this will be the subject of continued work.
 The Technology working group has made some important progress in a number of areas: A good deal of effort has gone into making television and film accessible to blind and partially sighted persons through interventions with TV manufacturers and research work undertaken by RNIB and other working group members. This also includes working on sharing of international standards for accessible TV and film, standardization of audio description process. Techshare has now been expanded to other countries with Techshare India held in 2010 and plans for Techshare Africa as part of the African Forum in 2011. This is bringing technology closer to blind and partially sighted persons in developing countries. A good deal of work has been done with mobile telephone companies so that many more models are now fully accessible to blind and partially sighted persons, including the new Apple iphone and it ouch and iPad products. Other smartphones are now also incorporating accessibility features for ease of use including the ability to play talking books, use of GPS wayfinding, etc. The WBU Technology working group has been working with the Accessible Design Foundation of Japan and the WBU has designated a representative to the ISO (International Standards Organization) working group dealing with the accessible design of products

Representing blind and partially sighted persons at the United Nations and UN Agencies

The WBU has consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council and as such has the opportunity to participate in many sessions at the UN and its agencies. Some highlights of our participation over the past year include the following:

 The WBU was represented at both meetings of the CRPD monitoring committee that were held in 2010 and at the Conference of States/Parties held in New York regarding the CRPD implementation. We also submitted briefs to the CRPD Monitoring Committee General Day of Discussion which in 2010 focused on Accessibility.
 We participated in meetings with the World Health Organization regarding the Vision 2020 program and the finalization of the World Disability Report and the CBR Guidelines.
 The EBU President represented WBU at the Universal Postal Union (UPU) meetings to advance discussions regarding the modernization of the “free post for the blind” provision, which will be considered further during 2011 and which requires advocacy intervention by WBU members.
 Our work with WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) is ongoing as we work towards agreement of a Treaty to improve access to the printed word for blind, partially sighted and other print disabled persons.
 The Chair of our Children’s network continues to be an active participant on the UNICEF NGO committee on disability and has been engaged in the process to reorganize NGO input into UNICEF.
 The WBU President continues to represent the WBU at the World Bank GPDD (Global Program on Disability & Development) and as a member of the GPDD Board.
 Discussions have been held with representatives from ILO in order to become more active with them and the WBU President attended the ILO General Assembly in Geneva in June 2010.

Advocating for human rights of blind and partially sighted persons

A Human Rights and Advocacy working group has been established and they met to develop their course of action. In addition, the WBU took steps to advocate on behalf of blind persons who are displaced in Northern Pakistan as a result of the conflict there, as well as on behalf of persons with albinism who are being killed in Tanzania. Other letters were written by the WBU President in support of particular advocacy issues being undertaken by members, at their request. In general, we have been disappointed with the response of UN and other international bodies to our interventions.

As a result of several natural disasters that took place in 2010, some requests were made to WBU members to provide assistance to members in countries that were particularly affected. These included interventions related to the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile and the floods in Pakistan. As a consequence of the impact of these disasters, the WBU is developing a position statement on our response to situations of emergency and disaster in member countries and will work with other Vision Alliance members to develop an advocacy strategy to ensure that mainstream aid organizations are better equipped to meet the needs of blind and partially sighted persons affected by these disasters.

Supporting our members to implement the CRPD at the national level

 As of January 20th 2011, 147 countries have signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 90 countries have ratified the Convention, 97 countries have signed the “Optional Protocol” and 60 countries have ratified the “Optional Protocol”. Now that more than 80 Countries have ratified the Convention, another 6 members were elected to the Committee in September 2010.
 We are in the final stages of preparing a CRPD toolkit for our members to assist them with the implementation and monitoring of the CRPD. This toolkit will provide specific information about the implications of the CRPD for blind and partially sighted persons and will also bring together a variety of resources from a number of other sources. In addition, a funding proposal has been accepted to do research on the availability of mainstream CRPD training resources in Africa. This project will get underway in the first half of 2011.
 We have begun the process of establishing Regional CRPD networks with National CRPD champions to support the work of our national members.

Strategic Priority 2: Capacity Building

Strategic Priority Leaders: Arnt Holte, 1st Vice President and Frances Candiru, 2nd Vice President

Strengthening the capabilities and capacity of the WBU regional structures and member organisations

Improving employment opportunities for blind and partially sighted persons

Following the Employment Summit, held in London in June 2009 a working group met face to face and via telephone in order to elaborate a strategy for advancing this initiative to improve the employment situation of blind and partially sighted persons around the world. The four key initiatives agreed to were: the collection of case studies, the development of an employment resource bank, documentation for peer support/mentoring programs, and initiatives related to micro-enterprise/income generating projects. In addition, a major project proposal was developed regarding the establishment of the employment resource bank. This proposal was recently accepted by the funder and so this work will commence in 2011. We have begun collecting case studies and guidelines have been developed for the collection of case studies and resource bank materials, and some opportunities related to micro-enterprise/income generating projects have also been identified

Developing the capacity of our members

The Development Committee has been re-established with the participation of members from key international organizations involved in development work. A proposal to engage a development coordinator has been developed and submitted to a number of potential sources for support. Although funding has not as yet been received, the proposal has generated some interest and work on that is being pursued by the WBU office. The Development committee held a Development summit in Madrid in June of 2010 in order to further identify and articulate its plans for capacity building among our members. Some specific activities that have already taken place include: the development of a strategy for the distribution of 10,000 braille slates donated by the Italian Union of the Blind to developing countries and the development of a partnership with the Hadley School for the Blind to promote its free educational programs to blind students worldwide and the promotion of its newly established Executive Leadership Program for blind leaders.

The Development Committee also oversaw the evaluation and approval of WBU scholarships from the Pedro Zurita Youth Fund, the Hermoine Grant Calhoun Scholarship Fund for Blind Women and the Arne Husveg Development Fund. In total they approved 10 scholarships for a total value of $7,650.

Supporting our target populations for full inclusion

A Diversity Committee has been established, which is supported by Networks representing each of the target groups of; women, children, youth, elderly persons, and persons with low vision. These networks have regional representation and are looking at ways to engage their target populations. A survey to determine the present target group composition of WBU members was developed and distributed to the WBU membership. The survey had some responses but the results are inconclusive to date. The Committee has begun planning of a Diversity Forum to be held prior to WBU General Assembly. Some particular initiatives undertaken by the networks include: the Elderly Working group is identifying resources to be placed on the WBU website that will document some best practices in working with the Elderly Blind; the Women’s network has launched an on-line discussion group; the Children’s network has been very active with UNICEF and in addition, is conducting a survey of Parents’ organizations around the world in order to establish a network of Parents Associations. With respect to Low Vision, we are developing a joint strategy with other Vision Alliance members who also have their own low vision committee structures and where we think collaboration will be beneficial.

Strengthening of WBU World Braille Council

The WBU World Braille Council has been reconstituted with representation from the major language groups with the WBU, from our Regions and from key stakeholder sectors. The WBU World Braille Council has now had two face to face meetings, and is led by Mr. J.L. Kaul from India. Some of the initiatives underway include the following:

 A number of working groups have been established to look into issues of uniform mathematical symbols and notations; language issues; tactile materials for educational purposes; to promote the establishment and support of national and regional Braille authorities; the development of a bibliography of Braille resource materials
 Materials are being gathered regarding the use of Braille on consumer products, etc., and the WBU has been represented at ISO Working groups dealing with the issue. Once standards are agreed, they will be placed on the WBU website
 The Library of Congress in the USA is working with ICEB (International Council on English Braille) to begin work on the release of the 3rd edition of “World Braille Usage”
 A major Conference, Braille 21, is being planned for September 27 – 30, 2011, hosted by The German Central Library for the Blind. the conference will be forward-looking and will focus on innovations in Braille.

Strategic Priority 3: Information Sharing

Strategic Priority Leader: Enrique Pérez, Secretary General
Serving as an international information and resource centre on matters in respect of blind and partially sighted persons

Developing a Resource Repository for members including website

A good deal of work has been done to update the website and ensure materials are available in our three working languages. A new website structure has been designed and was launched in early 2011. Because of its more user-friendly platform, it will be easier to maintain it up to date and to use some of the Web 2.0 capabilities. The addition of a part-time Communications resource in early 2010 has also enabled us to enhance our communications to members and the general public. A priority is developing our Resource bank and the recently approved proposal related to the development of a resource bank for employment will enable us to commence this work.

Developing international partnerships and collaboration

Much work has been done to strengthen our partnerships and collaboration with other organizations. The Vision Alliance, which was established between the WBU, IAPB and ICEVI, has been holding regular meetings and has developed some interesting strategies for mutual collaboration. Vision Alliance was chaired by the WBU during 2010. WBU continues to be an active member of the International Disability Alliance and has participated in all of its meetings during 2010. IDA has become a strong network, well recognized within the UN system. We continue to work very cooperatively with ICEVI on the EFAVI campaign which has included attendance at all ICEVI Global Taskforce and Executive meetings. The Executives of WBU and ICEVI recently passed a joint resolution to advance the Education for All Campaign and in particular access to resources through the World Bank. A joint taskforce has now been established to further this work. We have also updated and signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with IBSA (International Blind Sports Association) to develop areas of cooperation and collaboration between the two organizations. We are also in discussion with the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) to explore ways of working together to improve mobility and transportation access for blind and partially sighted persons. We have developed some excellent collaboration with the Hadley School for the Blind which has recently been accepted as an International member of the WBU and the WBU President has been invited to serve on the Board of the AMD Alliance International.

Developing the capacity to include our various language communities within the work of the WBU

The languages working group is continuing to develop strategies for improving our ability to serve our multiple language groups within the WBU. Materials developed by WBU and intended for the website, the general public or for the full membership are now available in English, French and Spanish and correspondence is answered in the working language of choice. A volunteer from Jordan has also translated many of our documents into Arabic and these will be linked from the WBU website. In addition, the translation software being used by the office, while not suitable for external translations, does facilitates the translation process for internal documents. In 2010, a survey was conducted among similar international organizations – the responses which revealed that WBU provides more translation/language support than most others, and at least equal to any surveyed. The working group also agreed on a strategy to encourage translation as “payment in kind” service for non-financial members.

Enabling Priority: Effective Organization

Enabling Priority Leader: Maryanne Diamond, President
Ensuring the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the WBU

Working to expand the membership

Eleven new membership applications have been approved since the General Assembly - 2 National, 6 International and 3 Associate members. More applications are pending. In addition, non-paying Associate members who have not responded to communications have been removed from the membership list. A new membership application form and information about membership for prospective members have been developed for the new website.

Maintaining the membership

There is ongoing communication with WBU members on a number of topics and the Regional Unions are engaged to facilitate communication as appropriate. The frequent communication has resulted in improved fees payments and better quality contact information.

Coordinating the development of and reviewing WBU Policies and Position Papers

A policies working group has been established which has categorized the policies, determined those that need review and updating and have been assigned for revision. A protocol related to policy papers was developed and approved by the WBU Executive; a number of new policy papers and position statements are in the development process; several internal policies, procedures and guidelines have also been developed to facilitate the work of WBU. All new and revised policies and procedures are translated and posted on the website.

Overseeing WBU financial resources

The Finance Committee has met on a regular basis to review financial statements and our position compared to the budget. The year 2010 was completed within the approved budget. A detailed operating budget was developed and approved for both 2009 and 2010. The Finance committee also reviews policies and procedures to ensure compliance with proper financial practices.

The membership fees committee continued to meet to manage the implementation of the new membership fee structure that had been approved by the General Assembly in August of 2008. The committee streamlined the process for accepting and reviewing applications for fees relief with the result of continued improved payment of fees by members. A two year review of the membership fees structure revealed that the number of members paying fees and the amount of fees collected have increased and that flexibility within the structure has been able to address concerns raised by members at the time of implementing the new membership fee structure. This report was shared with the WBU Executive when then met in Melbourne in November 2010 who expressed their appreciation for the results of the analysis and their support for the new membership fees structure. Notwithstanding the improved results, some members continue to be non-financial, even after fees relief was approved and so ongoing follow-up by the committee and by Regional Presidents is required.

Developing and implementing the Funding Strategy

Building on the work begun in 2009 supported by the RNIB to develop WBU’s external fundraising potential, we were able to advance our fund development work in some important ways. In April of 2010 we engaged a Manager of Fund Development and Communications in our WBU office, which was able to bring more time, energy and excellent experience to build our fund development program. Proposals were updated, new proposals developed and a number of potential prospective donors identified. We were invited to submit several full proposals based on interest shown in the preliminary concept papers developed to promote specific projects. The most significant success was a success full proposal to the Trillium Foundation based in Toronto Canada, a proposal that was submitted as a collaboration with the CNIB and which will enable us to build the employment resource bank on our website. Another smaller proposal has been granted support by the Open Society Institute of the Soros Foundation and several other proposals are under consideration.

We have expanded our Resource Generation Working Group which brings together some of the leaders in fundraising from a number of our member organizations, and updated our Fundraising Policy to clarify how WBU will approach fundraising; this updated policy was approved by the WBU Executive in November 2010.

There is still much work to be done to develop our external sources of funding. While we are very grateful for the supplementary support provided by a number of our members, we believe that we are still too reliant on our members for our sustainability and must continue to investigate other opportunities for generating income. We believe that the steps we have taken will help to position us for future growth.

Monitoring the effectiveness of the WBU operations to support its work

The President worked closely with the CEO and office staff to monitor the performance and functioning of the office operations. This included regular email and Skype calls as well as face to face meetings whenever made possible by travel schedules. The President also provided regular updates to the Officers, and held face to face meetings of both the Officers and the Executive in 2010.

Preliminary work was begun to prepare for the next General Assembly. This included the preparation of a General Assembly manual to assist in Assembly planning as well as evaluation of bids received. This bid evaluation resulted in a recommendation that was accepted by the WBU Executive to hold the 8th General Assembly in Bangkok Thailand in November 2012. An element of that bid recommendation was a recommendation to explore the possibility of holding a collaborative event with ICEVI to encompass the General Assemblies of both organizations. This investigation was successful and both WBU and ICEVI have now agreed to hold both General Assemblies in Thailand in November of 2012 with two days of overlapping programs.

Our Finances

The following is a summary of our financial position. Please see our audited financial statements for detailed information.

Sources of Revenue
Membership fees 49.3%
Member donations 41.3%
Other revenue 9.4%

Use of funds
Capacity development 32.1%
Mission representation 21.9%
Information & education 20.1%
Membership activities 12.3%
Administration, fundraising & governance 13.6%

Our Key Supporters

Over 90% of our funding comes from members at this time. In addition to the membership fees paid by all WBU members, many of our members contribute to support our work in cash and in kind.

The following lists voluntary monetary contributions from WBU members over and above their membership fees:

Platinum Sponsors
CNIB (The Canadian National Institute for the Blind)
ONCE (Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles)
RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind Persons)
Sightsavers International
Vision Australia

Diamond Sponsors
NABP (Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted)
RZNFB (Royal New Zealand National Foundation of the Blind)
SFB (Swiss Federation of the Blind and other partners)

Gold Sponsors
Unione Italiana Ciechi (Italian Union of the Blind)
National Industries for the Blind
Malaysian Union of the Blind

In-Kind Support
Many members also support our work through their support of staff or volunteers on WBU committees and working groups. While we are unable to quantify the exact monetary value of that support, we have begun to capture it through reporting of our Officers and Strategic Objective Leaders. While this does not capture the entire contribution, it is nonetheless very significant. The contribution of travel costs by our members is over $280,000 USD per year. And the amount of time spent on the work of the WBU that is contributed by key sponsoring organizations is the equivalent of 3.5 staff. Of these, there are five organizations that have contributed in excess of $50,000 in time and travel costs to support our work. These organizations are:

NABP (Norwegian Association of the Blind & Partially Sighted)
ONCE (Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles)
RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind Persons)
Sightsavers International
Vision Australia

Many other organizations also contributed significantly to our work through their in-kind contributions. These include: All India Confederation of the Blind (AICB), The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), American Foundation for the Blind, A.K. Mittal, and William Rowland. Clearly the WBU would not be able to achieve its objectives without the monetary and in-kind support of our members and we are most grateful for their assistance in making us a strong, collective voice of blind and partially sighted persons.

OUR WBU LEADERS

WBU OFFICERS
Ms. Maryanne Diamond, President
maryanne.diamond@visionaustralia.org
Mr. Arnt Holte,
1st Vice President
arnt.holte@blindeforbundet.no
Ms. Frances Candiru,
2nd Vice President
aiykko@gmail.com
Mr. Enrique Pérez,
Secretary General
umc@once.es
Mr. A. K. Mittal, Treasurer
akmittal@rediffmail.com
Dr. William Rowland,
Immediate Past President
rowland@sancb.org.za

REGIONAL PRESIDENTS
AFRICA (AFUB)
Mr. Mohammed Ez-zaoui
med.ezzaoui@gmail.com
ASIA (ABU)
Mr. Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Allouzi
fabjo@index.com.jo
ASIA PACIFIC (WBU-AP)
Mr. Chuji Sashida
sashida.chuji@jeed.or.jp
EUROPE (EBU)
Lord Colin Low
Colin.Low@rnib.org.uk
LATIN AMERICA (ULAC)
Dr. Guillermo Moreno
dr_guillermo_moreno@hotmail.com
NORTH AMERICA /CARIBBEAN (WBU-NA/C)
Mr. Carl Augusto
caugusto@afb.net
WBU STAFF
Dr. Penny Hartin,
Chief Executive Officer
penny.hartin@wbuoffice.org
Ms. Ianina Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant
ianina.rodriguez@wbuoffice.org
Ms. Sarah Smith,
Manager Fund Development & Communications

Committee & Working Group Chairs
Right to Read
Christopher Friend
Mobility & Transport
Sue Sharp
Technology
Stephen King
Human Rights & Advocacy
William Rowland & Colin Low
Employment
Maryanne Diamond
Development
Arnt Holte
Diversity
Frances Candiru
Women’s Network
Ileana Chacon
Children’s Network
Susan Laventure
Youth Network
Kerryanne Ifill
Elderly Persons Network
Alan Suttie
World Braille Council
J.L. Kaul
Languages
Guillermo Moreno

Policy Review
Enrique Pérez
Constitution
Enrique Pérez
Finance
A.K. Mittal
Membership Fee
A.K. Mittal
Nominations
Colin Low

CONTACT US

World Blind Union
1929 Bayview Avenue
Toronto Ontario
Canada M4G 3E8
Tel: 1 416 486 9698
Fax: 1 416 486 8107
Email: info@wbuoffice.org
Web: www.worldblindunion.org

WBU E-BULLETIN VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2, April 2011

2011-05-27T06:16:00.000-07:00

WBU E-BULLETIN
VOLUME 5, ISSUE 2
April 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 3
WELCOME TO MARIANNE MCQUILLAN 4
UPDATE FROM WBU OFFICERS MEETING 4
WBU PLANS COLLABORATIVE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WITH ICEVI 5
UPDATE ON WIPO MEETINGS 6
EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE BANK PROJECT 7
NEW WBU WEBSITE LAUNCHED 7
WBU SIGNS UPDATED MOU WITH IBSA 8
BLIND OR SIGHTED, OUR BRAINS PROCESS READING
MATERIAL THE SAME 8
REMINDERS 10
BRAILLE21 REGISTRATIONS 10
BRAILLE21 AWARD 10
CONSULTATION ON WBU DRAFT STANDARDS FOR USER REQUIREMENTS FOR TELEVISION RECEIVING EQUIPMENT 10
WBU INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (IDP)
5TH AFRICA FORUM REGISTRATION 11
PARENTS ASSOCIATION SURVEYS 11
CASE STUDIES FOR EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE 11
WIPO BRIEFING DOCUMENT 11
WBU SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS 12
ANNOUNCEMENTS 12
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2012 COURSE AT INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS 12
ESPERANTO SUMMER LANGUAGE COURSE –
JULY 30 TO AUGUST 7TH 13
REQUEST FROM WORLD BANK (WB) 13
RESOURCES 13
HUMAN RIGHTS FACT SHEETS ON CRPD –
RESOURCE FOR EDUCATORS 13
“SOUNDAROUND” INTERNATIONAL AUDIO MAGAZINE AVAILABLE 14
MAGNETIC LETTER TOY 14
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS 14
AFRICA 14
RWANDA UNION OF THE BLIND WHITE CANE DAY
CELEBRATIONS 14
ASIA-PACIFIC 14
JAPAN FEDERATION OF THE BLIND SUPPORTING BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED PERSONS FOLLOWING THE EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI IN JAPAN 14
ASIA 15
TOWARDS INCREASED PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN AND YOUTH: A BASELINE STUDY ON INVOLVEMENT OF WOMEN AND YOUTH IN ORGANIZATIONS WORKING WITH THE BLIND IN ABU REGION 15
LEARNING TO CAPTURE MOMENTS 17
EUROPE 17
PROMOTING COLLABORATION BETWEEN YOUNG AND OLD,
THE CONCLUSION OF THE INTERGEN PROJECT 17
ASTRONOMY FOR THE BLIND 18
LATIN AMERICA 19
CONGRATULATIONS TO MOISES BAUER 19
YOUTH PROGRAMS 19
WOMEN’S PROGRAMS 19
RIGHT TO READ CAMPAIGN IN LATIN AMERICA 20
NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 20
BLIND MAN DRIVES CAR INDEPENDENTLY 20
WBU OFFICERS 21
REGIONAL PRESIDENTS 21
WBU STAFF 21

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN
Contributions are welcome to the e-Bulletin. We thank those of you who have been providing us with content for the e-Bulletins and encourage contributions from all regions. Our next deadline for content submission will be Friday, July 8, 2011 for our next issue of the e-Bulletin. We will accept submissions in English, French, and Spanish, preferably in electronic format. Please send your submissions to Penny Hartin at penny.hartin@wbuoffice.org.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Maryanne Diamond

2011 has begun with horrific natural disasters around the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters caught up in these situations. We also recognise that many man made disasters continue to have devastating impacts on many countries and particularly on those who are blind or partially sighted. One of the priorities the Vision Alliance partnership has agreed to is to work to influence mainstream relief and reconstruction organisations to ensure the needs of people who are blind are included in their work.

Congratulations to Ron McCallum who has been re-elected as chair of the CRPD monitoring committee for a two year period. The committee met in Geneva during April and has begun their work to review country reports. The International Disability Alliance (IDA) held a very informative meeting with many members of the CRPD committee during April. IDA is recognised by the committee as the main international body representing the interests of people with disability worldwide.

It is now more than four years since we began the E-bulletin which has been very successful in sharing information and learning about the priorities of the regions and activities under our strategic plan. It takes a great deal of time to put the bulletin together and have it translated before sending out to members and other interested individuals and organisations by our very small staff team in Toronto.

We have decided to do a trial of it being produced quarterly instead of by-monthly. At the same time, we will prepare an email message to members every two weeks. The purpose of the message is to provide information which is of urgent nature; upcoming events members may be interested in etc. This will only contain information which cannot wait until the next issue of the E-Bulletin and will be very short in length. We will make an assessment after one year as to how effective this new way of communicating with members is working.

I trust you will find the material contained in this issue very interesting and a demonstration of the diversity and breadth of our movement.

Maryanne

WELCOME TO MARIANNE MCQUILLAN
We are delighted to announce that Ms. Marianne McQuillan has joined our WBU team as Manager of Fund Development & Communications effective April 26th. Marianne comes to us with over ten years working for organizations involved in blindness prevention at the international level, notably Operation Eyesight Universal and Orbis International (Canada office). We welcome Marianne to the WBU team.

UPDATE FROM WBU OFFICERS MEETING
The WBU Officers held their early 2011 meeting in Amman Jordan on April 4 – 6, hosted by the Friendship Association of the Blind of Jordan. Our local hosts did a wonderful job of making us feel welcome in Jordan and their arrangements facilitated very productive meetings. We were honoured that HRH Prince Ra’ad bin Zeid attended the Official Opening of the meetings and later joined us for dinner the same day. The Officers meeting was preceded by meetings of the Development Committee, the Constitution Committee, the Policy Review Working Group, the Membership Fees Committee and the Finance Committee. Some highlights from the meetings included the following:

 Agreement of a policy paper on WBU’s role in situations of emergency or disaster. This will be forwarded to the Executive for their final approval and then sent to the membership. We will work with our Vision Alliance members to consider the formation of a joint working group to develop an advocacy strategy to ensure that first response providers of emergency aid take into account the special needs of blind and partially sighted persons.
 Progress on the strategic plan was reviewed and it was concluded that in general we are making good progress towards achieving the objectives set out in the plan. In those areas where we have not made as much progress as expected, the strategic priority and objective leaders will review and revise the action plan to reflect what can realistically be achieved by the end of 2012.
 The preliminary year-end financial statements were reviewed. These showed a positive result for the year 2010 with income exceeding expenses by a modest amount, even after putting some funds aside to support delegates to attend the General Assembly next year. The audited statements are being finalized currently and once finalized, approved and translated, will be forwarded to the membership prior to the end of June. The budget for 2011 was also reviewed by the Finance Committee and approved by the Officers.
 There was also discussion about plans for the 2012 General Assembly, the Employment initiative, our work with WIPO and other matters. These will be discussed in other sections of the e-bulletin.
 In order to help some of our lower income countries that are having difficulties paying their WBU fees, we will be testing a process to allow countries to offer translation support into and from French and Spanish as an in-kind contribution towards payment of their fees. Further information about how to apply to participate in this process will be sent out shortly.
 It was also agreed that only those countries that are fully financial by December 31, 2011 will be eligible to be considered for financial support to attend the 8th General Assembly in Bangkok in 2012.

WBU PLANS COLLABORATIVE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WITH ICEVI
We are pleased to confirm that the 8th General Assembly of the WBU will be held in cooperation with ICEVI in Bangkok, Thailand in November of 2012. While both organizations will hold their own General Assemblies, the programs will be organized in such a way as to allow two days of overlapping sessions that would be of interest to both WBU and ICEVI members and which will enable networking and sharing of information and expertise between the two organizations. We will have a joint organizing committee and joint program committee as well as a common registration process. Please watch the e-bulletin for updates as the planning progresses.

UPDATE ON WIPO MEETINGS
By Maryanne Diamond

I'd like to update you on recent developments with WBU's engagement with the stakeholder platform.

On Monday April 11th, Maryanne Diamond, WBU President, and Dan Pescod, Vice-chair of the WBU Right to Read Campaign, met Francis Gurry, WIPO Director General, his colleague Trevor Clarke, and IPA Chairman YS Chi who was accompanied by IPA's chief lobbyist Jens Bammel. WIPO called this meeting to see how WBU could be brought back into the stakeholder platform. We listened to issues and concerns from IPA representing the rightsholders and agreed to reflect on our position at the request of Francis Gurry. However, following reflection, WBU will continue to suspend its engagement in the stakeholder platform whilst we focus on delivering the treaty.

We are working very hard to campaign for the treaty and are confident that good progress will be made on this by the end of June. Likewise, whilst WBU and EBU have suspended their involvement in these platforms, we know that some organisations continue to work on key projects that will be needed to implement any treaty and move towards a more accessible model of publishing.

We also welcome the publication of the Accessible Publishing Best Practice Guidelines for Publishers which can be found at http://www.editeur.org/files/Collaborations/Accessibility/Accessible%20Publishing-Best%20Practice%20Guidelines%20for%20Publishers.pdf.

WBU fully recognises the value of working with the industry on access to books, and we did not take our decision to suspend our involvement on the stakeholder platforms lightly. We will review our participation in the WIPO Stakeholder Platform and EU Stakeholder Dialogue after the June meeting.

EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE BANK PROJECT
As a result of a major donation from the Trillium Foundation which is based in Ontario, Canada, we will shortly be able to commence the development of our Employment Resource Bank on our website. This was one of the key activities that we had planned to undertake as part of our WBU Employment Initiative. The project is a collaborative project with the CNIB who will be assisting us with the development of tools and resources. We wish to express our sincere appreciation to the CNIB for their willingness to collaborate with us in applying to a Foundation that is clearly a local Foundation for the CNIB, and for their support in working with us on the implementation of the project.

The Employment Resource Bank will collect a variety of tools and resources that will assist blind and partially sighted persons to improve their opportunities to secure employment in both the formal and informal economies. It will also provide resources to inform educators, rehabilitation workers and potential employers about the abilities of blind and partially sighted persons, the kinds of jobs blind persons are engaged in and job accommodation strategies. You will continue to hear more about the project as it evolves and we will also be asking you for information and resources to include in the resource bank.

NEW WBU WEBSITE LAUNCHED
As you know, the new WBU website was launched in mid February. The site was organized in a different way that we hope you find easy to use, and we included updated information. As we are now able to update information ourselves, we are able to update the site more quickly than in the past. We have attempted to have the majority of information in English, French and Spanish, and there are also accessibility features built into the site. It is our intention to continue to develop its capacity and to make it more attractive with photos and so forth. We encourage you to visit the site often for updated information and to find information regarding our members, guidelines, policy papers, other resources and documents. We are also very interested in hearing your feedback and suggestions about the site to make it as useful as possible to you.

WBU SIGNS UPDATED MOU WITH IBSA
At the WBU Executive meeting held in Melbourne Australia in November 2010, the WBU formally signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IBSA (International Blind Sports Federation). The updated MOU was jointly signed by WBU President, Maryanne Diamond and IBSA President Michael Barredo.

Aims of the Memorandum of Understanding:
A. To promote closer co-operation between IBSA and WBU in view of the fact that both organisations share the common objective of achieving the full integration and maximum wellbeing of blind and partially sighted persons, and taking advantage of the common structure which exists in many IBSA and WBU member countries, in which the IBSA member organisation is also the WBU member organisation.

B. To seek to fulfil the objectives of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), in particular Article 30 Section 5 concerning Recreation and Sport, where “persons with disabilities” shall in this case be taken to refer to blind and partially sighted persons.

C. To strengthen the position of existing organisations specifically of blind and partially sighted persons, whether they be sports organisations or not, both in IBSA and WBU member countries and internationally.

D. To encourage the establishment of organisations of blind and partially sighted persons, including sports organisations, in those countries where such organisations do not currently exist.

A full text of the MOU can be requested from the WBU office at info@wbuoffice.org.

BLIND OR SIGHTED, OUR BRAINS PROCESS READING MATERIAL THE SAME
By Wendy Greif, Literacy News March 13th, 2011

It doesn't matter if readers use sight or Braille; the portion of the brain responsible for visual reading reacts exactly alike. According to new research from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and France, brain imaging studies of blind people show activity in precisely the same part of the brain that lights up when people use vision to read.

Presented in the journal ‘Current Biology’, the study revealed that regardless of sensory input, the brain doesn't distinguish blind people reading Braille from sighted readers. Dr. Amir Amedi's team used functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) to measure the neural activity in people who had been blind since birth while they read Braille. Researchers were interested in studying a very specific part of the brain, known as the Visual Word Form Area, or VWFA, which shows peaks of activity when studying sighted readers. The results were surprising.

Brain activity in blind and sighted readers showed identical patterns in the VWFA-in fact they were indistinguishable. The main functional properties of the VWFA were identical in both types of readers, requiring no visual experience at all. "To the best of our judgment, this provides the strongest support so far for the metamodal theory of brain function," said Dr. Amir Amedi of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who spearheaded the research team.

This suggests that brain regions are task-oriented and defined by the computations they perform. These findings challenge the textbook notion that the brain processes information in divided regions that are specialized for different senses, including touch and sight. As it turns out, that's not the case. "The brain is not a sensory machine, although it often looks like one; it is a task machine," said Amedi.

Most tasks the brain performs have been innately ingrained, unlike reading, which is a relatively new invention by comparison --- only about 5,400 years old. An even newer task, Braille has been around for 200 years. "That's not enough time for evolution to have shaped a brain-module dedicated to reading," Amedi explained. VWFA is a multisensory integration area that binds simple features into more elaborate shape descriptions making it ideal for the relatively new task of reading.

Researchers say that its specific anatomical location and strong connectivity to language areas enable it to bridge a high-level perceptual word representation and language-related components of reading. Consequently, it's the most suitable region to be taken over during reading acquisition-even when reading by touch without prior visual experience.

Up next for Amedi and his research associates is an examination of brain activity as people learn to read Braille for the first time. How rapidly does this takeover happen? How does the brain change to process information in words? Is it instantaneous? This study should answer these questions and shed even more light on how the human brain tackles a challenging task.
http://www.literacynews.com/2011/03/blind-or-sighted-our-brains-process-reading-material-the-same/

REMINDERS
Braille21 Registrations
Registration is now open for Braille21, the international Braille conference, focused on innovations in Braille that is being organized by the WBU World Braille Council and the German Central Library for the Blind. The conference will take place in Leipzig Germany from September 27 – 30th. For more information please visit www.braille21.net

Braille21 Award
A special award to recognize innovations in Braille will be presented at the Braille21 Conference. Information about the award is included in the nomination form which can be found on the WBU website at: http://www.worldblindunion.org/en/news-events/upcoming-events/Pages/default.aspx
Nominations close on July 31, 2011.

Consultation on WBU Draft Standards for User Requirements for Television Receiving Equipment
The WBU is seeking input on the Users Requirement Document for Television Receiving Equipment that has been developed by the WBU Technology Working Group, chaired by Stephen King at RNIB. The consultations close on April 29, 2011.
For further information, please visit the WBU website at the following link: http://www.worldblindunion.org/en/our-work/campaigns/Pages/AccessToTechnology.aspx

WBU Institutional Development Program (IDP) 5th Africa Forum Registration
The deadline for registrations for the IDP 5th Africa Forum is rapidly approaching. This 5th Africa Forum will be held from July 3 to 8 in Accra, Ghana. It brings together representatives of organizations of and for the blind, educators, researchers and government and civil society leaders from across Africa. For further information, please visit the IDP website at: www.wbu-idp.org

Parents Association Surveys
A few months ago, we sent out surveys to our membership to gather information about Parents Associations that may exist in different countries. We have had an excellent response, but would be pleased to continue to accept surveys if you know of an Association of Parents of Blind and Partially Sighted Children. If you need another copy of the survey please contact the WBU office at: info@wbuoffice.org.

Case Studies for Employment Initiative
As noted in the earlier article about the Employment Resource Bank, we are collecting case studies of individual blind and partially sighted persons in different employment situations as well as examples of models of employment programs. We sent out guidelines for these earlier this year and continue to welcome your input. You may find the guidelines on the WBU website at: http://www.worldblindunion.org/en/our-work/campaigns/Pages/default.aspx

WIPO Briefing Document
Over the past few months we have sent you documents related to our work with the World Intellectual Property Association in our efforts to obtain a treaty for the visually impaired. Your advocacy efforts are very important towards your national representatives who will be attending the June meeting of the WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR). A Briefing document has been sent to you regarding this important work and how you can assist. That briefing document can be found on our WBU website at: http://www.worldblindunion.org/en/our-work/campaigns/Pages/default.aspx
For additional advice, please contact Christopher Friend, who is leading the Strategic Objective on the Right to Read campaign on behalf of the WBU. Chris’s email address is: cfwbu@sightsavers.org

WBU Scholarship Applications
This is a reminder that we are accepting applications for our scholarship funds for 2011. The three funds are: the Hermoine Grant Calhoun Scholarship fund for blind and partially sighted women and girls; the Pedro Zurita Youth Fund; and the Arne Husveg Development Fund. We expect that the Scholarships Committee will meet at the beginning of July, and while applications will be accepted later in the year, it is best to get the applications in earlier if possible as limited funds are available. You can find the guidelines and application forms for the three funds on the WBU website at the following link: http://www.worldblindunion.org/en/resources/scholarships/Pages/default.aspx.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Applications open for 2012 course at International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs
Braille Without Borders is once again offering its 11 month couse at the International Institute for Social Entrepreneurship (IISE) in Kerala South India. The course will begin in January 2012.

“The IISE welcomes participants, all over 22 years of age, who have overcome significant life challenges ranging from vision impairment, disability, poverty, war, discrimination and exploitation. Most of them have personally experienced adversity or witnessed a particular situation that they wish to change so others do not suffer. They have a passion to make the world a better place and the strength to be forces of good rather than victims of circumstance. The IISE does not select its participants according to pre-education/degrees. What we are looking for are motivated and dedicated individuals who have the potential to start and run a social project.” For further information about the program and application process, please visit their website at: www.bwb-iise.org

Esperanto Summer Language Course – July 30 to August 7th
ILEI, the international association of Esperanto teachers, is organising an international Esperanto study week in Slovakia, Nitra, 90 km from the capital Bratislava. The distance from Vienna, Austria, to Bratislava is 45 km.

For the second time visually impaired, youth and adults are invited to attend this event. This is an excellent opportunity to learn Esperanto in the morning, enjoy various leisure activities, excursions, social evenings and to get acquainted with the Slovakian culture and that of other participating countries.

Further details about the course as well as online registration are available at
http://en.lernu.net/pri_lernu/renkontighoj/SES/2011/index.php

Request from World Bank (WB)
To respond more effectively to the emerging, fast-changing and challenging global demands expected in the next decade, the World Bank is preparing a new Social Protection and Labour Strategy. WB is consulting with a broad range of governments, development partners, civil society organizations, private sector, academics and other stakeholders to discuss how the World Bank can use social protection to help reduce poverty and inequality, and build human potential. To read more and contribute your opinion, go to http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTSOCIALPROTECTION/0,,contentMDK:22804819~pagePK:210058~piPK:210062~theSitePK:282637,00.html

RESOURCES
Human Rights Fact Sheets on CRPD – Resource for Educators
The resource includes both theoretical information and practical tools. Nine activity sheets focus on a particular article of the Convention and are designed to get students to think about the rights that must be guaranteed in a democratic society.
The fact sheets can be found at the following link: http://book.coe.int/EN/ficheouvrage.php?PAGEID=36&lang=EN&produit_aliasid=2578

“SOUNDAROUND” International Audio Magazine Available
“Soundaround” is a monthly 100 minute cassette or CD magazine available free to blind and partially sighted persons around the world. The programme contains the following features: News and current affairs; Cookery and gardening; Competitions and quizzes; Talent spot entertainment section; Listeners postbag; Contact and friendship feature. The listeners’ postbag and contact feature is an ideal way for people to forge international friendships.
To subscribe, please send an e-mail to lorainew@blind-society.org.uk giving your postal address.

Magnetic Letter Toy
The Hasbro Company has developed a set of magnetic letters with braille embossed on each letter. The Product # 4559401000
www.hasbro.com

NEWS FROM THE REGIONS

AFRICA
Rwanda Union of the Blind White Cane Day Celebrations
The International White cane day celebration (October 15, 2010) was held in Nyamagabe district in close collaboration between RUB and Nyamagabe District Office. The celebration was preceded by a workshop on human rights of blind people and use of a white cane as a mobility tool. At the white cane celebration it was revealed that white canes are now going to be included in the national health insurance coverage.

ASIA-PACIFIC
Japan Federation of the Blind Supporting Blind and Partially Sighted Persons following the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan
Following the devastating earthquake and Tsunami that caused so much loss of life and damage in Japan since early March, the Japan Federation of the Blind has been working diligently to support its members. This work has included their efforts to locate and support blind and partially sighted persons living in the affected areas and to advocate with that government and first response programs to ensure that information and services are accessible to blind and partially sighted persons.

ASIA
Towards Increased Participation of Women and Youth: A Baseline Study on Involvement of Women and Youth in Organizations Working With the Blind in Abu Region
(Excerpt from ABU Newsletter – October to December 2010)
In keeping with its commitment to ensure equal participation of all segments of the visually impaired in decision making processes at all levels, the Asian Blind Union conducted a study to find out whether the visually impaired women and youth are finding adequate space in organizations of/for the blind. The study once again re-enforces the fact that much still needs to be done to ensure the equal participation of women and youth in organizational processes. The following is a summary of some of the highlights from the study.

For the purposes of this study, youth were defined as those less than 35 years of age. The objectives were three-fold: firstly, to assess their present level of participation; secondly, to identify the reason behind lack of participation (where applicable) and thirdly, to generate recommendations for increasing their involvement within these organizations. 121 male and female members, including heads of 17 organizations across 12 countries participated in the study... Regarding the first objective, the present level of participation of visually impaired women and youth was assessed in three ways. Firstly, through statistical analysis of membership data on their representation in various organizational levels viz. General Assembly, Executive and Board; secondly, through analysis of their own perception of the involvement of their group within their respective organizations; and thirdly, through the assessment of organizational heads. Along with this information, qualitative data regarding the perception of women and youth as well as the heads of various organizations about the causes for lack of participation and recommendations for improving participation of these groups was obtained.

Statistical analysis of the representation and membership of women across various participating organizations revealed that the proportion of women members was quite low in Pakistan, India (NAB), Tajikistan and Nepal (NAWB) and was highest in Lebanon. Also, it was observed that the proportion of women members significantly reduced as the level of hierarchy increased—General Assembly to board—within the organizations. The main reasons identified for the lack of participation of women across the various countries in ABU region were: lack of confidence, lack of interest and lack of competent women/ women not considered competent.

The recommendations of the women members and heads of various organizations for increasing participation were very diverse. Some of the major recommendations included organizing of various workshops/ trainings and courses, improving the level of education and providing encouragement and motivation to the women. Other major recommendations included taking steps to develop confidence of women, raising of awareness through campaigns, reservation of seats, promoting economic empowerment, and organizing various activities.

Similarly, data regarding participation of visually impaired youth was obtained and analyzed. Across the countries, statistical analysis of representation and membership of youth across various participating organizations revealed that the proportion of the youth was quite low in many countries while they had a high representation in some countries. Also, it was observed that the proportion of youth members significantly reduced as the level of hierarchy increased within the organization. Within the category of youth, young men had a significantly higher participation than young women in many organizations.

The main reasons that could be identified for the lack of participation of youth across the various countries in ABU region were: lack of confidence, lack of interest and lack of competent youth/ youth not considered competent. Other causes included no second line of command of youth being prepared and lack of awareness. For several countries, the main recommendation was to increase the qualifications and interest of the youth through organizing of various workshops, seminars, trainings and courses and improving the level of education. Other major recommendations included providing opportunities to the youth, raising of awareness through campaigns, and providing encouragement and motivation to the youth.

Since this was an exploratory study combining both quantitative and qualitative data, the findings of the study will be useful for the development of effective country-specific as well as general strategies to improve the participation of visually impaired women and youth in organizations of and for the blind. Also, the findings of this baseline study would be useful to examine the extent of effectiveness and success of intervention strategies that have been implemented in the past. The findings would be immensely useful in planning any future strategies as well

Learning to Capture Moments
(From ABU Newsletter October – December 2010)
“A blind photographer”! Most blind and sighted persons would dismiss it as an impossibility. However, a recent online initiative has brought photography well within the reach of the blind. Mr. Partho Bhowmick of India has set up an online photography school for the blind which can be reached on the website: www.blindwithcameraschool.org. The website aims to teach visually impaired persons step-by-step photography. It also provides guidance to those sighted photographers who wish to conduct face-to-face photography workshops for blind people. Blind with Camera has conducted several such workshops face-to-face which have met with tremendous success. The website has opened up possibilities of a new hobby for many visually impaired persons as also of a new professional interest.

EUROPE
Promoting collaboration between young and old, the conclusion of the INTERGEN project
Designed and conducted by EBU and funded by the Education and Culture DG of the European Commission, the INTERGEN project involved five partners from the EBU network: the German Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted (DBSV), the Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted (UIC), the Italian Institute for Research, Training and Rehabilitation (IRIFOR), the Turkish Federation of the Blind, and the Turkish Six Dots Foundation.

The aims of the project were to develop methods and techniques which would facilitate the exchange of experience and knowledge between different generations of visually impaired people. Throughout the project a series of workshops were held by the different partners, and the evaluation and successive improvement of these permitted the creation of a workshop facilitation manual.

These results, and the positive response to the project both from the organisers and the participants in the different workshops, allow us to hope that INTERGEN will continue to have an impact beyond the end of 2010 when it officially ended, and will become a valuable resource for future use. The individual skill forms, designed to enable young and elderly visually impaired people to improve their daily living skills and their capacity to exploit new technology, and translated into five different languages, are great examples of practical, easy-to-use resources resulting from the project.

All the documents mentioned above are available on the internet site resource centre, in English, French, German, Italian and Turkish. Link to it from the EBU website at: www.euroblind.org.
The site also includes photos, videos and testimonials relating to the project. We invite you to visit the site and to make use of and disseminate the information. Please mention the INTERGEN name and the European Blind Union when using the documents.

EBU and its partners are very pleased with the outcome of this project, which demonstrates, on an international level, that cooperation between generations is a universal topic and offers advantages to young and old, men and women and to society as a whole.

Astronomy for the blind
To celebrate 2009, the Year of Astronomy, the Pontina Astronomy Association set up a special astronomy course for visually impaired persons, also offered in English and French. Special instruments were designed and built specifically for the purpose of this course, and the local branch of the Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted gave its contribution with the feedback of users that attended the course. The Pontina Astronomy Association is willing to disseminate information on this course with the double aim of offering it to anybody interested (upon advance reservation only) and of sharing knowledge and ideas on astronomy education for the blind.

The course, which may last from 1 day to 3 or 4 days, is held in Latina, a city 70 km south of Rome. More information in English on the Pontina Astronomy Association and the course for the blind is available at the following links:
www.astronomiapontina.it/home.htm,
www.astronomiapontina.it/RISORSE/STRUMENTIDIDATTICI/StrumentiDidattici_en.htm#ciechi
For further information please write to Andrea Miccoli, Vice-President of the Pontina Astronomy Association, at andmicco@libero.it

LATIN AMERICA
Congratulations to Moises Bauer
Our sincere congratulations are extended to Moises Bauer from Brazil who was recently elected as President of CONADE –National Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of Brazil for the next 2 year period. Moises is a lawyer who is well known for his work in the area of Human Rights in Brazil. He is Vice President of the National Organization of the Blind of Brazil (ONCB) and has been active over the past year representing ONCB and the Government of Brazil at WIPO meetings related to the Treaty for the Visually Impaired in Geneva.

Youth Programs
A seminar entitled "Youth participation in social organizations: empowerment of young people with visual impairment in the XXI century", was held from 11 to 15 April. The seminar was organized by the Latin American Union of the Blind, ONCE Foundation for Solidarity with the blind in Latin America and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.

Over 30 young people from 19 countries in the region attended the week-long training which addressed topics such as social empowerment and the development of management tools, among others. This event concluded with a commitment to continue strengthening their work with youth by having similar events in each country and to participate more actively in the various entities that bring together people with vision impairments.

Women’s Programs
Registration is now open to participate in the seminar: "Impact of visually impaired women in public policies in Latin America", to be held in the Training Center of AECI in Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia) from 18 to 22 of July, 2011. This activity aims to provide tools for advocacy and leadership for this group so that they can participate more actively in decision making at government level when it comes to defending the rights of this population. More information can be found in the announcements section of the ULAC website at: www.ulacdigital.org.

Right to Read Campaign in Latin America
In line with the global Right to Read Campaign, the Latin American Union of the Blind is preparing to conduct three regional activities where they will bring together representatives of organizations of the blind, the authorities of intellectual property offices and rightholders. It aims to strengthen support from Latin American governments to the treaty proposal by Ecuador, Brazil, Paraguay and Mexico with WIPO, and at the same time raise awareness among rightsholders about the relevance of having this instrument to access books by people with visual and other reading disabilities. The meetings will be held in Guatemala, Montevideo and Quito. Each of these cities has the support of the respective Intellectual Property offices and national organizations of the blind to ensure the success of the initiative.

NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Blind Man Drives Car Independently
(Excerpted from National Federation of the Blind Press Release, January 29, 2011)
Daytona Beach, Florida (January 29, 2011): The National
Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the United States, announced today that for the first time a blind individual has driven a street vehicle in public without the assistance of a sighted person. Mark Anthony Riccobono, a blind executive who directs technology, research, and education programs for the organization, was behind the wheel of a Ford Escape hybrid equipped with non-visual technology and successfully navigated 1.5 miles of the road course section of the famed track at the Daytona International Speedway.

The historic demonstration was part of pre-race activities leading up to the Rolex 24 at Daytona this morning. Mr. Riccobono not only successfully navigated the several turns of the road course but also avoided obstacles, some of which were stationary and some of which were thrown into his path at random from a van driving in front of him. Later he successfully passed the van without collision. The Ford Escape was equipped with laser range-finding censors that conveyed information to a computer inside the vehicle, allowing it to create and constantly update a three-dimensional map of the road environment. The computer sent directions to vibrating gloves on the driver’s hands, indicating which way to steer, and to a vibrating strip on which he was seated, indicating when to speed up, slow down, or stop.
For more information, visit the NFB website at: www.nfb.org

WBU OFFICERS
Ms. Maryanne Diamond, President
maryanne.diamond@visionaustralia.org
Mr. Arnt Holte, 1st Vice President
arnt.holte@blindeforbundet.no
Ms. Frances Candiru, 2nd Vice President
aiykko@gmail.com
Mr. Enrique Pérez, Secretary General
umc@once.es
Mr. A. K. Mittal, Treasurer
akmittal@rediffmail.com
Dr. William Rowland, Immediate Past President
rowland@sancb.org.za
REGIONAL PRESIDENTS
AFRICA (AFUB)
Mr. Mohammed Ez-zaoui
med.ezzaoui@gmail.com
ASIA (ABU)
Mr. Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Allouzi
fabjo@index.com.jo
ASIA PACIFIC (WBU-AP)
Mr. Chuji Sashida
sashida.chuji@jeed.or.jp
EUROPE (EBU)
Lord Colin Low
Colin.Low@rnib.org.uk
LATIN AMERICA (ULAC)
Dr. Guillermo Moreno
dr_guillermo_moreno@hotmail.com
NORTH AMERICA/CARIBBEAN (WBU-NA/C)
Mr. Carl Augusto
caugusto@afb.net
WBU STAFF
Dr. Penny Hartin, Chief Executive Officer
penny.hartin@wbuoffice.org
Ms. Ianina Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant ianina.rodriguez@wbuoffice.org
Ms. Marianne McQuillan, Manager of Fund Development & Communications
Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org

JOINT LETTER TO THE MEMBERSHIPS OF WBU AND ICEVI

2011-04-16T03:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Colleagues:

As you will recall from articles in the WBU E-Bulletin and the Educator, for the past two years the ICEVI and WBU have been working collaboratively with the IAPB through the establishment of the Vision Alliance, which has its objective to enhance opportunities for cooperation and synergy among our organizations. One of these areas of cooperation has been discussions around the possibility of holding the General Assemblies of both WBU and ICEVI at the same time and in the same place. This discussion came about following the need for ICEVI to cancel its assembly planned for Bangkok Thailand in 2010, their subsequent decision to move their General Assembly year to 2012 and the plans that WBU had already commenced to look at Bangkok as a possible venue for its own General Assembly in 2012.

The result of these discussions is that the WBU and ICEVI have agreed to hold a joint event in November 2012 that will include the General Assemblies of both organizations as well as two days of overlapping programs that will enable our two organizations and our members to work even more closely together and to build on opportunities for information sharing and cooperation.

We can assure you that this decision was not taken lightly. Preliminary discussions were held in August of 2010 during a Vision Alliance meeting in Bangkok. These were followed by discussions with the Executives of both WBU and ICEVI in November and December which both voted unanimously to continue to pursue the possibility of planning a cooperative event. A joint planning meeting was held in Bangkok with representatives of ICEVI, WBU and our local host, the Thai Association of the Blind, and based on the recommendation that came out of that meeting, the principal officers of both ICEVI and WBU made the final decision to move forward with a cooperative event.

While both WBU and ICEVI will continue to hold their General Assemblies, the format of these events will change slightly. That is particularly the case for ICEVI who will no longer hold its large World Congress in conjunction with its General Assembly, but will rather put more emphasis on its Regional Conferences for the presentation of papers.

Overall, this is what the WBU and ICEVI General Assembly events will look like:

 The entire event takes place over the period of November 10 to 18, 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand. Some events are specific to WBU, some will be specific to ICEVI members and there will be overlapping days that will be attended by members of both organizations. We want members from both organizations to feel welcome to attend the events of the other, and this will be facilitated by special registration fees for those who decide to participate in the entire series of events
 November 10 – 11: WBU Diversity Forum
 November 12 – 16: WBU General Assembly
 November 15 – 18: ICEVI meetings and General Assembly
 November 15 – 16 will be joint program days where we will have joint sessions for both WBU and ICEVI participants for most of that two day period
 November 17 will be a joint strategy day with ICEVI and WBU related to EFAVI
 November 18 the ICEVI General Assembly will be held

This is an overview of the program structure with detailed programming to follow to include times for the Executive Committees of both organizations to meet, and for formal closing of the WBU General Assembly which will take place on the Friday afternoon. This outline is essentially intended to give you an understanding of how the two General Assemblies and associated meetings will be structured. We will also hold a joint gala dinner as well as a joint technology exhibit.

We hope that the members of our two organizations are as excited as we are about this collaborative event. We believe that it will provide an excellent opportunity for organizations of blind persons, for service providers and educators to come together for mutual sharing and learning. We believe that we will be able to attract some excellent speakers of international caliber for our joint sessions and that technology exhibitors will be eager to participate. We also recognize that many of our members traditionally attend both WBU and ICEVI events and will therefore be able to take advantage of these joint activities. We also anticipate a positive reaction from organizations that traditionally sponsor delegates to both events.

Over the coming months you will hear much more from us about the programs, and the local arrangements. The time will pass quickly and it is now less than 20 months when we will meet in Bangkok.
We look forward to seeing you there.

With warm regards,

Lord Colin Low Mrs. Maryanne Diamond
President ICEVI President WBU

WBU E-BULLETIN VOLUME 4, ISSUE 6 - November 2010

2010-12-10T03:56:00.000-08:00

WBU E-BULLETIN
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 6
November 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 3
WBU EXECUTIVE MEETS IN MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA 4
8TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY AWARDED 5
NEW WBU MEMBERS APPROVED 6
REVIEW OF STRATEGIC PLAN PROGRESS 6
REVIEW OF REPORTS AND POLICIES 6
THE MELBOURNE DECLARATION ISSUED BY THE WORLD BLIND UNION AND THE DAISY CONSORTIUM ON NOVEMBER 13, 2010 7
MELBOURNE RESOLUTION ON JOINT ICEVI-WBU ADVOCACY
FOR EFA-VI 8
WBU DIVERSITY COMMITTEE UPDATE REPORT 9
“BRAILLE WITHOUT BORDERS” GRADUATES REALIZE
THEIR DREAMS 10
LOUD, PROUD, AND PASSIONATE 11
STEVIE WONDER ENDORSES WBU’S PROPOSED WIPO TREATY 13
ANNOUNCEMENTS 13
DIRECTOR OF PERKINS INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENT 13
FIRST CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: TRANSED 2012 AT DELHI, INDIA 14
LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST 15
FESTIVAL OF INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES ON CAREGIVING, DISABILITY, AGING, AND TECHNOLOGY (FICCDAT) 15
INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY CONFERENCE 16
RESOURCES 16
BRAILLE21: “BRAILLE POST” MAGAZINE IS NOW
DIGITALLY AVAILABLE 16
WHO RELEASES GUIDELINES ON COMMUNITY-BASED REHABILITATION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES 16
WHO WELCOMES APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES 17
DISABLED PEOPLE’S INTERNATIONAL (DPI) LAUNCHES
NEW WEBSITE 18
UNESCO REPORT ON DISABILITY AND TECHNOLOGY 18
CRPD UPDATE 18
2010 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT:
40-YEAR TRENDS ANALYSIS SHOWS POOR COUNTRIES
MAKING FASTER DEVELOPMENT GAINS 18
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS 19
AFRICA 19
NEW REHABILITATION CENTRE, NEW HOPE IN
TARABA STATE, NIGERIA 19
AFRICAN UNION FOR THE BLIND UPDATE:
HIV & AIDS AWARENESS AND TRAINING PROGRAM 19
CLUB OF THE YOUNG & REHABILITATED BLIND
OF CAMEROON (CJARC) 20
ASIA-PACIFIC 20
WORKING TOGETHER, DELIVERING AUDIO
DESCRIPTION (AD) THROUGHOUT THE WORLD 20
ASIA 21
ASIAN BLIND UNION (ABU) LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE 21
MS. FATIMA AHMED AL-ELAGHIL TAKES LEAD IN
EMPOWERING OTHER BLIND WOMEN IN YEMEN 21
EUROPE 22
A NEW VISUAL IDENTITY FOR EBU 22
ACCESSIBLE BANK SERVICES IN BELGIUM 22
SIGNS & SIGNAGE FOR PEOPLE WITH LOW VISION 23
LATIN AMERICA 23
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF WORK BENEFITING PEOPLE
WITH VISUAL DISABILITIES 23
NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 24
ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM ON DISABILITY 24
WBU OFFICERS 25
REGIONAL PRESIDENTS 25
WBU STAFF 25

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN
Contributions are welcome to the e-Bulletin. We thank those of you who have been providing us with content for the e-Bulletins and encourage contributions from all regions. Our next deadline for content submission will be Monday, January 17, 2011 for our next issue of the e-Bulletin. We will accept submissions in English, French, and Spanish, preferably in electronic format. Please send your submissions to Sarah Smith at sarah.smith@wbuoffice.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Maryanne Diamond

Welcome to the final issue of our e-Bulletin for 2010. As the year draws to an end, I would like to comment on just a few of our achievements and challenges over the year.

Our work for an international binding instrument at WIPO has made progress and had some set backs during the year. It is important to remember that all parties agree that the time is here to find a solution. It is also fantastic that access to published works for the print disability community remains an issue at the global level.

Our work in the area of employment is gaining strength and it is great to see that many regions have also taken up work in this area. Don’t forget to share stories of successful employment, peer and mentoring programs in the area of employment, good practice employment programs and resources, and examples of microcredit programs where people who are blind or have low vision are successfully engaged.

During October, IAPB and the WHO celebrated the mid point of the Vision2020 initiative. Although we still await the latest data from WHO on the situation of blindness around the world, I understand that there has been a decrease in the numbers of people who are blind. However, the goal of eliminate all unnecessary blindness by the year 2020 remains extremely ambitious. We continue to work with the eye care sector to ensure there are good and appropriate pathways from prevention to treatment, to educational, and rehabilitation services.

Our work with partners, as members of a range of international and regional bodies have ensured that issues important to us as people who are blind are incorporated into their work and add value to ours. We had a wonderful executive meeting in my home city of Melbourne during November. We had great participation from all regions and make progress in a number of areas of our work. An article on this meeting can be found later in this issue. Thank you to everyone for your great participation, hard work and long journeys.

It isn’t possible for me to comment on all of our work but encourage you to read the interesting and diverse articles in this issue. Past issues for 2010 provide a wealth of information to refer to and knowledge to keep at your convenience.

Thank you to all who have contributed to this e-Bulletin throughout the year, to our fantastic staff in Toronto, to our regional leaders and secretariats and to you our members.

I look forward to 2011, another year which looks extremely busy for all of us.

Maryanne

WBU EXECUTIVE MEETS IN MELBOURNE - AUSTRALIA
The WBU Executive met in Melbourne Australia from November 11-13, hosted by Vision Australia. The meeting was opened with a Welcome to Country by an Indigenous Senior Elder as well as an address by the Assistant Treasurer for Australia having previously had responsibility for disability. There were 25 Executive delegates or alternates present from all Regions. The Executive meeting was preceded by meetings of the Diversity, Membership Fees and Finance Committee and the Languages working group and a meeting of the Employment working group was held following the Executive meeting.

In addition, two declarations were taken by the Executive, which will be included in full at the end of this article. Several themed sessions were also held as part of the Executive meeting in order to enable the Executive to focus on specific issues and provide opportunities for excellent discussion and input.

A session on Employment updated the Executive on our global employment strategy and sought their input in the areas of developing case studies, peer support and mentoring programs, micro-enterprise and income generating activities and sharing employment models and resources.

A session on membership led to a discussion of our present membership structure, its benefits and barriers to membership with the consensus that our present membership structure continues to be appropriate for our organization and that only minor constitutional refinements could resolve any membership issues that we have.

A session on the CRPD was honored by the presence of Ron McCallum who is presently Chair of the CRPD Monitoring Committee. Ron gave an excellent overview of the CRPD monitoring process. Also included in that session was an overview of the CRPD toolkit being developed by WBU for its members and which will be available in the new year, as well as a discussion of the CRPD parallel reporting process.

A fourth themed session that involved presentations from several of our international partners provided an excellent overview of how we can strengthen our work and our messages through collaboration with our international partners.

The following highlights some of the key items discussed and decisions taken:

8th General Assembly Awarded
Following a process to receive and review bids from members to host the 8th General Assembly in 2012, the Executive accepted the recommendation to hold the 8th General Assembly in Bangkok, Thailand from November 12 to 16, 2012. The Assembly will be hosted by the Thailand Association of the Blind. The Assembly will be preceded by a Diversity Forum for one and one-half days on November 10 and 11th. In addition, the Executive agreed to explore the possibility of organizing the Assembly in collaboration with ICEVI, who will also be holding its Assembly and World Conference in 2012. Further information about plans for the General Assembly will be included in the next and following e-Bulletins.

New WBU Members Approved
The Executive approved the acceptance of six new members. They are the following: National Federation of the Blind of Bangladesh whose acceptance also changed the status of Bangladesh from a Special Member to a full National Member; three new International members: Hadley School for the Blind, Inclusive Planet, and Arab Union of the Blind; and two new Associate members: National Braille Press (USA), Blind Education and Rehabilitation Development Organization, BERDO (Bangladesh). We welcome all of these new members to the WBU family.

Review of Strategic Plan Progress
Each Strategic Priority Leader reported on progress on achieving our 2009–2012 Strategic Plan. All areas have seen progress and several initiatives are showing very good success. A summary status report providing an update on all initiatives within the workplan was prepared and this will be posted on the WBU website shortly for the convenience of our members.

Review of Reports and Policies
A number of reports and policy statements were reviewed by the Executive. The Treasurer presented the financial statements to September 30th which indicate a positive performance compared to budget in that our revenues are better than budget and our expenses below budget for the first three-quarters of the year.

An evaluation report had been prepared on the membership fee structure which had been adopted by the General Assembly in 2008. The report, which is available to members upon request, revealed that the number of countries paying their fees has increased as well as revenues from fees. The membership fees committee had reviewed over forty requests for membership fee relief, which included reclassifications of fee categories, transition periods or reduction in membership fees and all but three requests had resulted in some relief being provided. The evaluation revealed that overall, the new membership fees structure has been a success. The committee continues to make adjustments as needed and in fact received the support of the Executive to extend the transition period for members in need for up to five years to 2014 in light of the economic difficulties faced by some members.

The Executive approved three new policy documents including: a protocol on policy papers which sets out the types of policy papers we have and the development and approval process; a revised fundraising policy; and an investment policy. The Executive also provided input to the draft of a new position statement on WBU response to emergency or crisis situations in order to clarify WBU’s role in these situations. This policy statement will be further developed for approval at a later date.

Preliminary discussions were also held regarding possible amendments to the constitution at the next General Assembly.

This then, is a brief summary of the discussions held and decisions taken at the Executive meeting. As this was to be the only face to face meeting of the Executive between the Assemblies, it was an important and substantive meeting. All members worked hard and there was excellent participation from all members who shared their experience and regional perspectives. The meeting was invaluable in helping to confirm our priorities and work for the final two years of the present quadrennium.

THE MELBOURNE DECLARATION ISSUED BY THE WORLD BLIND UNION AND THE DAISY CONSORTIUM ON NOVEMBER 13, 2010
"Recalling the productive relationship which has traditionally existed between the goals of WBU and the efforts of the DAISY Consortium, the Boards of the two organizations welcome and support the following as ways to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in relation to access to information ..."

1. The integration of the DAISY standard with mainstream publishing systems;

2. Accessible publishing directly by publishers via EPUB and similar accessible electronic publishing solutions;

3. The creation of an accessible digital version of all published materials, utilizing solutions such as the "save as DAISY" option in Open office, Microsoft word, Adobe in design etc.;

4. The adoption by Publishers of the use of a single electronic source file from which all formats, including accessible versions, can be simply created;

5. Development of the DAISY standards to encompass file-formats which enables the easy production of electronic and hard-copy braille;

6. International inter-operable standards for access to information;

7. The ability to exchange information across national boundaries unhindered by copyright restrictions;

8. A network of trusted intermediaries which publishers can use, recognizing that the flow of files from publishers to trusted intermediaries is essential to reduce costs and increase speed of publication;

9. A copyright exception to cater for publishers who will not create a license for a worldwide trusted intermediary network;

10. Capacity Building in Developing Countries for production and distribution of accessible books using DAISY Standards based tools and systems and availability of affordable assistive technology for end users to access such books.

MELBOURNE RESOLUTION ON JOINT ICEVI-WBU ADVOCACY FOR EFA-VI
The WBU Executive meeting in Melbourne, Australia, Nov 11-13, 2010

Recognizing that after 20 years of operation the global initiative on Education For All supported by UNESCO, UNICEF, and The World Bank is still largely failing to include the needs of children with visual impairment in national level initiatives

Resolves that:

1. WBU and ICEVI will develop a specific advocacy and lobbying strategy to pressure the EFA Fast Track Initiative of The World Bank to take proactive measures to address the educational needs of blind children, including provision of accessible textbooks and other learning materials; and,

2. WBU and ICEVI will work together to develop an effective advocacy strategy to pressure national governments to make specific provision in national EFA plans for children with visual impairment, with specific and immediate priority being given to those countries targeted by the ICEVI-WBU Global Campaign on Education for All Children with Visual Impairment.

WBU DIVERSITY COMMITTEE UPDATE REPORT
The WBU Diversity Committee is currently focusing on 3 areas of work: women, elderly and children. This brief update covers some of our activities and particularly welcomes interest and a response from
regional members.

Elderly
The elderly working group, made up of experts from around the WBU regions, are currently working to produce material to raise our concerns about the global growth of age related sight loss. As an outcome we hope to produce materials that will be available to member organizations that they can use to advocate on behalf of elderly blind in their own countries. Our second stage will be to pull together examples of good practice that organizations will be able to use when planning services to meet the challenge of growing demands. In order to make this information as relevant as we can, it is important that we reflect your local, regional and cultural differences when it comes to caring for older people. Do please support this important program by contacting us via the WBU office.

Children
The children’s working group recognizes the significant role of parents of children with visual impairments and the work of national parents’ associations that aim to support, educate, and advocate for the special education and medical services for children who are blind and their families. In order to encourage communication and information sharing internationally for families, the children’s committee has decided to do a search for all the national associations for parents of visually impaired, blind and those with deaf-blindness or multiple disabilities around the world and to compile the contact information to be posted on the WBU website. A letter will be distributed to WBU regions asking for contact information for any parents’ associations you are aware of in your country or region. We appreciate your contribution to our committee’s project as we feel the directory of parents’ associations will be a great resource.

Women
Women all around the world want to be connected and in many countries excellent groups already exist. Some countries and organizations do not currently have a forum for women to participate. The working group is listening to the existing forums so that they can share knowledge where there is still a need. We are keen to hear from individual women and from organizations’ representatives to join an email forum for women’s issues. Everybody should embrace the equality agenda and the working group understands that to make a difference for blind people globally, everyone needs to participate, whatever their gender. We invite you to contact us via the WBU office.

“BRAILLE WITHOUT BORDERS” GRADUATES REALIZE THEIR DREAMS
The International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs (IISE) in Trivandrum, Kerala (South India) operates under the umbrella of Braille without Borders Charitable Trust (BWB). In 2005, BWB was co-founded by Sabriye Tenberken, who became blind when she was 12, and Paul Kronenberg, who has a background in mechanical engineering, computer science, commercial technology, and communication system science.

IISE creates credible and effective leaders for positive social change across the world. Their 11-month experiential program helps them set up social projects that improve the quality of blind, visually impaired people, and marginalized target groups in an earth-respecting environment that promotes leadership training through innovation, collaboration, and positive social change.

The IISE does not believe in different schools on segregation based on: physical ability or disability, between highly educated participants to participants who have never been in a formal education set up, between people from developing countries or developed countries, between young and old. It is an institution open to people who wish to bring a positive change in society, and are driven by this need.

The IISE welcomes participants, all over 22 years of age, whom have overcome significant life challenges ranging from vision impairment, disability, poverty, war, discrimination and exploitation. Most of them have personally experienced adversity or witnessed a particular situation that they wish to change so others do not suffer. They have a passion to make the world a better place and the strength to be forces of good rather than victims of circumstance.

Throughout IISE’s 11-month program, participants develop all necessary skills to succeed as social innovators/entrepreneurs. Workshops and hands-on practice in the areas of management, public speaking, communication, leadership, fundraising, budgeting, bookkeeping, project proposal writing, marketing, public relations, computing with open software technology, and others, give IISE’s participants all the necessary tools to start their own social projects. All selected participants receive a full scholarship, including travel costs, accommodation and a high-end course by a group of international experts. To ensure high quality training, IISE accommodates a maximum of 30 participants per academic year.

In January 2009, the IISE welcomed its first batch of 20 participants. They all returned to their home countries to work on the realization of their planned social projects. Learn more about how these projects are developing by visiting http://www.braillewithoutborders.org/ENGLISH/IISE-Grads-August-2010.pdf

In 2010, IISE has trained 29 participants from 18 countries who will graduate in December and return home to begin their dream projects. Over 120 applications from 34 countries worldwide have already been received for 2011 and the 30 most suitable candidates will soon be finalized.

LOUD, PROUD, AND PASSIONATE
(Excerpted from an article by Manique Guneratne - Second Vice President, Sri Lanka Federation of the Visually Handicapped; Secretary, Daisy Lanka Foundation; Resource Person to Train, Promote & Develop Information & Communication Technology for Visually Impaired Persons; Junior Executive –The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon)

Swinging 50 feet in the air, suspended by ropes, I screamed as I plummeted toward the ground. “It felt good to put my fears aside and just go for it” that was the feeling when swinging in the air.

I, a visually impaired young lady, was part of a group of 29 disabilities activists from around the world – Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East – who was in Eugene, Oregon in U.S.A. for the Mobility International USA’s fifth International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability, WILD. They lived up to the acronym.

The group met in August at the Spencer Butte challenge course (one of the many areas covered at the program) to get to know each other a little better and to test their boundaries. The challenge course is all about teamwork and breaking down preconceived notions society has of what they think is possible for women with disabilities.

In the wooded terrain, the harnessed women swung from ropes, manoeuvred from high platforms and balanced on a seesaw-type structure, cheering each other through the frightening undertaking. Apart from the challenge course, river rafting, problem solving, policies and legislations, inclusive education, inclusive employment, fund raising and proposal writing and women’s issues were some areas covered at the training.

Although hailing from different countries and cultures and holding different political views, all similarities united everyone in Eugene, Oregon in U.S.A. All had a disability and wanted to make change.
The 3-week program included seminars and workshops at the University of Oregon and a four-day retreat with 24 alumni of the program and other organizations such as the Gender, Disability and Development Institute.

Women with disabilities have less access to education, more chance of being victims of crime and contracting HIV. Therefore, Mobility International selected 30 prominent disabilities rights activists to share their knowledge and to gain insight from others.

The women all had different levels of expertise – law, health, education, business, HIV/AIDS, violence prevention. “The program was designed for the women to learn from each other.”

My dream is to be a role model for women with disabilities and let them know that they are able to do what they want. I want them to be independent. I also recognize the value of collaborating with other disability groups. I don’t think we need to be separate any longer. It’s important to be united as women with disabilities to change attitudes from sympathy to empathy, dependence to independence and hidden to open.

This program was like a dream come true. We can learn from people. Maybe, we can make our disability a bridge to communicate, to help people in the world to make peace with each other.

STEVIE WONDER ENDORSES WBU’s PROPOSED WIPO TREATY
(Excerpted from an article by Dan Pescod, Campaigns Manager-Europe, International and Accessibility, The Royal National Institute of Blind People)

As you know, for the last year and a half WBU has been urging government representatives at the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Copyright Committee (SCCR) to support the WBU proposed treaty, which was formally tabled at the SCCR in May 2009 by the governments of Brazil, Ecuador and Paraguay.

On behalf of WBU/EBU, Chris Friend and Dan Pescod attended the WIPO General Assemblies in September 2010. At the start of that meeting, our friends in the music industry managed to organize a slot for singer Stevie Wonder to make a powerful speech. The webcast is available at: http://www.wipo.int/aboutwipo/en/assemblies/webcasting

Mr. Wonder could not have been clearer that the time for a binding agreement in WIPO is now, and that the assembled countries should get on with making that agreement. (He promised them a free concert when they finish the job!)

ANNOUNCEMENTS
DIRECTOR OF PERKINS INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENT
It is a pleasure to announce the appointment of Dr. W. Aubrey Webson as the new Director of Perkins International. Aubrey will be responsible for the strategic and operational elements of Perkins International and its work with hundreds of partners in 65 countries around the world. Perkins’ new 2010-2015 Strategic Plan highlights the importance of expanding internationally and their international work includes the Hilton/Perkins program, which has been at the core of their international development work for over two decades.

Aubrey started at Perkins in 1992 where he has led the work in the growth of services in Africa and the Caribbean. He has helped to shape educational services for children who are deafblind and those with multiple disabilities, supported government and service workers in policy development, and introduced and implemented the Institutional Development Program, a capacity building project for organizations of the blind in Africa and the Caribbean. Recently Aubrey has added work with braille literacy to his portfolio.

On behalf of the WBU, congratulations and much success to you, Aubrey, in your new role!

FIRST CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: TRANSED 2012 AT DELHI, INDIA
Svayam, an initiative of S.J.Charitable Trust, India is proud to announce the 13th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons will take place in India from September 17-21, 2012 on the theme "Seamless Access for All: Universal Design for Transport Systems and Infrastructure as a key element in the creation of livable cities". TRANSED 2012 will showcase international innovation and technological solutions for accessible transportation and travel through papers and posters as well as through live exhibitions of products, services, and best practices.

This is the first call inviting abstracts from potential authors on the following topics:
a) Role of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
b) Best practices and innovations
c) Accessible tourism: Conservation, access to the historic and natural heritage
d) Environmental impact, sustainability, and accessibility of integrated multimodal systems
e) Accessible Bus Rapid Transit
f) Highway design and safety
g) Pedestrian mobility & safety for livable communities
h) Rural access and mobility
i) Implementation, monitoring and enforcement
j) Others

Deadline for receipt of abstracts is March 30, 2011. For further details please visit http://www.transed2012.in/abstract_submission.html

LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST
Lions Clubs International is offering you an opportunity to support your local visually-impaired youth. The Lions International Essay Contest is open to 11, 12 and 13-year-old students who are visually impaired. Work with your fellow Lions, local schools and area families to identify young people who are interested in participating and who could benefit from this program. One grand prize winner will receive an award and US $5,000.

The theme for the essay is “Power of Peace.” Each essay must be submitted with a completed entry form. Essays must be no longer than 500 words in length, submitted in English, type-written in black ink and double-spaced. For the complete rules and entry form, visit http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/common/pdfs/pr41.pdf Deadline to submit your essay is February 15, 2011.

FESTIVAL OF INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES ON CAREGIVING, DISABILITY, AGING, AND TECHNOLOGY (FICCDAT)
Save the Date: June 5-8, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
International Conference on Best Practices for Universal Design
The goal of universal practice is to make the environment more usable for a broader range of people in more situations. Although the universal design movement has made significant progress (e.g., iconic buildings and housing, new initiatives in public and professional education, best practice design guidelines, etc.), there is a strong need to advance the development of evidence based practice. This conference will explore new and exciting strategies to help support our increasingly diverse population. It will bring together professionals and experts from around the world to address critical issues and questions about universal design in a format supporting dialogue and discussion. Session themes include:
• Housing and Home Modifications
• Public Buildings
• Community Environments
• Research Methods
• Certification and Commitment Programs
• UD and Dissemination, Information, and Education
• The Next Generation Accessible Bus

Log onto www.ficcdat.ca for more detailed information.

INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY CONFERENCE
Save the Date: February 13-17, 2012
Location: Palmerston North, New Zealand
A Call for Papers will be issued in February 2011 with a closing date of April 30, 2011. Emails may be sent to secretariat@imc14.com or directly to Professor Steve LaGrow the Conference Organiser s.j.lagrow@massey.ac.nz For more information, please visit the conference web site: www.imc14.com
RESOURCES

BRAILLE21: “BRAILLE POST” MAGAZINE IS NOW DIGITALLY AVAILABLE
The first edition of the Braille Post has recently been launched and will continue to be published every three months. It will prepare the themes of the World Congress Braille21 for the long term. The Braille Post will inform regularly about the progress of the project Braille21 and it will communicate current knowledge about braille. To order copies of the Braille Post for your organization or for you individually, please email info@braille21.net. The following formats are available:

• Braille-Post in uncontracted braille, English
• Braille-Post in contracted braille, German
• Braille-Post in common print, English
• Braille-Post in common print, German

All editions of the Braille Post are also available for download at:
http://www.braille21.net/en/press (English version), or
http://www.braille21.net/de/presse (German version)

WHO RELEASES GUIDELINES ON COMMUNITY-BASED REHABILITATION FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) is a strategy for the equalization of opportunities and social integration of all children and adults with disabilities. The "Community-Based Rehabilitation Guidelines”, a new document developed by more than 180 individuals and nearly 300 organizations, the majority from low-income and middle-income countries, offers practical ways to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families and provides practical suggestions to program managers on how to develop or strengthen community-based programs that are inclusive of people with disabilities and their families.

The guidelines are based on a new CBR matrix which includes five components--health, education, livelihood, social, and empowerment--each with their corresponding elements. CBR program implementers can select, based on local needs and priorities, which components and elements to implement. The guidelines strongly encourage the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities and their families in all decision-making processes.

WHO will provide technical support to member states to facilitate the implementation of the guidelines and ensure they reach a wide audience. In addition WHO will support the development of a training package, facilitation of "train-the-trainer" programs, strengthening of regional CBR networks, and the development of a global CBR network.

To access the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) guidelines visit: http://www.who.int/disabilities/cbr/guidelines/en/index.html, or for more information, please contact Mr. Chapal Khasnabis at khasnabisc@who.int

WHO WELCOMES APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
The WHO Task Force on Disability, supported by a network of disability champions across the organization, is making real progress in dismantling barriers to employment at WHO. Hot on the heels of the new welcome statement, which reads "WHO is committed to workforce diversity", comes a new policy on disability and employment, which sets out how WHO will work towards reasonable accommodation, an accessible office environment and flexible working arrangements, among other measures, to ensure fairness and respect for persons with disabilities.
But fine words mean nothing if practices do not change, which is why the audit of the e-Recruitment website was so important. This summer, WHO received an independent report identifying barriers, for example, to people with visual impairments. The process of implementing the necessary changes is already under way.
Finally, disability equality training is being delivered to staff who sit on selection panels, so they are aware of the human rights approach to disability and understand the principle of reasonable accommodation of people with disabilities in the workplace. All these measures mean that WHO is better placed to welcome persons with disabilities into the workforce. Now all that's needed is for suitable qualified people to apply. Over to you! Link to the WHO E-Recruitment site: http://www.who.int/employment/recruitment/en/
DISABLED PEOPLE’S INTERNATIONAL (DPI) LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
Please visit DPI’s new website at http://www.dpi.org. Here you will find updates to position and policy papers on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and on Disability and Poverty Eradication, as well as DPI's Annual Report 2009-2010.

UNESCO REPORT ON DISABILITY AND TECHNOLOGY
This UNESCO Report summarizes the recommendations of a group of experts on how UNESCO could assist its Member States in facilitating social inclusion of persons with disabilities through information and communication technologies (ICT). The Report can be read by following links at http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=30877&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

CRPD UPDATE
The Committee on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) closed its fourth session, which was primarily devoted to the discussion of its procedures and working methods, in Geneva on October 8, 2010.

The Committee held a Day of General Discussion on Article 9 of the Convention pertaining to accessibility. Over the course of two meetings, the Committee held three sessions on the right to access on an equal basis with others to physical environment and transportation and the right to equal access to virtual and material information and communications, as well as best practices on the implementation and promotion of accessibility. To read more, go to http://www.unog.ch/80256EDD006B9C2E/(httpNewsByYear_en)/22262DBDB4A9FE6FC12577B60051CBC5?OpenDocument

2010 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT: 40-YEAR TRENDS ANALYSIS SHOWS POOR COUNTRIES MAKING FASTER DEVELOPMENT GAINS
The 20th anniversary UNDP Human Development Report finds long-term progress in health and education is not determined by income; the Report introduces new indices for gender, poverty, and inequality. Most developing countries made dramatic yet often underestimated progress in health, education and basic living standards in recent decades, with many of the poorest countries posting the greatest gains. Yet patterns of achievement vary greatly, with some countries losing ground since 1970, the 2010 Human Development Report shows. To read the full report, please visit http://hdr.undp.org/en/reports

NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
AFRICA
NEW REHABILITATION CENTRE, NEW HOPE IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
(Excerpted from Hope for the Blind Foundation Newsletter)
The Hope for the Blind Foundation has submitted a proposal to the Nigerian government to build a new rehabilita¬tion centre in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. Establishing a new rehab centre in the North- East Geo-Political Zone means that those people who are blind and living in the stated area, need not travel the long way to the Hope Centre, located in Zaria. The new rehab centre will provide trainings including: Braille reading and writing skills, typing and computer skills, daily living skills, orientation and mobility skills, etc. Delivery of services to the blind in the Northeast region will begin as soon as the Foundation has approved funding for this project. For more information, please visit www.hopefortheblind.org

AFRICAN UNION FOR THE BLIND UPDATE: HIV & AIDS AWARENESS AND TRAINING PROGRAM
Year II countries have recorded impressive performance and have gone the extra mile to reach more visually impaired persons than was planned for in the grassroots training. Ninety-five Peer Educators (57 women, 38 men) have been trained in Benin, Eritrea, Liberia and Mali. They continue to be active in their organizations in as far as training is concerned.

As of October 2010, a total of 3,236 visually impaired persons have been reached with information on HIV & AIDS in the four countries (1,950 females and 1,285 males) through grassroots level training workshops (827 in Benin; 789 in Eritrea; 926 in Liberia; and 694 in Mali).
A lobby committee was set up in the four target countries. Advocacy activities continue to take place, and countries have reported increased networks and partnerships with other HIV stakeholders/ organizations in their countries. All the four countries have held at least 3 meetings. The use of the media, mostly radio and print, has been employed by all the countries. In addition, the following materials have been produced in English and French: (1) Train the Trainers Manual; (2) Manual on Minimum Criteria for Including Visually Impaired Persons; and, (3) HIV Information Booklet. This booklet has been translated into local languages of the four respective countries.

CLUB OF THE YOUNG & REHABILITATED BLIND OF CAMEROON (CJARC)
Congratulations to Coco Bertin, Managing Director of CJARC, on the launch of his third album “Surprise” and his new book, In Pursuit of a Dream. A fundraiser event will be held on December 7 at the Hilton Hotel in Yaounde to support education initiatives for children who are blind in Cameroon. For more information, please contact Coco Bertin at cjarc2006@yahoo.fr.

ASIA-PACIFIC
WORKING TOGETHER, DELIVERING AUDIO DESCRIPTION (AD) THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
Sonali Rai of the Royal National Institute of Blind People met Alex Varley, CEO Media Access Australia, recently to discuss and share the latest developments in the field of AD across Australia and the UK. Alex stated that as a direct consequence of the fantastic support that Media Access Australia has received from the Media and Culture Team RNIB over the past few years, latest information on the DVDs being released with audio description, they are now not only at par with the UK as far as DVDs with AD were concerned but just a little bit ahead.

They take all the AD being produced in the UK and also describe their own home grown films. Aside from this, Alex also mentioned that the Government in Australia has recently announced their plan to ensure that every major cinema chain location is made more accessible for patrons who are deaf or blind by the end of 2014 in addition to exploring an AD trial on their television by 2011.

The WBU Technology Committee continues to work on plans to share best practice around access to TV and film throughout the world, including the possibility of creating a demonstration DVD and documentation to support the adoption of AD by as many countries as possible. For further information, contact: Pete.osborne@rnib.org.uk
+44 1670 829447

ASIA
ASIAN BLIND UNION (ABU) LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
Check out ABU’s new website at www.abunion.org. Your comments and feedback are welcome! On behalf of the WBU, thank you for all your effort in making information more available and accessible to people who are blind and partially sighted in your region.

MS. FATIMA AHMED AL-ELAGHIL TAKES LEAD IN EMPOWERING OTHER BLIND WOMEN IN YEMEN
(Excerpted from an article in the ABU Newsletter)
The work and contribution of Ms. Fatima Ahmed Al-Elaghil in empowering the blind in Yemen is well Known to many at the international level. With support from Asian Blind Union, the organization which she heads, namely Al-Aman Organization of Blind Women Care, conducted a legal literacy workshop for a cross section of government and civil society representatives.

The primary purpose of this workshop was to educate 30 visually impaired women from various provinces of Yemen about their rights so that they could become more aware, stronger and more capable in living as equal and meaningful citizens of society. According to Ms. Fatima, even after so many years, the majority of blind and low vision women in Yemen are not as aware of their rights as they ought to be.

Apart from empowering such women through legal literacy, additional objectives of this workshop were: to strengthen the partnership with government ministries and human rights organizations, and to raise
awareness of a number of associations and institutions dealing with disabilities.

The participants included 30 visually impaired women as well as representatives from a cross section such as decision makers from various government ministries, activists from human rights organizations, leaders of some NGOs engaged in work for persons with disabilities.

It was felt that with regard to visually impaired women in Yemen, family life and educational facilities were the two areas requiring immediate attention. Consequently, a number of practical recommendations were formulated at the end of the two day discussions.

EUROPE
A NEW VISUAL IDENTITY FOR EBU
On November 12, 2010, the European Blind Union (EBU) launched its new visual identity at the EBU PROGRESS conference in Vienna, Austria. The logo is part of an overall communication package developed with the contribution of the Community Program For Employment and Social Solidarity – PROGRESS, which includes a redesigned EBU website, and a range of communication materials to be launched in December 2010.

The aim is to make EBU more recognizable as a brand and to achieve a clear, consistent visual identity that resonates with all concerned. This brand reflects the organization’s mission and core values, as represented in EBU’s stated objective “to protect and promote the interests of blind and partially sighted people in Europe to live full and independent lives. EBU works towards an inclusive society in which blind and partially sighted people have equal opportunities to full participation in society.”

The new logo represents an eye; symbolic of its campaigns to defend the rights of blind and partially sighted people throughout Europe, but also of their aim in increasing visibility and awareness. Within the eye, the letters EBU simplify the European Blind Union into an interdependent and synergistic design, and the strapline reinforces our message. Our new identity is intended to be more inclusive--EBU is about men and women, young and elderly, blind and partially sighted at all levels of society. This requires one core logo and a strong visual theme to bring greater unity to our publications while adopting a more outward-looking approach.

ACCESSIBLE BANK SERVICES IN BELGIUM
(Excerpted from an article in the EBU Newsletter)
On October 15th, 2010, the Belgian Confederation for the Blind and Partially Sighted organized an event on accessible bank services for blind and partially sighted persons. On that occasion the BNP Paribas Fortis Bank launched the first accessible Automated Teller Machines (ATM).

By the end of 2010, ten ATMs will be accessible. Two months later, the number will be increased to 600. Up to that moment only BNP clients will have access to the service. From April 2011, everyone will be able to use the accessible ATM. This should be a signal for other banks to follow this example of good practice. The Confederation will keep in touch with the Federation of the Belgian Banks. For further information contact Harry Geyskens, Belgian Confederation for Blind and Partially Sighted E-mail: bcbs.cbpam@skynet.be, tel: +32 2 732 53 24

SIGNS & SIGNAGE FOR PEOPLE WITH LOW VISION
(Excerpted from a feature article in EBU’s Newsletter)
A new study by ANEC (the European consumer voice in standardization) shows that the size of pictograms, symbols, icons and text used in public places such as airports, metro stations and shopping centres should be at least 5% of the Critical Reading Distance (CRD) in order to be readable by the majority of consumers, including people with visual impairments. Optimal, but not maximal, contrast intensity should be around a value of 75% on the white-black axis. From the new study, carried out by the University of Ghent (Belgium), it is clear that the interaction between size and contrast has to be considered when discussing guidelines for visual accessibility in public spaces.

At present no harmonized approach exists in Europe with regard to size, character height of text and symbols, foreground/background contrast, colour, reading distance, localisation, lighting and legibility of signs used in public places.

Finally, the study draws attention to the particular challenges posed by ensuring both localization and recognition of signs as they are both essential for independent travelling and mobility. However, while recognition is acceptable from 5% CRD on and hardly increases beyond that threshold, localization still improves until 9% CRD.
To read ANEC’s full report along with recommendations, please visit www.anec.eu

LATIN AMERICA
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF WORK BENEFITING PEOPLE WITH VISUAL DISABILITIES
On November 15, 2010, the Latin American Union of the Blind (ULAC) celebrated its 25th anniversary. This historic occasion marked the dedication and commitment of this organization over the past 25 years and its vision for the future. The event took place in the city of Mar del Plata, Argentina, the very same place where the organization was founded in 1985.

Founding members, leaders in the field of blindness, national and international authorities, and the general public convened to review and assess the work accomplished to-date and to jointly construct the future of the organization. Special participation of experts in areas such as human rights, international cooperation, and communication offered to the day an ideal framework for reflection.

The Enrique Elissalde Distinction Award was presented to the ONCE Foundation for Solidarity with the Blind People of Latin America (FOAL), an institution that has tirelessly supported the work of ULAC in the region.

Recognition was also directed to the work and dedication of all their Presidents--Jose Monteagudo, Gloria Peniza, Adilson Ventura and Enrique Elissalde, these last two already deceased.

After the commemoration day, the ULAC Executive Committee meeting took place. The creation of a working group in charge of the design of a strategic plan that mirrors the priority areas and objectives of the WBU’s strategic plan was established.

NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM ON DISABILITY
Three academic units at Queen's University in Canada-the International Centre for the Advancement of Community Based Rehabilitation, the School of Rehabilitation Therapy, and the Office of Inter-professional Education and Practice-have joined forces to create an interdisciplinary online program focusing on Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR), Disability and International Development. Building on decades of international experience, Queen's University is offering a fully online certificate program to the international audience of administrators, health and social professionals, community workers and others with an interest in disability and development. To read more go to http://www.queensu.ca/icacbr/onlinecertificateprogram.html

WBU OFFICERS
Ms. Maryanne Diamond, President
maryanne.diamond@visionaustralia.org
Mr. Arnt Holte, 1st Vice President
arnt.holte@blindeforbundet.no
Ms. Frances Candiru, 2nd Vice President
aiykko@gmail.com
Mr. Enrique Pérez, Secretary General
umc@once.es
Mr. A. K. Mittal, Treasurer
akmittal@rediffmail.com
Dr. William Rowland, Immediate Past President
rowland@sancb.org.za
REGIONAL PRESIDENTS
AFRICA (AFUB)
Mr. Mohammed Ez-zaoui
med.ezzaoui@gmail.com
ASIA (ABU)
Mr. Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Allouzi
fabjo@index.com.jo
ASIA PACIFIC (WBU-AP)
Mr. Chuji Sashida
sashida.chuji@jeed.or.jp
EUROPE (EBU)
Lord Colin Low
Colin.Low@rnib.org.uk
LATIN AMERICA (ULAC)
Dr. Guillermo Moreno
dr_guillermo_moreno@hotmail.com
NORTH AMERICA/CARIBBEAN (WBU-NA/C)
Mr. Carl Augusto
caugusto@afb.net
WBU STAFF
Dr. Penny Hartin, Chief Executive Officer
penny.hartin@wbuoffice.org
Ms. Sarah Smith, Manager Fund Development & Communications
sarah.smith@wbuoffice.org
Ms. Ianina Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant ianina.rodriguez@wbuoffice.org

WBUAP CHIBA STATEMENT

2010-11-08T02:03:00.000-08:00

WBUAP CHIBA STATEMENT

We the participants at the WBUAP Mid-Term General Assembly in Chiba, Japan, October 31st, 2010,

A: call upon all countries within the Asia Pacific Region to take timely steps towards signing, ratifying, implementing and monitoring the CRPD (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities),

B: Recognising that unemployment and economic inactivity is a major source of social exclusion across the world for people who are blind or have low vision, urge countries to take proactive steps to identify, and assist people gain access to meaningful employment on an equal basis with others,

C: affirm the outcome of the Youth Forum, by agreeing to promote activities to strengthen leadership, capacity and networks of young people who are blind or have low vision, for example, by establishing an email discussion list for and about youth issues in the Region.

D: being moved by the enthusiasm and strong determination, expressed by blind women through the Women’s Forum, therefore urge all concerned parties, especially member countries, in the Asia Pacific Region to prepare a statement about strategies being undertaken, or being planned, by member countries to empower blind women within the blindness community and society at large. And further recognize the need to advocate for integrating the mandate of CRPD concerning women with disabilities with mainstream human rights instruments like CEDAW (the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women),

E: Applaud the contribution and collaboration from partners in capacity building of member countries in relation to advancing the human rights of people who are blind or have low vision, for example, governments, international development organisations (such as DANIDA) and civil society organisations at large; and further recommend that any future international development assistance programmes, be more disability/blindness inclusive.

F: Place on record our deepest appreciation to the following partners and organizations for the successful outcome of this Mid-Term General Assembly, namely,
1. National Committee of Welfare for the Blind in Japan, Mr. Yoshihiko Sasagawa, Chairman
2. World Blind Union and Ms. Maryanne Diamond, President, and Dr. Penny Hartin,
CEO
3. European Blind Union, Dr. Fred Reid and Dr. Philippa Simkiss
4. Danish Association of the Blind, Mikael Bellers Madsen, Ms. Susanne Koch Andersen
5. All the Assembly speakers, reporters and presenters
6. Sponsors, members of the Organizing Committee, interpreters, volunteers and staff

WBU E-BULLETIN VOLUME 4, ISSUE 5, September 2010

2010-10-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

WBU E-BULLETIN
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 5
September 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 3
WBU DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR HELD IN MADRID 4
EFA-VI GLOBAL CAMPAIGN: THE RESULTS ARE TANGIBLE
AND THE CHALLENGES ARE MORE! 6
FLOOD DISASTER IN PAKISTAN: WBU APPEALS TO THE
UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL 7
NGO-CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP KEY TO SUCCESSFUL
CAREER FAIR FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES 9
THE JOURNEY TO SUCCESS 10
ANNOUNCEMENTS 11
DR. RAJENDRA VYAS: AN INSPIRATION AND MENTOR 12
REMEMBERING DORINA DE GOUVEA NOWILL 12
FIFTH AFRICA FORUM: CALL FOR PAPERS! 13
ELECTIONS TO NEW UN CRPD MONITORING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED 14
WORLD STANDARDS DAY: OCTOBER 14, 2010 15
OCTOBER 14TH WORLD SIGHT DAY:
COUNTDOWN TO VISION 2020 16
RESOURCES 16
OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE WORLD CONGRESS BRAILLE21
IS ONLINE! 16
IMPROVING ACCESS TO WHITE AND BROWN GOODS 16
“JUST JILL” – A MOVING AUTOBIOGRAPHY 17
CENTRE FOR REBUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
AFTER DISASTERS 17
A NEW AUDIO ADVENTURE IPHONE GAME 17
E-PLAYGROUND FOR CHILDREN OF ALL ABILITIES 18
JOIN INCLUSIVE PLANET 18
PARTNERSHIPS FOR DECENT WORK 18
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS 18
AFRICA 18
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION PROJECT IN SWAZILAND AND NIGER 18
IN CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL WHITE CANE SAFETY
DAY & INTERNATIONAL WORLD SIGHT DAY 19
ASIA-PACIFIC 19
DUSKIN LEADERSHIP TRAINING IN JAPAN 19
WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES RECOGNIZED AT UNITED NATIONS 20
ASIA 20
READY-TO-USE COMPUTERS FOR THE BLIND 20
ABU REACHES OUT TO CHILDREN WITH DUAL DISABILITIES 21
EUROPE 22
GERMAN FEDERATION OF THE BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED LAUNCHES NEW ACCESSIBLE PATIENT INFORMATION SERVICE 22
8TH INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE & MEDIA CONFERENCE 23
BLIND FOOTBALL COMES TO IRELAND 23
A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION BY THE BLIND (PEBB) 24
LATIN AMERICA 25
CRPD WORKSHOP IN GUATEMALA 25
LATIN AMERICAN COUNCIL OF BRAILLE (CIB) 25
VIRTUAL FORUM FOR YOUTH 25
GENDER AND EQUALITY 25
NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 26
ENROLL FOR FALL SEMESTER UTAH STATE U-HADLEY COURSES 26
SEVA CANADA 26
WBU OFFICERS 27
REGIONAL PRESIDENTS 27
WBU STAFF 27

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN
Contributions are welcome to the e-Bulletin. We thank those of you who have been providing us with content for the e-Bulletins and encourage contributions from all regions. Our next deadline for content submission will be Monday, November 23, 2010 for our December 2010 issue of the e-Bulletin. We will accept submissions in English, French, and Spanish, preferably in electronic format. Please send your submissions to Sarah Smith at sarah.smith@wbuoffice.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Maryanne Diamond

Welcome to another interesting and information rich issue of our e-Bulletin.

In this issue we recognize and remember two past leaders of our organization who have recently passed away: Dr. Rajendra Vyas and Dorina De Gouvea Nowill. Two leaders whose memory and contributions will be remembered for many years ahead.

As I outlined in the previous issue, we are looking for examples to share of case studies and good practices in:
• Successful employment stories of people who are blind or have low vision
• Peer support and mentoring programs for people who are blind or have low vision in the area of employment
• Employment toolkits and programs
• Microcredit programs, either established for people who are blind or have low vision as well as mainstream programs which have successfully included us.
You can email your examples to penny.hartin@wbuoffice.org

Congratulations to those elected and re-elected to the CRPD monitoring committee. Fifteen of the 18 members are people with disabilities with six being persons who are blind. The 18 person committee take up their roles in 2011.

The Executive meeting to be held in Melbourne is quickly approaching and plans are well underway. I am delighted that many observers from both Australia and many parts of the world will join us.

Hope you enjoy reading.

Maryanne

WBU DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR HELD IN MADRID
From June 24-25, a Development Summit, co-organized by the WBU Development Committee and ONCE brought together some 25 participants from 15 countries and five continents to discuss issues related to capacity building within the WBU. The event was hosted by ONCE at their Educational Resource Centre and School for the Blind in Madrid, with financial support provided by ONCE and NABP from Norway in order to ensure full representation from developing countries. The seminar was then followed by a meeting of the WBU Development Committee.

The two day seminar was introduced by opening presentations by Yolanda Martin, Vice President of ONCE and President of FOAL; WBU 1st Vice President Arnt Holte; Enrique Guerrero, Member of the Development Commission of the European Parliament and Member of the Delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly; Alvaro Renedo Head of the Cabinet of the Secretary of State for the European Union. WBU Secretary General, Enrique Perez presided over the opening presentations.

The seminar included presentations on a number of topics of relevance for capacity building among WBU members. Some of the topics included the following:
• Disability perspective in European Union and Spanish international cooperation with a presentation by Enrique Guerrero, Member of the Development Commission of the European Parliament and Member of the Delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly.
• A discussion on fundraising with presentations made by Victoria Jiménez, an external facilitator resourced by ONCE, who discussed the government project funding process, and Sarah Smith, WBU Manager of Fundraising and Communications who covered different aspects of and opportunities for fundraising from private sources.
• John Heilbrunn, Chair of the EBU Development Commission conducted a session on capacity building, focusing on the process of training, mentorship and other activities to improve performance at the individual and organizational level.
• Ana Paláez, Vice President of the UNCRPD Monitoring Committee led a discussion about the Article 32, dealing with International Cooperation and the opportunities this presents to WBU members around the globe whose countries have ratified the Convention.
• A presentation on Job creation within the framework of international cooperation was provided by Fernando Iglesias, General Director of FOAL who discussed the positive results of cooperative efforts in improving the employment situation of blind and partially sighted persons in Latin America.
• A session on Education and development was led by Lars Bosselmann, Policy Officer for CBMI. There was a good deal of discussion about the issue of inclusive education with students placed in mainstream classrooms rather than segregated schools and the need to ensure adequate teacher training and specialized resources such as the availability of Braille in order to maximize opportunities for success.
• A session on best practices by NGO’s was delivered by Mr. J.L. Kaul, Secretary General of the Asian Blind Union, facilitated by Dr. Elly Macha, Executive Director of the African Union of the Blind. One of the examples discussed was the development of the Braille Press by the All India Confederation of the Blind which ensures availability of Braille at an affordable price.
• The final session of the seminar, delivered by Penny Hartin, CEO of WBU, focused on health care, trends in health care, with particular issues of importance to blind and partially sighted persons. In addition, there was discussion about the Vision 2020 program, its goals and objectives and progress to date. A key issue discussed was the matter of access to fitness and leisure activities by blind and partially sighted persons and how that contributes to healthy living.

Several of the presentations are available and can be requested from the WBU Office.

The Development Seminar was followed by a meeting of the Development committee which considered various issues raised during the seminar and incorporated these into its action plan for the remainder of the quadrennium. Some of the issues discussed that you will continue to hear about include: defining WBU’s role in situations of emergency or disaster that might arise in our member countries; determining how best WBU can and should support capacity building among our members; and examining how WBU can encourage access to fitness, leisure and other aspects of healthy living.

EFA-VI GLOBAL CAMPAIGN: THE RESULTS ARE TANGIBLE AND THE CHALLENGES ARE MORE!
By Mani, M N G - Secretary General, ICEVI

The Global Campaign on Education for All Children with Visual Impairment (EFA-VI) has started showing tangible results. Increased enrolment is one of our indicators of success and we have been gathering required data from the focus countries where the campaign activities are underway. The National Task Forces reveal that while the campaign is primarily targeting the children who are unreached, there are instances when children who dropped out of schools returned back to the mainstream as a result of the increased awareness created about education. The seven focus countries, viz., The Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Nepal, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Paraguay and Vietnam for which we have data indicate that 30,877 additional children have been enrolled in schools as a result of the campaign. They also report that the campaign has generally created a positive awareness about education of children with visual impairment.

While these results are encouraging, the campaign presents different challenges too. As the quantity of enrolment started increasing, we are posed with quality issues which primarily involve teachers and materials. Non-availability of quality teachers and learning materials are likely to become increasing challenges as the campaign progresses.

Lack of braille materials, particularly for mathematics and science, makes it difficult for children to learn effectively. Braille book production is in fact costly compared to preparation of print books but this should not obscure the importance of braille materials. Convincing governments to allocate substantial resources for material production becomes another arduous task. The technical knowledge of these production centres too should be constantly updated to prepare quality braille materials.

The Global Task Force of the EFA-VI Campaign, which was basically involved in the formulation of policies and strategies for campaign activities has been dissolved as per the recommendations of the Executive Committee of ICEVI and four new working committees have been created with the primary focus on improving quality of services besides increasing the enrolment of children with visual impairment in schools. The committee dealing with Advocacy and Global Network will influence inter-governmental organizations and governments to give priority to education of children with disabilities within the overall national education plans. The Media and Materials committee will suggest the type of advocacy materials that would be necessary for the campaign activities and also recommend cost-effective assistive devices that can be used by children for their education and mobility. There will be a committee on Program Review which will go into the details of national plans, strategies for human resource development, monitoring campaign activities, etc. A Resource Mobilization Committee is also in place which will suggest strategies to optimize resources to support the campaign activities.

We wanted to use the 13th World Conference as a platform to review the success and challenges of the campaign but it is a pity that the conference will not take place as scheduled due to political instability in Thailand. We are sure there will be other opportunities for our friends to share their expertise.

The last three years have been a true learning experience and we believe these experiences will help us to speed-up the campaign activities in the existing focus countries and also extend to new countries. We shall regularly update you through our publications and websites of ICEVI and the World Blind Union.

FLOOD DISASTER IN PAKISTAN: WBU APPEALS TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL
The following letter was written by WBU President, Maryanne Diamond, and sent to Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary General. We sincerely hope that our “Call to Action” will bring the desired interventions and planning required to help all those individuals who are blind and their families affected by the devastating flood.

Dear Mr. Ban:

The World Blind Union has noted with deepest concern the growing flood disaster in Pakistan. The floodwaters which arose in north-west Pakistan nearly three weeks ago have swept down the Indus valley through the agricultural heartland of the country and into the southern provinces, causing death and destruction and disrupting the lives of up to 20 million people. Some six million people face the further threat of water-borne diseases such as malaria, cholera, and dysentery.

From past experience the World Blind Union has learned that blind people are especially vulnerable to the consequences of such natural disasters, being least able to access relief and often suffering situations of abandonment. These conditions are made worse by the fact that organizations of the blind--the very organizations that speak for our people and which are expected to intervene on their behalf--are themselves overwhelmed by circumstances and likely to suffer total loss of resources.

While we will most certainly look to the Pakistan government and the representative organizations of the blind to join hands in addressing the disaster situation, the role of the UN via its emergency relief programmes is crucial to the protection of life and the provision of food and shelter to the affected population. In the longer term, UN agencies also have a vital role to play in the aftermath of disaster in the planning and redevelopment which of necessity must take place.

The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to appeal to you in your capacity as UN Secretary General to direct the designated officials and responsible UN agencies to include in their early interventions and longer-term planning, measures specifically intended to secure the position of blind people in everything that is done to save lives, bring relief, and renew community infrastructure and livelihoods. While our resources are limited, the World Blind Union nevertheless places itself at the disposal of the UN and its agencies for advice and practical guidance.

In addressing this appeal to your office, we would also commend you for your personal involvement in the disaster situation in Pakistan. We are greatly encouraged by your action on the ground, your public statements, and the establishment of an emergency relief fund, all of which lead us to hope that the blind people of Pakistan, along with other disability groups, will not be left at the margins of relief efforts but be fully integrated at every level into all relief initiatives.

NGO-CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP KEY TO SUCCESSFUL CAREER FAIR FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Excerpted and revised from reports by Chris Friend and Victoria Martin

Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) and Sightsavers collaborated to hold the first career fair for people with disabilities in Accra, Ghana, in May 2010. The event aimed to encourage companies to employ people with disabilities and provide them with the opportunity to identify candidates, and to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to interview with large companies and showcase their experience and capabilities. Approximately 30 companies and 70 people with disabilities attended the event.

Some very moving presentations by people with disabilities--including people who are blind, deaf, albino, and have physical disabilities--were showcased at the Fair. These presentations included their life stories, adversities they have faced, and their achievements. An engaging discussion of their employment experiences, attitudes of employers, the capabilities of people with disabilities and the need for more diverse employment opportunities followed. A demonstration of accessible technology for computers and mobile phones illustrated to employers that cost-effective technology is available to make the workplace more accessible to people with disabilities.

Companies including SCB, PZ Cussons, Tullow Oil, Blue Skies, Guinness, Bank of Ghana, Vodafone, Barclays and Mon-Tran, conducted one-to-one interviews for all participants with disabilities who were seeking employment. These interviews took place over the course of two hours, with each candidate being interviewed at least once. Representatives from Barclays and Vodafone will be speaking to their seniors to recommend that offers of employment and/or internships are made. Mon-Tran, a large recruitment agency and provider of contract staff to many of Ghana’s largest companies, asked that all of the people with disabilities at the Fair register with them so that they can assist them find employment.

Committed to inclusion and diversity, SCB offered at least four jobs to people with disabilities who they interviewed at the event and are keen to roll out this career fair in other countries. In particular, the career fair is likely to be incorporated into the 5th Africa Forum in 2011 (See more detailed information about the Forum in the “Announcements” section below). The benefit of this would be the international profile and pan-disability nature of the event.

The announcement of several imminent job offers was very encouraging. Sightsavers will be creating a documentary film about the event. For more information, please contact Chris Friend, Program Development Advisor-Sightsavers, at CFriend@sightsavers.org

THE JOURNEY TO SUCCESS
Excerpted and revised from an article by Hamya Julius

It all started with Mrs. and Mr. Muhofa Patrick in the eastern district of Butaleja, Uganda where I was born in 1985 with a visual impairment. The condition intensified until I was taken to hospital and it was discovered that it was due to glaucoma. My parents at this moment decided to pursue a concurrent approach of educating me and treatment as a way of improving my life.

I joined Butaleja Integrated in 1991. There, I enjoyed co-curricular activities like bicycle riding and football where I used self-improvised inventions which acted as a sound device to show direction.

At primary school I faced many challenges. The lack of special needs teachers to teach braille and other related technologies and inadequate scholastic materials like braille paper are just a few of the barriers I experienced. Being segregated by sighted students who did not understand blindness was also difficult.

I completed my primary education in 1997 before joining Iganga Secondary School in 1998, where I finished my secondary education at the above mentioned school. While I was there I was exposed to a number of sporting activities like Goalball and Showdown which helped in reducing some of the stressors associated with secondary education. But I was still frustrated by the lack of scholastic materials and related technologies for people with visual impairments like computers and talking calculators. There was inadequate qualified staff to address the needs of blind students and inadequate resources which made it difficult for my parents to pay school fees in time, ultimately affecting my class attendance and performance.

In 2004, I went for a computer course at the UNAB HI-TECH project where I was trained in computer before joining Makerere University in the same year. While at university, life seemed to have improved since I did not need to depend a lot on guides; I had computer knowledge which I could use during research for coursework. But the lack of braille textbooks was a major problem at all levels and I found that not all lecturers were aware of the accommodations required by people who are blind such as when they would write on blackboards without voicing the content or providing any kind of Braille translation. Nonetheless, at this level I enjoyed academics. I also participated in leadership where I was elected as a Guild Representative Councillor for Nkrumah Hall in academic year 2005-2006 before finishing my university education in 2007 and graduating in 2008.

After University I went for a certificate in Officers Administrative Law Course before being recruited at UNAB to work as a HI-TECH project coordinator from 11/2007-12/2008. After acting as a HI-TECH coordinator I interviewed with Butaleja local government and I was appointed as a Community Development officer. The position I have held since 2008.

In May 2010, I was elected as the Vice General Secretary of the Uganda National Association of the Blind. And, I would like to pursue my career by attaining more knowledge in computers to become an information technology expert.

** If you or someone you know has an inspiring employment success story to tell like Hamye, please forward it to penny.hartin@wbuoffice.org Collection of this information will assist the WBU in increasing awareness of the abilities of people who are blind or partially sighted and in sharing good employment practices.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
DR. RAJENDRA VYAS: AN INSPIRATION AND MENTOR
It is with sincere sadness we announce the passing of Dr. Rajendra Vyas on August 29, 2010. His long and distinguished career will remain an enduring legacy.

A lawyer by profession, Dr. Vyas and his associates went on to found leading national bodies such as the Blind Men's Association and the National Association for the Blind (NAB). His death leaves a very large void for NAB and the blind people of India. He was Secretary-General of NAB India from 1990-2010 and an honorary life member of the World Blind Union. He also served as an Honorary Governor of the World Braille Foundation, founded in 2001. His commitment to publish a children's Braille magazine in Hindi over a five year period in partnership with NAB was among one of the Foundation’s first successful projects.

Dr. Vyas was instrumental in initiating several facilities for blind people in India, including the First Talking Book and Braille Press projects in the non-government sector. He was also associated with several advocacy activities. Through his efforts, Dr Wadegaonkar, a prominent blind lawyer, was appointed as principal of Government Law College in Mumbai. Another instance occurred when Dr. Vyas and his associates successfully lobbied the government of India to adopt the integrated education approach for children with disabilities in the early 1980s, which the government accepted, scaled across the country, and continues to support till date.

He has received several awards for his stellar work in the sector, including the Padma Shri, Diwaliben Mohanlal Mehta Award and Kamal Nayan Bajaj Award among others. He leaves behind his wife, Madhavi, who always supported his work, and two daughters. Dr. Vyas will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.

REMEMBERING DORINA DE GOUVEA NOWILL
WBU extends their sincere expression of sympathy and condolences to family and friends of Dorina de Gouvea Nowill, WBU Honorary Life Member, who passed away in Sao Paulo, Brazil, at the age of 91. She was an outstanding woman and leader of the blind movement not only in her country, Brazil, but worldwide.

A close friend of Helen Keller in the early fifties, she held numerous senior positions at national and international levels including the Presidency of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind, predecessor organization of the WBU at the time of its foundation some 25 years ago. Throughout her life she was extremely involved with the education of blind people and an active leader and strong member of ICEVI, WBU, and ULAC. Among her most notable initiatives are the creation of the Foundation for the Book of the Blind of Brazil (known today as the Dorina Nowill Foundation) and the creation of the Brazilian Teachers Association for the Visually Impaired.

We will always be grateful and full of respect for Dorina's contributions--who helped us since she became blind at the age of 17--and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people who are blind in Brazil and around the world.

FIFTH AFRICA FORUM: CALL FOR PAPERS!
The Institutional Development Program (IDP) and the Ghana Blind Union (GBU) is proud to announce the Call for Papers for the 5th Africa Forum, which will be held at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Accra, Ghana, on July 3-8, 2011. This is the only international conference on blindness services in Africa.

The IDP was founded in 1991 by Sightsavers International and the Hilton/Perkins Program to support the work of the World Blind Union (WBU) and the African Union of the Blind (AFUB). IDP is managed by an international team led by Perkins International, supported by a senior manager from Sight Savers International, and a team of consultants and trainers, all of whom are Africans. The Program is led by and recruits trainers who are blind and partially sighted and works to expand the capacity of organizations of and for the blind in Africa to advocate for opportunities for improved policies and equal participation for people who are blind and partially sighted.

Papers for the 5th Africa Forum should build on the theme “Access Africa: Exploring the Full Benefit of Social Inclusion For All Persons”. Papers should not exceed ten to fifteen minutes’ duration. Presenters will work in panels of 3-4 persons based on the subject of their submissions. We are seeking papers built on practical life experience, action for social transformation, academic research and/or the development of knowledge from program implementation. In addition, we encourage organizations that are involved in policy development to submit papers for open discussion on the issues that their work is addressing.

Papers should fit into any of the following sub/themes of the Forum:
• Technology as a tool for social and economic empowerment
• Social responsibility and access to a sustainable and enabling environment
• Applying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of persons with disabilities! Giving meaning to the convention in creating equality and opportunity for those who are blind and partially sighted
• Diversity in the spectrum of vision loss!

Abstracts should not exceed two hundred words and should be sent via email or fax with the title: “Abstract for Fifth Africa Forum” in the subject line of an email. Abstracts should be sent no later than October 31, 2010 and should be sent to: aubrey.webson@perkins.org or, ongolo@africandecade.co.za or via fax to +1-617-923-8076 in the U.S.

ELECTIONS TO NEW UN CRPD MONITORING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED
The World Blind Union would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new members of the UN CRPD Committee on their elections at the Conference of States Parties held in New York in early September.

The CRPD Committee is comprised of representatives nominated by their governments and elected to the Committee that is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. While the committee, initially established two years ago, had twelve members, it has now been expanded to eighteen members as a result of more countries having ratified the UN CRPD. We congratulate Ron McCallum, a blind law professor from Australia, who is well known to the WBU on his re-election to the Committee and as Chair of the Committee, as well as the many other blind and low vision persons who are members of the CRPD Committee.

The full list of UNCRPD Committee members are as follows:
 Mr. Ron McCallum (Australia), Current Chair of the CRPD Committee
 Ms. Edah Wangechi Maina (Kenya)
 Ms. Theresia Degener (Germany)
 Mr. Hyng Shik Kim (Republic of Korea)
 Mr. Carlos Rios Espinosa (Mexico)
 Mr. Lotfi Ben Lallahom (Tunisia)

All of the above members will serve four-year terms. Mr. McCallum, Ms. Maina and Mr. Lallahom were existing members who were re-elected.

An additional six members were elected for the new seats resulting from the expansion:
 Mr. Gabor Gombos (Hungary)
 Mr. Damjan Tatic (Serbia)
 Mr. Stig Langvad (Denmark)
 Ms. Silvia Judith Quang Chang (Guatemala)
 Ms. Fatiha Hadj Salah (Algeria)
 Mr. German Xavier Torres Correa (Ecuador)

The experts from Guatemala, Hungary, and Algeria will serve two-year terms (drawn by lot) while the rest will serve four-year terms. The full Committee of eighteen members also includes the current members: Ms. Amna Ali Al Suweidi (Qatar), Mr. Mohammed Al-Tarawneh (Jordan), Mr. Monsur Ahmed Choudhuri (Bangladesh), Ms. María Soledad Cisternas Reyes (Chile), Ms. Ana Peláez Narváez (Spain), and Ms. Jia Yang (China), all of whose terms expire in 2012. In 2012, there will be nine open Committee member seats. For more information, contact the International Disability Alliance (IDA) Secretariat at stromel@ida-secretariat.org www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org

WORLD STANDARDS DAY: OCTOBER 14, 2010
Accessibility is increasingly an issue as the world population and people with disabilities demand equal access to social, political, and economic life. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the International Telecommunication Network (ITN) coordinate their work and offer a system of standardization that helps designers, manufacturers, and policy makers to make the world safer and more accessible for all. International standards facilitate everybody’s access to products, structures, and services. They include safety considerations, ergonomics and harmonized test methods all geared to increase accessibility. Standards also provide a platform for the dissemination of technological innovations in both developed and developing countries. They help markets to grow faster and increase global trade. For more information on World Standards Day, October 14, 2010, please visit http://www.iso.org

OCTOBER 14th WORLD SIGHT DAY: COUNTDOWN TO VISION 2020
World Sight Day (WSD) is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. Included on the official World Health Organization calendar, WSD is co-ordinated by IAPB under the VISION 2020 Global Initiative. The theme and certain core materials are generated by IAPB. All events are organized independently by members and supporters. On World Sight Day, VISION 2020 members work together to:

 Raise public awareness of blindness & vision impairment as major international public health issues
 Influence Governments/Ministers of Health to participate in and designate funds for national blindness prevention programs
 Educate target audiences about blindness prevention, about VISION 2020 and to generate support for VISION 2020 program activities

Without effective, major intervention, the number of blind people worldwide has been projected to increase to 76 million by 2020. As we mark the 10th anniversary of Vision 2020, please take a moment to visit www.vision2020.org for more detailed information about initiatives and events taking place around the world.

RESOURCES
OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE WORLD CONGRESS BRAILLE21 IS ONLINE!
The official website of the World Congress Braille21 is online. This is really a historical date as the congress will take place in nearly one year (September 27-30, 2011). At www.braille21.net you will always find the most recent information about the project from now on. Read about the news and explore the statements of our Braille Ambassador.

IMPROVING ACCESS TO WHITE AND BROWN GOODS
Those of us who have recently purchased a home appliance of some kind will realize how difficult it is to find something which does not have touch pads, multi-function buttons, or a visual interface which makes it impossible to know whether you are about to cook for hours or defrost for minutes. We are keen to learn more about efforts to change this situation and ask that you summarize your efforts concerning the development of legislation, regulation, and any projects you feel have global appeal. Please email your summary to Pete Osborne, Head International Development and Partnerships, RNIB, pete.osborne@rnib.org.uk, or call +44 1670 829447 to discuss developments in your country with Pete.

“JUST JILL” – A MOVING AUTOBIOGRAPHY
“Just Jill” is an inspirational and moving account of Jill Allen-King’s triumph over adversity and how she used her own experience of disability to benefit others. When she was growing up during the 1940s very few people were aware that Jill Allen-King had lost an eye as a baby. However, when tragedy struck for the second time and Jill went completely blind on, what should have been one of the happiest occasions of her life–her wedding day, she was rendered housebound. It was only when Jill got her first guide dog that she began to rediscover the world outside of her front door and take those first giant steps towards regaining her freedom. It was a journey that would lead to a life of campaigning for reform and helping others. Further details can be obtained from Jackie Bright at Apex Publishing:
Jackie.Bright@apexpublishing.co.uk

CENTRE FOR REBUILDING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES AFTER DISASTERS
Recent publications and presentations from the July 2010 International Conference on “Rebuilding Sustainable Communities with the Elderly and Disabled People” can be found at http://www.rebuilding.umb.edu.
The primary purpose of the Centre for Rebuilding Sustainable Communities After Disasters is to work in close collaboration with practitioners, academics, researchers, policy makers and grassroots organizations in the United States of America and in all the continents of the world in their search for the most appropriate and sustainable ways to rebuild their communities after disasters.

A NEW AUDIO ADVENTURE iPHONE GAME
Something a bit different now-an iPhone game you can play with your eyes closed. Papa Sangre is an audio adventure where you have to move around a virtual environment, reacting and interacting with what you hear. You have to concentrate on the ambient sounds if you do not want to come out a “cropper”. The game, due for release in September, is not free, but you can download it for a small price. Versions for the iPad and Android handsets will be released next year.

e-PLAYGROUND FOR CHILDREN OF ALL ABILITIES
Check out this new free online play environment for children with special needs and disabilities. It has memory improvement games and activities allowing children to create their own music. The link is http://www.allabilitiesplayground.net.au. The All Abilities e-Playground was created by the Australian arm of Sonokids (http://www.sonokids.org/), an international non-profit organization developing technology for people with disabilities.

JOIN INCLUSIVE PLANET
www.inclusiveplanet.com is an online platform that enables persons with visual impairments to connect with each other, share accessible content and build conversations and communities around these shared experiences. In short, the problem of lack of accessible content is being solved by the community themselves by sharing files, making new friends and participating in conversations. Some of the channels started by users include English literature, computer science, social science, accessible sheet music and much more. Over 2200 members from 76 different countries have come together to attempt to make this an inclusive planet.

PARTNERSHIPS FOR DECENT WORK
Partnerships for Decent Work is a newsletter providing information on the International Labour Organization's (ILO) mission and objectives for “Decent Work” and their impact on civil society organizations. This electronic newsletter is courtesy of the ILO’s Partnership and Development Cooperation Department (PARDEV). It can also be found on the internet at www.ilo.org/pardev

NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
AFRICA
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION PROJECT IN SWAZILAND AND NIGER
In July 2009, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) approved funding for an inclusive education project entitled “Equitable Access to Education for Blind and Visually Impaired Girls and Boys in Swaziland and Niger”, through the World Braille Foundation (WBF) in partnership with AFUB. Now in its second year, the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) is providing technical support to the implementation of this project. The project responds to MDG 2 and it is expected that by the end of the project cycle in 2011, at least an additional 80 blind and partially sighted girls and boys (40 in Swaziland and 40 in Niger) will be enrolled in the education system of the two countries respectively.

IN CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY & INTERNATIONAL WORLD SIGHT DAY
International White Cane Safety Day has been held on October 15 every year since 1964 to celebrate the achievements of visually impaired persons. It also celebrates the white cane as a symbol for blindness and a tool of independence.
With International World Sight Day falling on October 14 this year, the South African National Council for the Blind has decided to host a Fun Walk to mark both occasions. Council is inviting all organizations for the visually impaired, schools for the visually impaired and interested businesses and individuals to join Council staff and students from Optima College in a 3 km Fun Walk on Friday October 15, 2010. We encourage visually impaired people to walk with their guide dogs or mobility canes, and sighted people to wear blindfolds. Registration is free. For more information, please contact Lizette at lizette@sancb.org.za or 012 452-3811 before October 1, 2010.
ASIA-PACIFIC
DUSKIN LEADERSHIP TRAINING IN JAPAN
Duskin Leadership Training is a 10-month program in Japan encouraging people with disabilities between the ages of 18-25 years to become the next generation of leaders who can contribute to the improvement and welfare of people with disabilities in their respective countries/regions. Participants will receive intensive Japanese language training (and/or Japanese Braille training) as well as group trainings by visiting facilities and organizations related to persons with disabilities. They will also receive individual training, based on their needs and areas of interest, will learn how to write reports and proposals, and improve their presentation skills. Applications are available at http://www.normanet.ne.jp/~duskin/english/.

WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES RECOGNIZED AT UNITED NATIONS
Excerpted and revised from an article by Carolyn Frohmader, Executive Director WWDA

Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) was recently represented by member Christina Ryan, on the Australian NGO delegation to appear before the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Monitoring Committee in July 2010 in New York.

CEDAW is one of the core international human rights treaties and was ratified by Australia in 1983. WWDA was involved in the process of developing the CEDAW NGO Report, and issues facing women with disabilities were well covered in this sector wide Shadow Report.

However, for the first time, the CEDAW Committee also accepted a separate Shadow Report from WWDA, focusing solely on the situation of women with disabilities in Australia. The CEDAW Monitoring Committee has just released its Concluding Observations on Australia’s performance regarding the implementation of CEDAW. The Committee has taken great notice of WWDA’s input, and has made very strong recommendations regarding the need for urgent action by the Australian Government in relation to women with disabilities (Please visit wwda@wwda.org.au for the full report.)

This recognition is long overdue. WWDA takes this opportunity to thank Christina Ryan for her sterling advocacy work on our behalf in New York and also acknowledges all its members for their tireless efforts over many years in getting us to this point and ensuring that our issues are recognized as issues of human rights, and supporting us to demand accountability from our Governments. With this recognition in the CEDAW concluding comments, WWDA can be encouraged to work even harder to improve the lives of all women with disabilities in Australia.

ASIA
READY-TO-USE COMPUTERS FOR THE BLIND
Saksham Trust, a non-profit charitable trust, based in New Delhi, India partnered with Intel to produce the Samarth Project. Here volunteers from both these organizations put together a suite of computer software solutions and related utilities that remove most of the limitations of reading and writing for people who are blind and partially sighted.

Saksham Trust configured Samsung N150 Netbook with this software and the result is an amazing fully configured computer at the lowest possible cost for this revolutionary tool. Features that were added to this machine with the Samarth Suite of software are: Multilingual Screen Reading software, DAISY Book Player, word-processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, internet browser, dictionary, newspaper reading, easy access to thousand of books from bookshare and Gutenberg online libraries, audio recording, music playback, etc.

In April 2010, 100 such fully configured computers were made available to university students at the cost of 11500 Indian Rupees. This included a subsidy of 5000 rupees on each computer. These computers are still available without the subsidy at the cost of 15500 rupees. The Samarth Project will also be happy to share the suite, free of cost, with any organization who would like to offer these services to persons with blindness or low vision. The Samarth Suite of software can be loaded on any computer and is not dependent on any single type or brand of computer. For more information, please contact Saksham Trust at info@saksham.org or telephone +91-11-4241-1015 (Website: http://www.saksham.org)

ABU REACHES OUT TO CHILDREN WITH DUAL DISABILITIES
Excerpted from an article in the Asian Blind Union Newsletter

There is a severe shortage of specialists and qualified teachers of visually impaired students with an intellectual or developmental disability, which restricts access to the specialized skills these children need. This means that such students receive instructions from personnel who are not qualified to teach critical skills. This problem is even more alarming in rural communities, where shortages of qualified personnel are most acute.

Keeping in view of this critical issue, the Asian Blind Union (ABU), in collaboration with Friendship Association of the Blind, conducted a two day training workshop in Amman, Jordan earlier this year. It was attended by 24 participants from 10 Middle East countries, of which 13 were women.

The two day training was conducted by specialists and consultants on early intervention and multiple disabilities. Topics such as: Categories of Visual Impairment and Intellectual Disabilities; Causes, Syndromes, Tests, Prevalence; Selection, Qualifications, and Training of Trainers and Caregivers; Strategies of Working with Individuals and Groups; Sensitizing and Involving Family Members; Importance of Planning and Preparing Programs. Practical sessions were also conducted.

This ABU initiative has helped create capable human resources to handle a critical target group among visually impaired children in the Middle East countries, namely, visually impaired children with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities.

EUROPE
GERMAN FEDERATION OF THE BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED LAUNCHES NEW ACCESSIBLE PATIENT INFORMATION SERVICE
Excerpted from an article by Hans Kaltwasser, DBSV Head International Relations

Germany has ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and must ensure now its implementation which is a challenge facing the entire society. The German Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted (DBSV) provides its expertise and will monitor the implementation process in the years ahead. Equal access to information is among the fundamental rights enshrined in the Convention. Ensuring access to patient information is a vital matter for blind and partially sighted people. Unless this information is provided in an alternative format, this can lead to life-threatening situations when people miss information about the maximum dosage, side-effects, or even simple things like the name and purpose of the pharmaceutical product.

German legislation governs that the pharmaceutical companies must ensure the accessibility of the patient information leaflet (PIL) for blind and partially sighted people upon request by patient organizations. Upon the initiative of DBSV and in close collaboration with Rote Liste GmbH, the accessible internet portal “PatientenInfo-Service” fulfills the rightful demands of 1.2 million blind and partially sighted patients in Germany regarding an independent and barrier-free access to patient information.

The portal makes pharmaceutical information available for blind and partially sighted patients in four different accessible formats:
(1) standard print; (2) large print for use by partially sighted patients (accessible PDF); (3) a website which can be read out electronically; and, (4) as an audio book file in DAISY format.

The pharmaceutical companies have been called upon by DBSV and Rote Liste GmbH to contribute to the service by feeding in the PILs of their products. In addition to this, negotiations with the associations of pharmacies are under way, aimed at ensuring that the pharmacists download upon request the PIL from the internet for their blind and partially sighted customers. The patient information service sends a strong signal towards an inclusive society as demanded by the Convention. DBSV will continue encouraging pharmaceutical companies to post their PILs on the patient information platform http://www.patienteninfo-service.de/

8th INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE & MEDIA CONFERENCE
Languages & The Media is a biennial international conference dedicated to the subject of language transfer in a changing audiovisual media landscape (e.g., Video, DVD, digital TV, cinema, and social networks). The conference themes include innovations and latest developments in dubbing, subtitling, voice-over, and translation for the media. International experts will further discuss national and international language policies in the media, multilingual access to global media as well as the distribution and quality of content. The conference will take place from October 6-8, 2010 in Berlin. For more information log on to http://www.languagesmedia.com/conferenceprogramme_2010.php

BLIND FOOTBALL COMES TO IRELAND
National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI), in association with Paddy Power bookmaker and the Football Association of Ireland, recently teamed up to host the first Blind Football Tournament in Ireland.
Paddy Power’s involvement in the tournament stems from their latest TV advert which shows a blind football match where a cat with a bell on its collar runs onto the pitch, and is unfortunately mistaken for the ball. You can watch the advert at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEmA_QF30GI
Sixteen teams of five players went head to head in a series of 10-minute matches starting at 12 pm with a blind football skills demo given by English Blind Football Team captain, Aj Ahmed. The level of skill shown by the players was remarkable. All players adapted extremely well to not being able to see by constantly communicating with one another in order to let their team mates know where they were positioned on the pitch. The sighted goal keepers also played a key role in helping score goals by instructing his/her players where to direct each shot. Although this tournament raised money for NCBI, it has also promoted and encouraged people with sight loss to participate in blind football, a sport that is still very much in its infancy in Ireland.
A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION BY THE BLIND (PEBB)
PEBB, presented by Mind Visibility, is a series of photographic exhibitions by the blind and partially sighted organized in 10 major cities globally between 2010 and 2012. Mind Visibility is a non-profit organization based in Helsinki, Finland.

PEBB intends to create dialogue and raise awareness among the blind/partially sighted and the sighted in our society. Each exhibition explores the daily lives and environments of the blind in an attempt to bring understanding to the general public and to provide an opportunity for people with this form of disability to gain more self-confidence, well-being, freedom and social integration through communication of their experiences in a shared world. Athens, Greece is to host the first of this exclusive series of global events.

In conjunction with the exhibition, internationally conducted surveys will explore and compare each urban environment and culture, including mobile phone technology as it relates to blindness. Each exhibition displays 30 large photographs (size approx.80x100cm) taken by local blind and partially sighted participants. The participants use mobile phone devices to capture their surroundings & moments of their daily lives. An internationally distributed TV documentary will be produced of the project.

If you and/or your organization would like to partner with PEBB and/or help raise awareness of this exciting international project, please contact Ms. Sanna Jalomäki at sanna.jalomaki@mindvisibility.com

LATIN AMERICA
CRPD WORKSHOP IN GUATEMALA
The Latin American Union of the Blind (ULAC), in collaboration with La Fundación ONCE para la Solidaridad con Personas Ciegas de América Latina (FOAL), and Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID), will be offering a workshop on the United Nations Convention for People with Disabilities (CRPD) at the Centro de Formación de la Cooperación Española de Antigua (Guatemala) from October 25-29, 2010. This workshop is intended to empower Latin American blind leaders on the implementation and evaluation of the CRPD. For more information, please go to www.foal.es or www.ulacdigital.org

LATIN AMERICAN COUNCIL OF BRAILLE (CIB)
CIB “Action Plans” and final documents of the Montevideo Workshop can be found at www.ulacdigital.org under the “Documents of Interest” section.

VIRTUAL FORUM FOR YOUTH
Young people between the ages of 15-30 years can now subscribe to a free virtual forum governed by the Secretariat of Youth of ULAC. This Forum allows for the exchange of ideas on topics of interest to young individuals who are blind and partially sighted such as “participation within organizations”, “access to education”, “employment opportunities”; and “information and communications technology”. Please visit http://www.egrupos.net/grupo/iforovirtualjovenesulac/alta to subscribe.

GENDER AND EQUALITY
The Latin American Union of the Blind (ULAC), in conjunction with Ilumina, Ceguera y Baja Visión, summoned Latin American women to participate in a program geared to improving their abilities in information and communication technologies. Two scholarships by each Latin American country were granted. A published list of successful candidates can be found on www.ulacdigital.org. ULAC Secretariat wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to all Latin American women with visual disabilities for their interest in participating in this program and encourages them to actively continue fighting for their rights as women.

NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
ENROLL FOR FALL SEMESTER UTAH STATE U-HADLEY COURSES
Fall semester at Utah State U-Hadley begins on August 30th, so sign up now! Added to the USU-Hadley program is a new course offering, Introduction to Multiple Disabilities, as well as a non-credit option. Students can now take any course offered through the program at a substantially reduced cost on a non-credit basis, as long as they do not intend to request credit at a later time.

The Hadley School for the Blind and Utah State University (USU) partnered in 2008 to meet the growing demand for an affordable certificate and degree program for professionals offered through distance education. Courses are offered as part of USU’s SKI-HI Institute, a unit of the College of Education’s Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education. This training better enables USU-Hadley students to work with children who are blind or visually impaired often with multiple disabilities.

Students in this unique program are able to earn either a Certificate in Blindness at the undergraduate level or a USU Associate’s degree in General Studies with a Focus in Blindness, preparing them to work in a classroom with school-age children who are blind or visually impaired. Courses include Introduction to Blindness and Visual Impairment, the Human Eye and Visual System, Introduction to Braille, the Role of Para-educators with Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired, Introduction to Low Vision, and Introduction to Multiple Disabilities. The program is available to teachers, teacher assistants, para-professionals and parents at in-state tuition rate or a reduced rate for non-credit students. To learn more or register, please visit http://www.skihi.org/HADLEYUSU-HOME.html .

SEVA CANADA
SEVA Canada is launching an international campaign to raise public awareness of blindness and vision impairment as major international public health issues. Since 1982, Seva Canada has been restoring sight and preventing blindness in the developing world.

Seva is asking people around the world to think about what they would miss the most if they were blind, then write it down, take a photo and send it to Seva via Seva Canada’s Facebook Group. From August 15 on, Seva Canada is hoping to get hundreds of photos of people from around the world. For more information about this project and events taking place on October 14th-World Sight Day, please contact Heather Wardle at admin@seva.ca (Website: www.seva.ca)

WBU OFFICERS
Ms. Maryanne Diamond, President
maryanne.diamond@visionaustralia.org
Mr. Arnt Holte, 1st Vice President
arnt.holte@blindeforbundet.no
Ms. Frances Candiru, 2nd Vice President
aiykko@gmail.com
Mr. Enrique Pérez, Secretary General
umc@once.es
Mr. A. K. Mittal, Treasurer
akmittal@rediffmail.com
Dr. William Rowland, Immediate Past President
rowland@sancb.org.za
REGIONAL PRESIDENTS
AFRICA (AFUB)
Mr. Mohammed Ez-zaoui
med.ezzaoui@gmail.com
ASIA (ABU)
Mr. Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Allouzi
fabjo@index.com.jo
ASIA PACIFIC (WBU-AP)
Mr. Chuji Sashida
sashida.chuji@jeed.or.jp
EUROPE (EBU)
Lord Colin Low
Colin.Low@rnib.org.uk
LATIN AMERICA (ULAC)
Dr. Guillermo Moreno
dr_guillermo_moreno@hotmail.com
NORTH AMERICA/CARIBBEAN (WBU-NA/C)
Mr. Carl Augusto
caugusto@afb.net
WBU STAFF
Dr. Penny Hartin, Chief Executive Officer
penny.hartin@wbuoffice.org
Ms. Sarah Smith, Manager Fund Development & Communications
sarah.smith@wbuoffice.org
Ms. Ianina Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant ianina.rodriguez@wbuoffice.org

WBU E-BULLETIN VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4 - July 2010

2010-08-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

WBU E-BULLETIN
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
July 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN 2
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 2
UPDATE ON WBU STRATEGIC PRIORITY #1 INITIATIVES 4
WIPO STANDING COMMITTEE ON COPYRIGHT AND RELATED RIGHTS (SCCR) UPDATE 7
WBU EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE 10
INTEGRATING ISSUES OF DISABILITY INTO THE REGIONAL FRAMEWORK OF THE MANO RIVER UNION: OUR ONE WEEK VISIT TO FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE 12
YOUTH SUCCESS STORIES 14
ANNOUNCEMENTS 15
ASOCIACIÓN NACIONAL DEL CIEGO (ANCI) 15
DISABILITY RIGHTS FUND RELEASES 2010 ROUND TWO
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS 15
ONE MORE ACHIEVEMENT FOR BRAZIL 16
DIGIT-EYES AUDIO LABELING SYSTEM ADVANCES
INDEPENDENCE FOR PEOPLE WITH VISION LOSS 16
RESOURCES 17
INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY ALLIANCE 17
WEB SEMINAR ON WORK AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 17
INTERNATIONAL ONLINE TRAINING ON PORTAGE EARLY INTERVENTION AND INCLUSION IN COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION (CBR) 18
FORCED MIGRATION REVIEW (FMR): FEATURE ON DISABILITY
AND DISPLACEMENT 18
WORLD BANK: NEW FINANCIAL ACCESS FRONTIER FOR
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES 18
MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOAL REPORT 18
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS 19
AFRICA 19
ACCESS AFRICA – 5th IDP AFRICA FORUM 19
4TH CBR AFRICA CONFERENCE: OCTOBER 26 – 29, 2010 19
GROUNDBREAKING SERVICE FOR SPECTATORS AT THE
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA 20
WORLD CONGRESS ON REFRACTIVE ERROR, SEPTEMBER
20-22, 2010, DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA 20
ASIA-PACIFIC 20
10th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LOW VISION 20
CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECT RENEWED 21
ACCESS TOURISM CONFERENCE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND 21
INTERNATIONAL O&M CONFERENCE 21
ASIA 22
ALL INDIA CONFEDERATION FOR THE BLIND (AICB) 22
A LIFE CHANGING INVENTION FROM THE WEST BANK 22
EUROPE 22
FIRST EUROPEAN CONGRESS ON VISUAL IMPAIRMENT 22
A BREAKTHROUGH BRAILLE LABELLING LAW IN PORTUGAL 22
LATIN AMERICA 23
BRAZILIAN NATIONAL DAY OF THE BRAILLE SYSTEM 23
ULAC CELEBRATES 25th ANNIVERSARY 23
TV AUDIO DESCRIPTION IN ARGENTINA 24
NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 24
SEMINARS@HADLEY ATTRACT INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION 24
GPDD WORKING GROUP ON THE RECONSTRUCTION OF HAITI 24
WBU OFFICERS 25
REGIONAL PRESIDENTS 25
WBU STAFF 25

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN
Contributions are welcome to the E-bulletin. We thank those of you who have been providing us with content for the E-bulletins and encourage contributions from all regions. Our next deadline for content submission will be Monday, September 6, 2010 for our September 2010 issue of the E-bulletin. We will accept submissions in English, French, and Spanish, preferably in electronic format. Please send your submissions to Sarah Smith at sarah.smith@wbuoffice.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Maryanne Diamond

Once again, it is pleasing to see the diversity of material contained in this bulletin which I trust is both interesting and informative to all.

There is an excellent summary of the work being undertaken by our “Representation” priority which I assure you will find most informative. I trust our priorities “Capacity Building” and “Information Sharing” will have reports in our next issue.

On behalf of members and friends of the WBU, I would like to thank Elly Macha, who has recently resigned as Executive Director of AFUB. Elly has been in this role for almost six years and we have seen a great deal of change and many projects successfully undertaken under her leadership. Elly will be missed by all who have worked with her. I wish her every success in her next stage of employment. I have no doubt we will continue to work with Elly, just in a different way.

Our work continues to open the world of accessible published works with some frustrations and set backs as you will read in the article from Chris Friend. This is one issue we have successfully got on the world stage and must work hard to keep there as it is an opportunity which will not present itself for a very long time if we let it drop.

I also draw your attention to the article on the work we are doing in the area of employment. I urge you to circulate our requests for stories and good practices which we are collecting and plan to share with members. Perhaps you have a story to share?

Plans are well underway for the Executive meeting to be held in Melbourne, Australia 11 – 13 November. Registration is now open and in order to assist in getting a Visa for those who require one, finalizing accommodation and plans, I urge you to register as soon as possible. For those who are not financial and members of the Executive, I remind you that you cannot vote if you are non financial and present at the meeting. If you are entitled to receive sponsorship from the WBU, you must be financial.

The Disability Rights Fund has another round of funding available so take the time to read the article and consider if your organization could take advantage of this opportunity. I understand that there have not been many organizations in our sector that have applied for these funds.

I hope you enjoy reading!

Maryanne
UPDATE ON WBU STRATEGIC PRIORITY #1 INITIATIVES
By Mr. A.K. Mittal

Our readers would recall that the WBU Workplan Priority #1 covers activities related to such important broad areas as: the Right to Read Campaign (R2R), Safe and Independent Mobility and Transport, Access and Use of Technology, Representation at U.N. and its Agencies, Advocacy for Human Rights for blind and partially sighted persons. We give below a brief report on action on some of these initiatives during the last couple of months or so:

1. Initiatives Concerning the Right to Read Campaign: This has been a very busy and hectic period of work for the Team looking after the WBU Campaign for promoting Right to Read for blind and partially sighted children and adults. Details of the related activities appear elsewhere in this e-Bulletin (please see article by Christopher Friend).

2. Electric Cars and Implications for the Visually Impaired: Electric vehicles will be on the market in U.S., Japan and several European countries quite soon. These are being promoted, because of their being in line with the policies of sustainable energy of the concerned governments and for considerable reduction in noise pollution.

There are two major issues in respect of these vehicles for the visually impaired: the need for a distinct audible sound or sounds and the need for some kind of standardization around sound(s). Manufacturers could be keen to have their own distinctive sounds for their brand which could result in a cacophony of sounds creating a lot of confusion for the visually impaired.

The European Blind Union (EBU) has been in touch with two leading car manufacturers-Nissan and Renault- to look at what those manufacturers, who agree on the need for an audible sound(s), are doing. Nissan gave a demonstration of sounds incorporated in their first generation electric cars to be launched in Europe, Japan and U.S., quite soon. Three sounds have been incorporated into the vehicle in consultation with NFB (U.S.), and the organizations of and for the blind and partially sighted persons in Japan: a start-up sound, a slow running sound as the vehicle starts up and accelerates or as it slows down or decelerates and when the vehicle is reversing. Renault, on the other hand, demonstrated a number of sound-combinations, though they have not yet decided on the exact sounds to be used. The EBU group is of the opinion that considerable work and trial still needs to be undertaken by both these manufacturers in this direction.

On the question of standards, a proposal has been drawn up in the U.S., by blindness organizations and alliances of automobile manufacturers. The proposal requires federal auto safety regulators to design a minimum sound rule in the next 18 months. The proposal calls for sound to occur automatically and to be standardized by automakers and dealers. Pressure for similar provision in Europe is also mounting.

The charging of electric vehicles is another key issue to be addressed here. Local authorities have to ensure that the design and location of public charging points takes account of blind and partially sighted people and that something is done around the running of cables across footways or sidewalks between homes and vehicles. The manufacturers can also help by including in their guidance to motorists, advice on having consideration for blind and partially sighted persons both in terms of charging and when approaching pedestrians in their electric vehicles. Exciting stuff, indeed!

3. Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI): WBU successfully nominated Susan Sharp, leader of its initiatives on Safe and Independent Mobility and Transport to represent the Association of Non-Government European Consumers (ANEC) on standardization at ISO Technical Committee 173 Working Group 8. The Group is charged with the responsibility of developing an International Standard for Tactile Walking Surface Indicators.

The Group has made excellent progress through two of its meetings, the second of which was held in Zurich in June. The standard on TWSI provides detailed content for luminance and colour-contrast as well as the tactile nature of TWSI. The draft standard will now go to ISO for voting by members, hopefully, in the late summer/early autumn, and at the present rate of progress, the standard should be agreed by 2012.

4. UNCRPD: Statistical Data as at June-end 2010: signed-145; optional protocol-89; ratified - 87; ratification of the protocol-54. Governments will be required to make reports on progress with implementing the CRPD every four years. Work is underway to develop a toolkit for members to facilitate lobbying and monitoring progress. Our members should contribute ‘shadow’ progress reports on implementation of the CRPD from their countries.

Now that the number of States ratifying the Convention has exceeded 80, six new members will be elected to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at the next Conference of the States Parties to be held in September this year.

The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has had three meetings and the fourth meeting will take place in Geneva on 4th to 8th October, 2010.

5. World Disability Report: The process of developing a World Report on Disability has been lead by WHO and is currently under peer review. It is anticipated that the report will be officially released before the end of 2010.

6. Promotion of Best Practice in Community-Based Rehabilitation: The WHO/UNESCO/ILO/IDDC CBR Guidelines for community based inclusive development are to be launched at a CBR Africa Network (CAN) Congress to be held in Abuja, Nigeria on 26 to 29 October this year. Dr William Rowland of the WBU was a member of the core group advising on the development of these guidelines which are likely to give direction to CBR in developing communities across the world during the coming generation.

7. Modernization of the postal regime for “Literature for the Blind”: Colin Low and Dan Pescod attended the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Consultative Committee meeting in Bernon 12 April 2010, where they were able to add a question about mail between blind and partially sighted individuals and also to furnish some examples to support the case for modernization.

8. Advocacy Matters:
 In India, WBU President, was approached on all the three Indian affiliates being excluded from the Committee constituted by the Government to prepare a new law to replace the existing Disability Act. The President promptly wrote to the concerned Minister emphasizing the important roles of WBU affiliates in their respective countries. A representative of one of the three affiliates is now included in the said Committee.

 WBU continues to act as the lead channelizing agency for providing relief and rehabilitation to visually impaired quake- victims in Haiti.

 WBU R2R Campaign - Lobbying for the WBU Copyright Treaty and development of National Alliances for the Campaign constitute crucial components of this activity. The WBU Global R2R Campaign Team spearheaded by its indefatigable leader, Chris Friend, remained intensely preoccupied preparing for the consideration of the WBU Copyright Treaty which was to come up as an Agenda item at the WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Other Rights (20th meeting), scheduled in Geneva for June 20-24, 2010. For more details, please read Christopher Friend’s article below. He eloquently describes the deliberations and outcome of this much-awaited event. The WBU delegation to the meeting had a total of 18 observers, with our President, Maryanne Diamond, as the chef de mission and with representatives from all six regions.

WIPO STANDING COMMITTEE ON COPYRIGHT AND RELATED RIGHTS (SCCR) UPDATE
By Christopher Friend
WBU Strategic Objective Leader – Accessibility; Chair WBU Global “Right to Read” (R2R) Campaign; Programme Development Advisor - Sightsavers

First, a few notes on the two month run-up preparation to the SCCR meeting which was held on June 21-24:

Under the WBU Strategic Action Plan for this Strategic Objective, the Global R2R Campaign Team was awarded US $30,000 to establish 10 National R2R Alliances in countries critical to our WIPO campaign. It was agreed with our sponsors, Open Society Institute (OSI) who also sponsored the 2008 drafting workshop which brought the Treaty Proposal for Copyright and the Visually Impaired into being, that the R2R Global Team would work with up to three or four such new R2R National Alliances prior to each of the next three SCCR meetings in June and November 2010 and May 2011.

The Global Team visited and supported the OSI funded South African (SA) Stakeholders in May as they held a workshop to agree their response to the SA Government upcoming amendments to the current Copyright Act, and to agree an instruction to the SA Government Delegation attending SCCR to support the TVI Copyright Treaty proposed by WBU. Another similar visit to Kenya in June helped to form R2R Kenya with similar objectives domestically and internationally.

A third initiative by the Global Team in June was to support the Nigeria Association of the Blind to bring together a group of Stakeholders
to also determine domestic priorities to share with the Nigerian Copyright Office and to encourage the Nigerian Government Delegation to SCCR to use its influence amongst other African Delegates to back the TVI. The Kenya and Nigeria initiatives are funded by the Open Society Institute grant.

A parallel initiative by the Global R2R Campaign Team was to encourage more Regional and National members to apply for 'Ad Hoc Accreditation' to WIPO, at this latest meeting, joining the 16 who successfully applied last December. A total of 11 new members were accredited on 21 June. This led to a WBU Delegation of new and previous Ad Hoc Accredited Observers (2 WBU; 3 ULAC; 4 NAC; 4 EBU; 4 AFUB; 1 ABU; 1 WBU AP).

When NGOs were invited to speak on the Treaty for the VI and Print Disabled 16 of this delegation spoke totalling 48 minutes. And so our visibility was well recognised. Our Treaty Proposal now officially tabled by the Governments of Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Mexico was also unanimously supported as a matter of extreme urgency by virtually all States.

So it was with a sense of betrayal that WBU had to witness nine hours of bargaining and trading of agreed positions mainly amongst the USA, the European Union and the African Group of States with the result that as the meeting deadline of midnight on 24th approached there was no consensus and therefore no agreement on the way forward on the TVI agenda item. This is seen by WBU as a total betrayal of the agreed principle that the Book Famine was a top priority for WIPO to solve.

Sadly, nine African Government Delegations, speaking for the whole of
Africa, insisted on a much wider agenda of work on Exceptions for the Print Disabled to be joined concurrently with Exceptions for Education, Libraries, Archives and Research even though their detailed preparation on these later causes is far from mature and this would result in a considerable delay on progress for the print disabled. In spite of several redrafts providing exact assurances for the wider African agenda later when ready, the African Group of 9 countries held out and refused to allow the Print Disabled Treaty to be progressed ahead of the others.

The result was that the meeting was timed out and just 9 African
Governments had prevented progress on access to books for the visually impaired and print disabled across the whole African continent, and indeed around the world.

The Global R2R Team will be working with AFUB to denounce those
African Governments concerned, using WBU National Members in those countries to complain to their Governments. The AFUB Campaign will also target the AU Disability Commission and the African Decade of the Disabled Secretariat, and will vigorously campaign through all African Press Agencies in the hope of bringing pressure on the WIPO African Nations at their General Assembly in September.

My Vice-Chair Dan Pescod, who is RNIB's European, International, and
Accessibility Campaigns Manager, wrote the following report on last week:

Dear colleagues,

Last week the WIPO Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR) met in Geneva. Eighteen delegates attended the meeting for the World Blind Union (WBU).

As you know, WBU has been lobbying hard for over a year now for this committee to support the WBU proposed treaty which was formally tabled at the SCCR in May 2009 by the governments of Brazil, Ecuador and Paraguay.

I could write a very long account of last week's meeting, but I will spare you this!

Unusually, the SCCR meeting finished last Thursday without having agreed its formal "conclusions" and therefore with no formal way forward on our treaty or indeed the rest of the items on its agenda.

In short, there was more consensus than ever throughout the meeting that there should be an international "instrument"- treaty, "recommendation" or other - to put in place national copyright exceptions for print disabled people and to allow us to share accessible books internationally.

All groupings of countries voiced support for that consensus, including the EU, African and Asian groups and the USA. That was very significant progress, it appeared. Additionally, the Mexican ambassador to the UN hosted an ambassadorial meeting on the eve of the final day of the Committee, to try to get agreement on a way forward.

However, in the many hours of wrangling over the conclusions on the last evening/ night of the meeting, it became clear that the African group intended to hold out for other copyright exceptions to be worked on concurrently with our treaty. This was clearly never going to be accepted by the rest of the groups in the room, and the African group knew that. Their proposal amounted to blocking all progress on our treaty for the sake of making a political statement.

More than one workable compromise was suggested to break the deadlock and allow work on our issue to progress speedily whilst allowing also for work on exceptions for libraries and archives, education etc to progress at a later stage. But the African group rejected these compromises.

We finished the meeting at midnight with no agreement, and those of us from WBU who were still in the room felt, to put it politely, let down by the African group's position.

I will be back in touch in due course with suggestions for the way forward. We were really close to agreement. Closer than ever, in fact. Perhaps we will be able to use this debacle to exert greater pressure than ever towards achieving the treaty -we'll see. In any case, thanks so much to all those on this list involved indirectly or directly with this latest WIPO-related battle.

WBU EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE
By Maryanne Diamond

A small group of us took the opportunity while attending the Francophone Union of the Blind General Assembly in Montreal May this year, to meet. The purpose was to assist us in making progress on this very complex but important issue. We mapped out a plan of work for six months and will meet again in Melbourne following the Executive meeting.

We identified four areas, in the first instance, of material to collect with the intention to share with our members and interested people via our webpage and possibly other means of communication. We are looking for:

1. Examples of successfully employed people who are blind or partially sighted.

Initially, we are looking for a one page statement from people from different regions, gender, age, and visual status, formal and informal economies. If people have a photo of themselves, it would good to send it along with the statement. It is helpful for their statement to mention the type of job the person is doing, the challenges faced in getting to where they now are with respect to employment, and how they overcame these challenges.

We plan to build a database of role models. We plan, in the first instance, to select 10-12 of these and do follow up interviews to develop the story and place on our website. We need you to assist us in finding people who are interested in sharing their stories. It would also be helpful if they could give their consent for their materials and photographs to be placed on our website and used in other promotional materials to advance our employment program.

2. We are looking for examples of mentoring or peer support programs in the area of employment which are successful. Again, across all regions, informal/formal economies, age, gender, vision status, etc. If you have manuals or tools already developed, we would be very interested n receiving an electronic copy of these.

3. If you have any examples of microcredit programs, mainstream or blindness specific, which are successful, we would love to hear about them.

4. We are looking for good practice employment programs for people who are blind or partially sighted from around the world. Programs which prepare people for work, which assist them in finding work and where necessary supporting them to stay in work. Again across all population groups of our membership.

It would be appreciated if you could provide to the WBU office any information you can gather together on these four areas at your earliest convenience. Collection of this information will assist us in: increasing the awareness of the abilities of people who are blind or partially sighted, to share good practices in peer support/mentoring, micro credit programs, and employment practices.

I look forward to receiving a great deal of very interesting and informative resources from you.

At the same time we are working to gather data on barriers to the employment of people who are blind or partially sighted gaining employment, find resources to undertake a research project of employed persons who are blind or partially sighted and employers who willingly employ us, get speaking places on international conferences dealing with employment and much more.

We recognize that this is a long term initiative which will not be completed this term. However, we want to put in place the foundations to carry this work forward while at the same time increase the awareness of what is possible and the confidence of those who are blind or partially sighted seeking work. Also, employers who continue to employ persons who are blind or partially sighted, gaining some understanding of why they see no barriers which cannot be overcome.

INTEGRATING ISSUES OF DISABILITY INTO THE REGIONAL FRAMEWORK OF THE MANO RIVER UNION: OUR ONE WEEK VISIT TO FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE
Excerpt from an article by Beyan G. Kota
National President, National Union of Organizations of the Disabled (NUOD) Congo Town Back Road, Monrovia Liberia

A joint delegation of six from the Republic of Liberia representing Liberia’s State Commission on Disabilities and the National Union of Organizations of the Disabled (NUOD), a non-governmental umbrella union comprising of Disabled Peoples Organizations and those providing services to the Disabled, left Monrovia in May for a one week visit to Freetown. This trip to Sierra Leone was in exchange to the one earlier made to Liberia by our Sierra Leonean counterparts in November of 2009, at which time, a bilateral agreement was reached between the Sierra Leone Union on Disabilities Issues (SLUDI) and the National Union of Organizations of the Disabled (NUOD) in Liberia.

It can be recalled that in March of 1971, the Governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone entered an agreement, which brought into being the Mano River Union on the foundation to promote lasting friendship, freedom, economic growth and social progress between the two countries and amongst its people.

The objective of this regional body was to accelerate regional collaboration and mutual assistance for cultural growth, economic trade in the social, technical, and scientific fields.

Being cognizant of this, leaders of SLUDI in Sierra Leone and NUOD in Liberia thought it befitting to formulate an agreement for collaboration and peaceful co-existence. We pledged our commitment to foster peace and unity across the two nations to identify cultural beliefs and practices, which shall be used to strengthen the social and economic development of our two unions and other persons with disabilities within Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Accordingly, our two umbrella organizations have now resolved to organize themselves into the Mano River Federation of the Disabled (MARIFED) which aims to formulate a common agenda for the social and economic advancement of persons with disabilities within the region and to guarantee the inclusion of disability issues into the political framework of the sub-regional body of the Mano River Union.

It further aims to create a forum that would draw the attention of our respective governments to the extreme poverty condition of its citizens with disabilities and the need to prevail on authorities of the Mano River Union to develop the political and economic intervention mechanisms to address them.

The establishment of the Mano River Federation of the Disabled (MARIFED) is a demonstration of our belief in the principles of the four countries: Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Liberia. We shall seek to maintain peace and unity in pursuance of our objectives within the region. We shall remain committed to ignite spirit of good neighborliness as we promote cultural and economic development for the survival of all. At the conclusion of our visit to Sierra Leone, a Joint communiqué to this effect was signed by the presidents of the two unions.

Our stay in Sierra Leone also afforded the Liberian delegation the opportunity to visit the offices of the Sierra Leone Association of the Blind (SLAB). The visit to SLAB was crucial, as it helped to bring both the Liberia Christian Association of the Blind and the Sierra Leone Association of the Blind closer, considering the two associations’ membership with the African Union of the Blind (AFUB) and the World Blind Union (WBU).

It is my belief that our visit has not only strengthened our common collaboration with AFUB and WBU, but opened a new avenue for networking, for the consolidation of solidarity in our role in bringing innovation to West Africa Zone One of AFUB. We shall consult each other to identify common interest in promoting the ideologies of the newly established Mano River Federation of the Disabled (MARIFED).

YOUTH SUCCESS STORIES
African Union for the Blind (AFUB) Knowledge on Democracy and Development Project (KDDP) Participants Take Part in the International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs (IISE)

As they strive to make a difference in the lives of their fellow youth who are blind and/or partially sighted in Africa, here is yet another success story of three KDDP participants who have been selected to take part in the eleven month social entrepreneurship training at the International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs (IISE) in Kerala, South India. The selected candidates are: 2007 participant, Nure Hussein from Ethiopia; 2008 participant, Bahati Satir Omar from Rwanda; and, 2009 participant, Yankuba Faal Sonko from the Gambia.

The International Institute for Social Entrepreneurs (IISE) in Kerala, South India is an Institute that operates under the umbrella of Braille without Borders (BWB). The IISE focuses on leadership training in order to create social change. The participants, all over 22 years of age, are inspiring visionaries who mainly come from developing nations. All of them have overcome significant life challenges, ranging from vision impairment, poverty, war, discrimination and exploitation. They have a passion to make the world a better place and the strength to be forces of good rather than victims of circumstance.

Throughout IISE's eleven month program, participants develop all the necessary skills to succeed as social innovators/entrepreneurs. Workshops and hands-on practice in the areas of management, public speaking, communication, leadership, fundraising, budgeting, bookkeeping, project proposal writing, marketing, public relations, computing with open software technology, and others, give IISE's participants all the necessary tools to start their own social projects.
For further information on IISE, visit http://staging.bwb-iise.org

ANNOUNCEMENTS
ASOCIACIÓN NACIONAL DEL CIEGO (ANCI)
On behalf of the WBU family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Asociación Nacional del Ciego (ANCI) on the passing of their President, Mr. Amado González Landa, on May 25, 2010. Mr. Landa led this organization for 25 years and we commend his dedicated efforts to working on behalf of people who are blind and partially sighted across the globe. We welcome Dr. José Blanch Ferrer as the new President of ANCI and wish him a long and prosperous tenure.

DISABILITY RIGHTS FUND RELEASES 2010 ROUND TWO REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Disability Rights Fund (DRF) - a grantmaking collaborative between donors and the global disability community which supports the human rights of persons with disabilities - today announced its second 2010 “Moving Rights Forward” grants round. Grantmaking in this round will be targeted to disabled persons’ organizations (DPOs) in four regions and twenty countries: Africa--Ghana and Uganda; Asia--Bangladesh; Latin America--Ecuador, Nicaragua and Peru; Pacific--Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

The broad objective of the Fund - which was officially launched in March 2008 and is a Project of Tides - is to empower DPOs in the developing world and Eastern Europe/former Soviet Union to participate in ratification, implementation and monitoring of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CPRD).

In the second round of 2010 grantmaking, applicant organizations from eligible countries may apply as: a) single organizations or partnerships for 12-month Small Grants and/or b) national DPO-led coalitions for 24-month National Coalition Grants. Grants to single organizations will range from USD 5,000 to 20,000 and will support efforts to build CRPD skills and to develop rights-based advocacy and monitoring on the CRPD. Grants to national DPO-led coalitions will range from USD 30,000 to 50,000 per year (60,000 – 100,000 over 24 months) and will support advocacy toward ratification of the CRPD, passage of specific legislation to accord with the CRPD, or the production of alternative/parallel reports to UN monitoring mechanisms.

Interested organizations are urged to review the full eligibility criteria and application details posted at the Fund’s website, http://www.disabilityrightsfund.org/grant.html. Any questions on the proposal process should be directed to info@disabilityrightsfund.org. The deadline for applications is August 19, 2010.

ONE MORE ACHIEVEMENT FOR BRAZIL
Congratulations to Mr. Carlos Eduardo Ferrari who was elected as President of the National Council of Social Assistance for the Government of Brazil. He is also a consultant for Organização Nacional dos Cegos do Brasil (ONCB). Mr. Ferrari is blind from birth. This great accomplishment sets a precedent to encourage other world leaders.

DIGIT-EYES AUDIO LABELING SYSTEM ADVANCES INDEPENDENCE FOR PEOPLE WITH VISION LOSS
Digital Miracles, LLC, is pleased to announce a major advancement in assistive technology for people who are blind and partially sighted. The Digit-Eyes Audio Labeling System has been approved for sale on the Apple Apps Store. As of June 23rd, the millions of people worldwide with substantial vision loss can begin downloading the iPhone application to recognize and label the important items in their lives.

The Digit-Eyes system gives users a simple way to make custom labels for everyday items and it identifies packaged goods-joining advanced software with the iPhone, the Internet, home computers, printers, and inexpensive off-the-shelf labels. People of almost any visual ability can now put groceries away and grab the right prescription bottle independently.

With Digit-Eyes, users can print custom text labels or record audio labels that they make by scanning specially coded labels and speaking into their phones. They attach the labels to household items, and the messages are played back whenever the codes are rescanned with their iPhones. This Digit-Eyes app can also scan manufacturer codes (UPC, EAN, ISBN) and say what’s inside the package after checking the vast Digit-Eyes product database. Each iPhone stores over five hundred hours of information and can be used just about anywhere. For more details about cost and application, go to www.DIGIT-EYES.com

UNCRPD General Day of Discussion
The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will hold a General Day of Discussion on October 7, 2010 on the theme: “Right to Accessibility”
For more information, please go to:
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CRPD/Pages/DGD7102010.aspx

RESOURCES
INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY ALLIANCE
Find out more about the participation of civil society in the work on the
implementation of the CRPD, as well as the work of the Human Rights Council and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Download the latest issue at: http://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/advocacy-work/disability-rights-bulletin

WEB SEMINAR ON WORK AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
On 22 June, representatives from the corporate sector shared best practices in processes and programmes related to recruiting and retaining persons with disabilities. At this web seminar entitled “The Workforce and Long-Term Implications–Innovative Strategies for People with Disabilities”, presenters addressed topics of corporate assessment, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and recent legislative changes. For more information go to: http://www.diversitybestpractices.com/events/651

INTERNATIONAL ONLINE TRAINING ON PORTAGE EARLY INTERVENTION AND INCLUSION IN COMMUNITY BASED REHABILITATION (CBR)
The CBR Network held online training in order to facilitate holistic early childhood development. Portage strategy and accompanying material have been modified to reflect local concerns and are being used in about 145 countries. Portage is scientifically precise and facilitates the holistic development of all children. For more information go to:
www.cbrnetworksouthasia.org

FORCED MIGRATION REVIEW (FMR): FEATURE ON DISABILITY AND DISPLACEMENT
The latest issue of FMR, a widely read and consulted publication on refugee and internal displacement issues, includes 27 articles focusing on disability and displacement, including an introduction by Shuaib Chalklen, Special Rapporteur for Disability. This issue shows why persons with disabilities who are displaced need particular consideration. The review highlights initiatives taken (locally and at the global level) to change thinking and practices, so that their vulnerability is recognized, their voices heard – and responses made inclusive. For the full review go to:
http://www.fmreview.org/disability

WORLD BANK: NEW FINANCIAL ACCESS FRONTIER FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
On 18 June, a roundtable discussion was held at the World Bank Headquarters, convened by the Center for Financial Inclusion, in partnership with the Disability and Development Team of the World Bank. The discussion entitled “New Financial Access Frontier: Including People with Disabilities” included representatives from microfinance institutions and disability organizations who deliberated on how they could best contribute to increasing access to financial services for persons with disabilities living in poverty, worldwide. For more information go to http://go.worldbank.org/K39C68QSG0

MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOAL REPORT
The 2010 MDGs Global Report, which has recently been issued, includes several references to disability and persons with disabilities, especially under MDG2 - achieving universal primary education. This Report comes five years before the target date for the Millennium Development Goals, and leaders from around the world will be gathering at the United Nations this September to undertake a comprehensive review of progress and together chart a course for accelerated action on the MDGs between now and 2015. The inclusion of disability perspectives and persons with disabilities in realizing the achievement of the MDGs has been reiterated by the General Assembly in its resolutions 63/150 and 64/131. See the full Report at: http://www.un.org/en/mdg/summit2010/pdf/MDG%20Report%202010%20En%20r15%20-low%20res%2020100615%20-.pdf

NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
AFRICA
ACCESS AFRICA – 5th IDP AFRICA FORUM
The 5th IDP Africa Forum and the launch of Techshare Africa, is to be held in Accra, Ghana, from July 3-11, 2011. The Forum will focus on how the power of technology can advance equality and rights of persons who are blind and partially sighted. Participants will include parents, persons who are blind and partially sighted, representatives from organizations of and for the blind, universities and Government ministries, international organizations, vendors, and sponsors of assistive technology. The Forum will be bi-lingual in English and French. Registration and Call for Papers will be released soon. Please link to www.wbu-idp.org for more information.

4TH CBR AFRICA CONFERENCE: OCTOBER 26 – 29, 2010
The theme of this Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) Conference is “Linking CBR with Disability and Rehabilitation” and will be held in Abuja, Nigeria. The conference aims to promote better CBR practices in Africa and provides an opportunity for people to share information, knowledge, and experience on how disability concepts and CBR programmes can link together to help improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities and their families. For more information, please contact Joan Okune joan@afri-can.org or Sally Hartley sally@afri-can.org

GROUNDBREAKING SERVICE FOR SPECTATORS AT THE 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA
Exciting news in the build up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup™! FIFA, the Swiss National Association for the Blind (SNAB) and the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB) teamed up to provide an Audio Description Project at 44 matches in six of the 2010 FIFA World Cup stadiums. The project which was initiated by the Swiss NAB is funded by FIFA and operated by the SANCB.

The Audio Description Project offered special tickets to soccer spectators who are blind and/or partially sighted for 44 matches at six 2010 FIFA World Cup stadiums. This is a first for South African sport stadiums and hope that the project will leave a legacy after the FIFA World Cup for other tournaments to offer a similar service to the estimated 500,000 South Africans who are blind and/or partially sighted.

At each of the selected six stadiums there were 15 seats available for spectators with vision loss as well as 15 seats for their sighted guides who accompanied them. Persons filling these seats can listen to an audio description of the match on a small receiver with earphones, given by trained journalists. For more information about the project, contact the South African National Council for the Blind on 012 452-3811 / worldcup2010@sancb.org.za or download the documents from www.sancb.org.za/worldcup2010

WORLD CONGRESS ON REFRACTIVE ERROR, SEPTEMBER 20-22, 2010, DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA
The World Congress on Refractive Error and Service Development promises to bring together world leaders in eye care and development fields to define global eye care priorities and build strategies to achieve sustainable, integrated solutions that transcend the boundaries of eye care and encompass social, political and economic solutions.

ASIA-PACIFIC
10th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON LOW VISION
“Vision Rehabilitation – Towards Better Living”
An exciting and intensive conference is planned for February 20-24, 2011 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia. The conference will feature the following: low vision workshops and plenary sessions addressing various themes such as “New Developments in Research & Rehabilitation”; “Rehabilitation & New Advances”; “Multidisciplinary Intervention”; and, “Epidemiology in Developing Countries”. Renowned speakers from countries across the world such as Aries Arditi, Hasan Minto, and George Woo have confirmed participation. For more details, please visit www.klvision2011.org.my

CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECT RENEWED
DANIDA Capacity Building Project, implemented by the Danish Association of the Blind, received its approval for renewal of 3 years starting 2011. The renewed phase will continue to focus on the strengthening of organizations and advocacy in Mongolia and Lao PDR, as well as enhancement of WBUAP regional structure. The upcoming WBUAP Mid-Term Assembly will have a session on development that will largely feature updates from this project.

ACCESS TOURISM CONFERENCE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
October 4, 2010 has been set as the date for the first conference in New Zealand on Access Tourism. Access Tourism is tourism, travel, and hospitality for people with disabilities, seniors, and Baby Boomers who will experience increasing disability as they age. The conference will look at various aspects of Access Tourism, including some of the following: the current situation in NZ and worldwide, website access and information best practice, government strategy, policy, and obligations, best practice in transport, accommodation, and attractions access, and training for access in the tourism and hospitality sector. The conference is being run by the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute at Auckland University of Technology. For more information, contact sandrarhodda@hotmail.com

INTERNATIONAL O&M CONFERENCE
The 4th Australasian Orientation and Mobility Conference (AMC2010) will take place between November 24-26 2010, and will be hosted by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT at The Women's College within the University of Sydney, Australia. This is a conference for the professional development of Orientation and Mobility specialists, including Guide Dog specialists and those with a professional interest in visual impairment. Full details on the conference are available at www.guidedogs.com.au/amc2010

ASIA
ALL INDIA CONFEDERATION FOR THE BLIND (AICB)
AICB continues sending Braille print outs of the WBU e-Bulletin to organizations and individuals who request it. For more information, please contact: aicbdelhi@yahoo.com

A LIFE CHANGING INVENTION FROM THE WEST BANK
Three schoolgirls in the West Bank have developed a life-changing device for individuals who are blind. It's an advanced cane called "Stick-tech", and they're taking it all the way to the U.S. They've been chosen from over six million applicants worldwide to take part in the International Science Fair. For more information, log onto:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUO0OGOQ6Zk&feature=player_ embedded

EUROPE
FIRST EUROPEAN CONGRESS ON VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
“Rehabilitation and Attention of People with Visual Impairment”

The first European Congress on Visual Disability will be held in Valladolid, Spain, between October 22-24, 2010. To get more information, download the program, or know more about the lecturers, you can check the congress website: http://www.eurovisionrehab.com

A BREAKTHROUGH BRAILLE LABELLING LAW IN PORTUGAL
Law Number 33/2008 was published in the Portuguese Official Journal of the 22nd July 2008. It establishes compulsory braille labelling on products acquired by visually impaired consumers in supermarkets or hypermarkets. This law, resulting from an initiative of the Portuguese national parliament, makes it easier for visually impaired consumers to go shopping and identify goods.

After the approval of Law 33/2008, from the 22nd January 2010 it became compulsory for supermarket and hypermarket chains with more than 5 stores, each of more than 300 square meters, to provide visually impaired persons with personal assistance and braille labelling printing services.

Consequently, every visually impaired person may, from now on, when they go shopping in supermarkets or hypermarkets, ask for personal assistance from staff. They will orientate them inside the store, helping them to find the required products and reading the information available on the products. They may also have the acquired products braille labelled, which in practice will mean a label identifying the type and brand of the product, expiry date and other characteristics such as specific information or eventual dangers, and the visually impaired consumer has the choice to ask for the inclusion of any additional information needed.

To those who prefer on-line shopping, the braille labelling service is also compulsory, and those interested only have to ask for it when they order. For more information, please refer to ACAPO’s website www.acapo.pt or phone +351 21 324 4500.

LATIN AMERICA
BRAZILIAN NATIONAL DAY OF THE BRAILLE SYSTEM
The Government of Brazil has instituted April 8th as National Day of the Braille System. This decree was approved on June 21st and is one more accomplishment for Brazil in relation to the Braille System! April 8th will mark an awareness day throughout the country; events will take place through private and public entities where the right to education, employment, prevention of blindness, social inclusion for the blind and others will be promoted.

ULAC CELEBRATES 25th ANNIVERSARY
On November 15th, the Latin American Union of the Blind (ULAC) will be celebrating its 25th year anniversary of creation and work within the region. To honour this occasion, a special seminar will be held where ULAC’s course will be portrayed as well as other themes related to visual disability in general. Registration will begin on July 15th. For more information, please go to www.ulacdigital.org.

TV AUDIO DESCRIPTION IN ARGENTINA
The Argentinean Federation of the Blind (FAICA) in conjunction with a local production company have successfully achieved incorporation of audio description in the regular weekday programming of the TV channel “Encuentro”. This channel is part of the Argentinean Ministry of Education programming that assists people with visual loss to access the visual contents of programs.

NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
SEMINARS@HADLEY ATTRACT INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION
Seminars@Hadley are popular “just in time” webinars that address a variety of relevant topics for people who are blind or visually impaired, their families and support networks. On a recent seminar, Hadley had participants from as far away as China, England and Pakistan discussing topics ranging from braille to travel and self employment.

These seminars are free and conveniently take place online, typically lasting 60 to 90 minutes. All seminars are archived on the Hadley Web site at www.hadley.edu so that anyone can download them 24/7, at no charge. To date, there have been nearly 60,000 downloads from people all over the world! To learn more about Seminars@Hadley and the school’s distance education programs, visit the Hadley website at www.hadley.edu.

GPDD WORKING GROUP ON THE RECONSTRUCTION OF HAITI
During the major reconstruction that follows most natural disasters, planners often miss opportunities to avoid recreating the exclusion of persons with disabilities by adapting the design of the built environment. It is far more cost-effective to modify the plans for a new building at the outset than to adapt an existing building to make it accessible. The Global Partnership for Disability and Development (GPDD) has initiated a Working Group on Haiti Reconstruction to ensure that reconstruction efforts after the Haiti earthquake involve persons with disabilities during all stages and that all rebuilt and newly built infrastructure is fully accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. To participate in this group, please contact Maria Veronica Reina at mvreina@law.syr.edu and Luca Valente at luvalent@law.syr.edu

WBU OFFICERS
Ms. Maryanne Diamond, President
maryanne.diamond@visionaustralia.org
Mr. Arnt Holte, 1st Vice President
arnt.holte@blindeforbundet.no
Ms. Frances Candiru, 2nd Vice President
aiykko@gmail.com
Mr. Enrique Pérez, Secretary General
umc@once.es
Mr. A. K. Mittal, Treasurer
akmittal@rediffmail.com
Dr. William Rowland, Immediate Past President
rowland@sancb.org.za
REGIONAL PRESIDENTS
AFRICA (AFUB)
Mr. Mohammed Ez-zaoui
med.ezzaoui@gmail.com
ASIA (ABU)
Mr. Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Allouzi
fabjo@index.com.jo
ASIA PACIFIC (WBU-AP)
Mr. Chuji Sashida
sashida.chuji@jeed.or.jp
EUROPE (EBU)
Lord Colin Low
Colin.Low@rnib.org.uk
LATIN AMERICA (ULAC)
Dr. Guillermo Moreno
dr_guillermo_moreno@hotmail.com
NORTH AMERICA/CARIBBEAN (WBU-NA/C)
Mr. Carl Augusto
caugusto@afb.net
WBU STAFF
Dr. Penny Hartin, Chief Executive Officer
penny.hartin@wbuoffice.org
Ms. Sarah Smith, Manager Fund Development & Communications
sarah.smith@wbuoffice.org
Ms. Ianina Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant ianina.rodriguez@wbuoffice.org

WBU E-BULLETIN - VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3, May 2010

2010-06-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

WBU E-BULLETIN
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
May 2010

CONTACT US AT:
World Blind Union
1929 Bayview Avenue
Toronto Ontario Canada M4G 3E8
Telephone: 1-416-486-9698
Fax: 1-416-486-8107
Email: info@wbuoffice.org
Website: www.worldblindunion.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 3
IMPROVING ACCESS AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY 4
VISION ALLIANCE - JOINT APPEAL FOR HAITI REHABILITATION 7
ICEVI CANCELS WORLD CONGRESS IN THAILAND 8
WBU CONGRATULATES 8
WBU COLLEAGUE FROM CHINA, MS. JIA YANG RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD FROM CHINESE PRESIDENT HU 9
WORLD BRAILLE CONFERENCE PLANNED FOR 2011 9
CHANGING COPYRIGHT REGIME IN INDIA 10
PHARMACEUTICAL LABELING TAKES A MAJOR STEP FORWARD 12
LABELING YOUR ENVIRONMENT - A TACTILE PROJECT OF THE EDUCATIONAL FACILITY BARTIMEUS 13
ANNOUNCEMENTS 13
EUROPEAN CONGRESS ON VISUAL IMPAIRMENT 13
ANNOUNCING TECHSHARE MOBILE 2010 - TECHNOLOGY
ON THE MOVE 14
UNIFEM-UNDP: “Making the MDGs Work Better for Women” 14
KICKI NORDSTROM APPOINTED TO WORLD BANK GPDD
COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE FOR WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES 15
RESOURCES 15
BRAILLE WITHOUT BORDERS PUBLISHED ITS 2009
ANNUAL REPORT 15
INTERNATIONAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF REHABILITATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW 15
LAUNCH OF UN HRBA Practitioner's Portal 16
LAUNCH OF CSO NET – CIVIL SOCIETY NETWORK 16
ILO COUNT UP IN VIDEO: AN AUDIO DESCRIPTION VERSION
IS AVAILABLE NOW 16
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS 16
AFRICA 17
EFA-VI NATIONAL TASK FORCE MEETING IN MOZAMBIQUE 17
ASIA-PACIFIC 18
SHANGHAI EXPO: BETTER CITY, BETTER LIFE--FOR THE
BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED 18
THE NIPPON FOUNDATION PROVIDES GRANT TO EXPAND
HIGHER EDUCATION INITIATIVE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA 18
ASIA 19
A HOLISTIC ACTION PLAN OF ABU 19
BLIND CHILDREN GET A RAW DEAL IN EDUCATION
FOR ALL (EFA) 20
LAUNCH OF THE RIGHT TO BOOKS FOR THE BLIND
CAMPAIGN IN INDIA 20
SUPREME COURT OF INDIA OPENS DOORS FOR MEDICAL STUDENT WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT 21
EUROPE 22
4TH EUROPEAN eACCESSIBILITY FORUM:
INCREASING HARMONIZATION 22
A REPORT ON THE EBU CONFERENCE 'MAKING THE UN CONVENTION WORK FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED WOMEN 22
RNIB'S DEVELOPED LOW VISION TOOL KIT 23
THE DANISH ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND WILL HOST THE
9TH EBU GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN 2011 23
THE INTERGEN PROJECT 23
TELEFÓNICA ABILITY AWARDS 24
LATIN AMERICA 25
IBERO AMERICAN BRAILLE COUNCIL:
READING AND WRITING WORKSHOPS 25
ULAC ORGANIZES II FESTIVAL OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED
ARTISTS 25
CHILE: EARTHQUAKE AFFECTS THE SITUATION OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE 26
EL SALVADOR: WORKSHOPS TRAINS COACHES FOR
BLIND SPORT ACTIVITIES 26
NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 26
ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION: NEW FORMATS ARE
AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW 26
NEW CCB WEBSITE IS ONLINE NOW 27
WBU OFFICERS 27
REGIONAL PRESIDENTS 28
WBU STAFF 28

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN
Contributions are welcome to the E-Bulletin. We thank those of you who have been providing us with content for the E-bulletins and encourage contributions from all regions. Our next deadline for content submission will be Monday, July 5th 2010 for our July 2010 issue of the E-bulletin. We will accept submissions in English, French, and Spanish, preferably in electronic format.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Maryanne Diamond

Our E-bulletin is once again packed with interesting and useful articles from around the globe. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to share information and provide updates on progress of many emerging and ongoing issues relevant to people who are blind or partially sighted.

The WBU Officers had a very productive meeting in Argentina at the end of March. We took the time to review our progress against our strategic plan. I can report that we have made good progress in some areas, need to gain momentum in others and made some changes to what is achievable in others. In the next issue of this E-bulletin, there will be an update from all strategic priority leaders on the progress of their work against the plan.

One highlight was a very useful discussion to identify crucial decision points for negotiating “The Treaty for Improved Access for Blind, Visually Impaired and Other Reading Disabled Persons“ which will assist those of us who are present at the next meeting at WIPO of the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights (SCCR20) in Geneva during June. We strongly confirmed what is to be achieved can only be done through a treaty, not through guidelines or any other voluntary instrument.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the work of Abdel-Qader Suleiman from Jordan for his work with the translation of material on the website into Arabic language. This is a huge step forward as we work towards including all language groups in our work.

With Sarah Smith on board, work is progressing well towards our new upgraded website. The target date for its launch is the end of June.

Plans are well underway for the only face-to-face meeting of the Executive this term. It will be held in Melbourne, Australia during November. Registration forms are about to be circulated and it is essential for those who plan to attend to ensure they are currently financial and register early as there are very few countries where a visa is not required.

Happy reading!

IMPROVING ACCESS AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY
By Peter Osborne

Before giving you an update on progress we are making toward improving access to TV and film, affordable technology in developing countries, and access to mobile communications, I would like to introduce myself.

I am Head of International Development and Partnerships for the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), and I will be working with Stephen King, Chair of the WBU Technology Working Group, to deliver our challenging agenda for change. I will facilitate the work of the group, keeping us on track with this important agenda. Please contact me concerning any aspect of our work: pete.osborne@rnib.org.uk or +44 (0) 1773 375008.

Although the Working Group has not yet met, important work has continued around our key objectives. As is often the case with the development of new technology, work has been governed by contracts including confidentiality clauses which are designed to preserve intellectual property. Market-ready solutions require investment, and it is important for commercial organizations to realize a return on that investment. We want accessible solutions to have a long and positively developing life, so we need to work with the rigours of commercial product development.

There is so much happening in the world of technology that it is hard to keep track. Before outlining what we want to achieve, I want to mention some of the most exciting current developments.

We are on the verge of seeing talking digital television solutions delivered as commercial products. RNIB and its partners have worked tirelessly over the past 18 months not only to prove that digital television can be made to be accessible, but that commercial products can be brought to market. Audio description of DVDs and cinema is also gathering pace, noting the first release of an audio described Bollywood film. The next 6 months will see the unveiling of accessible digital television products.

It is impossible to ignore the continuous development of products designed to enable the reading of electronic books and magazines, and nor should we do so. The key format now being used by publishers promises great things for accessibility, and we are delighted that the Digital Accessible Information Consortium, developers of the standards for digital talking books and more, has been appointed as the maintenance agency for this standard.

Some book readers and electronic books have had text to speech disabled, but a series of challenges within the USA and strong lobbying throughout the world will force positive change. Apple's Ipad has significant accessibility features built in, fuelling the discussions with major technology companies around whether accessibility should be designed into products or available through third parties. Convincing more companies to take an inclusive approach to products will make them more affordable.

Draft project plans covering access to TV/cinema, affordable technology, and mobile communications will be considered by the committee over the next 2 months. There is so much we can do; we need to agree on what can be realistically achieved. We also need to globalize current developments so that we can all benefit from the exceptional work going on to deliver audio description in some countries, for example.

TV and Film
The project will seek to develop a sustained agenda for positive change, enabling audio description on TV, film and DVD services to be developed throughout the world through a push from national blindness organizations in their respective countries.

In addition we seek to deliver unified WBU accessibility user requirements to influence global TV manufacturing industries. We will look to develop a global understanding of accessible TV/film, sharing expertise and models which have been proven to work.

We want to achieve:
 An active international coalition of blindness organizations for promoting access to TV & film
 Comparative study of existing audio description writing standards
 Agreed WBU baseline guidelines on how audio description is written
 Up to date register of audio description developments around the world
 Agreed WBU guidelines on audio navigation for DVDs
 Toolkit for WBU member that allows them to campaign for audio description on TV, film and DVD in their own country
 Agreed and published WBU baseline user requirements on accessibility of digital TV, also promoted to the international TV manufacturers
 International ISO industry voluntary standard on technical delivery of text to speech output of menus and program guides

Affordable Technology
The project will promote the variety of assistive technology within a global context. There is very little or no access to affordable assistive technology in most developing countries, there are few initiatives to reduce the cost and improve access to reading technology. This project aims to address these issues and to provide a framework for sustainable affordable assistive technology in developing countries.

We want to achieve:
 Techshare India 2010, Techshare Africa 2011 in association with the Africa Forum, Techshare China 2012, promoting assistive technology
 A pan-Africa mobile accessibility alliance
 Mapping document which scopes the availability of affordable assistive technology in developing countries.
 Contributions towards two large scale initiative to bring low cost assistive technologies to market in Asia and Africa.

Mobile Communications
Recognizing that mobile technologies and services will continue to play an increasingly important role in society, and that less developed economies have most to gain from the revolution in such technologies and services, the WBU Technology Working Group will focus on delivering an agenda for positive change which will engage key partners in the industry.

We want to achieve:
 A precise challenge to industry delivered as a series of requirements for a minimum standard of accessibility
 Products which conform to the above standard
 Sustained development of accessible products and services delivered through partnership
 Industry commitment to developing a strategic plan for improved access to mobile technologies and services for blind and partially sighted people in at least one region, most probably Africa

VISION ALLIANCE - JOINT APPEAL FOR HAITI REHABILITATION
In response to the tragic earthquake in Haiti, the Vision Alliance consisting of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) and the World Blind Union (WBU) is working together to develop and implement a thoughtful and well-coordinated response that respects and addresses a plan developed for Haiti by Haitians.

The Vision Alliance will conduct an assessment in the near future and working with our Haitian colleagues will develop a long-term response. For weeks the impact of the earthquake in Haiti was on the front page of newspapers throughout the world. In recent weeks the situation in Haiti has taken a back seat to other news. Please do not forget that while Haiti is not on the front page everyday the situation there is still very grim and this is exactly the time that all of us should redouble our efforts to remember our colleagues in Haiti. A planning meeting of organizations involved in eye care, education, rehabilitation and advocacy is meeting in the Dominican Republic in mid-May and the WBU is involved in that meeting as is ICEVI.

ICEVI CANCELS WORLD CONGRESS IN THAILAND
The ICEVI recently announced the cancellation of its World Congress and General Assembly which had been scheduled to take place August 9 – 13 in Jontien, Thailand. The present fragile political situation in Thailand coupled with some travel warnings issued by several countries was the impetus for this cancellation. Please see the ICEVI website at: www.icevi.org for more information.

WBU CONGRATULATES
Larry Campbell, current ICEVI President, has been awarded with an honorary doctorate from the Salus University for his contribution at the international level in the area of disability. He played an important role in promoting education and technology for the visually impaired through his various assignments and professional engagements over a period of more than 35 years. As the International Director of Overbrook School for the Blind, USA, before his recent retirement, Larry was responsible for many blindness-related initiatives in Asia and Africa. The World Blind Union congratulates Mr. Campbell for this award and wishes him all the best for his upcoming projects and duties.

WBU COLLEAGUE FROM CHINA, MS. JIA YANG RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL AWARD FROM CHINESE PRESIDENT HU
On March 8th, in recognition of International Women’s Day, Ms. Jia Yang from China received a special recognition award, as one of the top ten women in China, from President Hu. Jia Yang is well known to the WBU as one of the delegates from China at the WBU General Assemblies and also representing China as a member of the CRPD Monitoring Committee. The WBU extends our heartfelt congratulations to Jia Yang on this tremendous recognition from her country.

WORLD BRAILLE CONFERENCE PLANNED FOR 2011
A World Braille Conference, entitled BRAILLE 21 is being planned for September 26 to October 2, 2011 by the WBU World Braille Council in partnership with the German Central Library for the Blind. More information about the conference can be found at www.braille21.net

Braille 21 will be held at the University of Leipzig, in their brand new central campus facilities. Lecture halls and workshop rooms are complete with modern technology and accessibility guaranteed.
Interpretation will be provided in the three official languages of the World Blind Union-English, French, and Spanish. Solutions can be found if other languages are required.

Braille Ambassadors are needed! The conference requires people who love braille and have had good experiences with it. They can be well-known but that is not a requirement. If interested, please forward the following information: photo, name, age, city and country, short vita or profession, and a slogan in this way:

 Braille is important because...
 Braille 21 is important because...

If your organization would like to support Braille 21, please contact Jenni Handschack at jenni.handschack@dzb.de

CHANGING COPYRIGHT REGIME IN INDIA
By Ketan Kothari, Programme Officer, South India Area Office, Sightsavers

India is a multilingual, multicultural country with over 100,000 books and other literature published annually. The very small percentage that is available in accessible formats is converted either by organizations working for people who have a print disability or the individuals themselves, at their own expense. This very grim situation adversely affects access to education for people with a print disability. For the past five years there has been an arduous struggle to change this situation.

The seeds of this movement in the early part of this century, vigorously pursuing this matter at all levels. At the end of 2005, the government of India proposed an amendment to the 1957 Indian Copyright Act. For the first time, it included an exception clause for people with a print disability. But the proposed clause was far from what was needed.

Since then the struggle to bring information access in India has actually begun. In April/May of 2006, a conglomerate of organizations was formed under the banner of Publication Access Coordination Committee (PACC), with Xavier's Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged, (XRCVC) Mumbai, leading the way. Almost all of the national organizations in the area of blindness joined; they submitted a well researched memorandum which contained the text of the needed and desired amendment.

Simultaneously, these organizations also kept in touch with the mainstream IP professionals to win them over to support the cause. But the amendments were put into 'cold storage' with no results. In 2007, a forum of DAISY book producers was established - DAISY Forum of India (DFI). There are now over 70 member organizations in this Forum. DFI began talks with publishers to convince them to make their publications available in accessible formats, or at least to grant permission to convert their publications into accessible formats.

Many publishers were apprehensive about the threat of piracy. It has taken a lot of convincing and demonstrations of the technology to convince some publishers to come on board. Today some of the leading names in the publishing world, such as Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, and Sage Publications, have come on board and have given DFI rights to convert their titles into accessible formats.

In 2008, another historical event took place – Bookshare came to India. This provided Indian readers with an opportunity to access many, many books that are available worldwide in DAISY format. DFI played a key role. The struggle to have the law amended continued. No efforts were spared to convince the government, but frequent changes in postings to the government Registrar of Copyright meant that the information explaining the need for change in the law had to be repeated again and again.

During this time the World Blind Union (WBU) launched the Global Right to Read Campaign in partnership with the DAISY Consortium, ICEVI and IFLA/Libraries Serving Persons with Print Disabilities Section. The purpose of the Campaign was to encourage greater access to published works for people with a print disability, and in particular to seek changes in copyright law at national and international levels.

In 2009 the Centre for Internet and Society (CIS) took up the DFI initiative. They contacted the WBU Campaign and expressed the desire to associate the growing Indian movement with the global campaign. Government leaders in this area in India were informed that the amendments would be put forth in Parliament. Support was garnered from some eminent lawyers, which helped a great deal.

In late 2009 the movement gained momentum. The amendments were posted on the Internet and activities increased. However, the amendments as proposed by the government would create new difficulties. What eventually went to Parliament was not what was needed. Later, a platform ensued, resulting in the formation of the National Access Alliance of India (NAA).

NAA is made up of the six WBU Members in India: NFB, AICB, NAB, ICEVI, Sightsavers and DFI. All six members are working in harmony to bring about the required and desired copyright amendment. An advocacy strategy has been developed and the outlook for the necessary change in the law is coming closer to being a reality. The single goal is to have the Indian law amended so that those who have a print disability have access to current material published in India, without the additional expense that would result from licenses or royalties.

PHARMACEUTICAL LABELING TAKES A MAJOR STEP FORWARD
New European Standard for Braille on Packaging
After more than 4 years of deliberation and negotiation, the EBU expects that during 2010 a European standard will be adopted for braille on medicinal packing. This means that the industries involved will have more specified values and procedures to follow when providing information in braille on the outer packaging. This will include the name, strength and in some cases, the form of the medicine.

Dot Height and Readability Research

Another outcome of the standardization process is a piece of scientific research undertaken by the University of Birmingham (UK) and sponsored by blindness agencies and the pharma-packaging industry. The findings contributed to the requirements included in the standard. The research investigates the correlation between the height of braille dots and the readability of the information by braille users. The dependence between the height of dots and the degree of security with which the braille user could identify the product is described in a robust and useful way, as is the effect of braille on the readability of underlying printed information for sighted people.

The full research report is available online in two formats:

As a Word file at:
http://www.education2.bham.ac.uk/documents/research/VICTAR/Braille_Height.doc
As a PDF file at:
http://www.education2.bham.ac.uk/documents/research/VICTAR/Braille_Height.pdf
Additional information about a Braille symbol database and EBU guidance, used by different countries to mark packages, can be found at: http://ebu.rnib.org.uk

LABELING YOUR ENVIRONMENT - A TACTILE PROJECT OF THE EDUCATIONAL FACILITY BARTIMEUS
The educational facility Bartimeus from the Netherlands, in cooperation with its partners, developed a system based on Tag It Guide that allows to depict building structures, a campus or street maps and the likes in practically no time at all. Just by using a magnetic board and magnetic pieces, these structures can be built and by using RFID labels, he can connect the pieces with audio information. Bartimeus already uses this system to show students how their future school or the university is built.

This technology is particularly interesting for the area of orientation and mobility training. Dick Lunenborg, project manager of "Label Your Environment", works together with blind children and children with multiple disabilities to create those tactile learning materials. These include models of body parts and plants. More information about the project can be found at: www.bartimeus.nl

ANNOUNCEMENTS
EUROPEAN CONGRESS ON VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
The Spanish Association of Professionals of People with Visual Impairment will celebrate the First European Congress on Visual Impairment in Spain, named as "Rehabilitation and Attention of People with Visual Impairment". The conference will take place from 22nd- 24th October 2010 in Valladolid, Spain. The main objectives of the Congress are:

 To let the scientific community dedicated to visual impairment share their knowledge and main research interests
 To settle the basis for the future European Society of Professionals and Researchers dedicated to visual impairment
 To get an overview of the state of the art of the research and the rehabilitation procedures in Europe

For details on registration and other information please visit:
www.eurovisionrehab.com

ANNOUNCING TECHSHARE MOBILE 2010 - TECHNOLOGY ON THE MOVE
Mobile technology is moving forward at a very rapid pace, and there are many changes taking place in both the mainstream and specialist mobile ICT sectors. These changes include the development and roll out of new operating systems for mobile devices as well as the emergence of completely new categories of device. In addition, there are significant shifts taking place in terms of the application and uses of mobile technology at home, in education, and of course in employment.

Techshare is widely regarded as one of Europe's leading interactive conferences in the field of digital accessibility. The purpose of Techshare Mobile 2010 is to bring together key stakeholders and to share recent and future developments in digital mobile technology.

Organized by RNIB and sponsored by Vodafone, Research in Motion (RIM) and Intel, this exciting one day Techshare special event will be held on 15 June 2010 at the ICC, Birmingham. There is a fantastic range of speakers and in-depth workshops at the event, from keynotes in industry to specialists in the area of mobile technology for disabled people. For more information about rates, bursaries, the booking procedure, and the conference program, please visit: http://www.rnib.org.uk/techshare

UNIFEM-UNDP: “Making the MDGs Work Better for Women”
Jointly, the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) published “Making the MDGs work better for women: implementing gender-responsive national development plans and programs.” The objective of this publication is to reconsider gender equality and empowerment of women as a precondition for achieving each of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), because as the publication demonstrates: “Where women are empowered we have seen better health and education outcomes for their children as well as more sustainable use of natural resources.”

The Report explores progress made as well as remaining challenges in meeting MDG3, which is about gender equality and women’s empowerment. Seven priorities have been identified as requiring immediate action in order to keep the MDG3 promise and a summary of the key recommendations put forward can be found in the online publication (http://www.unngls.org/spip.php?page=amdg10&id_article=2375)

KICKI NORDSTROM APPOINTED TO WORLD BANK GPDD COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE FOR WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES
Kicki Nordstrom a Past President of the WBU and former Chair of the WBU Women’s Committee was appointed by the International Disability Alliance (IDA) to represent them on the World Bank GPDD (Global Program on Disability & Development) Community of Practice for Women with Disabilities. The Community of Practice, organized by GPDD, brings together experts from a variety of sectors to share information, expertise and best practice in order to develop a body of knowledge related to development issues for women with disabilities. Congratulations and thanks to Kicki on being selected for this work.

RESOURCES
BRAILLE WITHOUT BORDERS PUBLISHED ITS 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
Braille Without Borders (BWB) is pleased to announce the release of its 2009 annual report. It informs about BWB's projects and activities in the last year. To read the entire report, please visit the following link at: http://www.braillewithoutborders.org/english/BWB_Report_2009.pdf

INTERNATIONAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF REHABILITATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW
A free online International Encyclopaedia of Rehabilitation, developed by the Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information & Exchange (CIRRIE) is now available. Currently, the encyclopaedia contains over 100 articles, and more will publish on a weekly basis. The documents are available in English, and most of them were translated into French and Spanish. The encyclopaedia can be found at: http://cirrie.buffalo.edu/encyclopedia/contents.php

LAUNCH OF UN HRBA Practitioner's Portal
The United Nations is pleased to introduce its HRBA Practitioner's Portal which is now available online at: www.hrbaportal.org

This accessible online platform brings together knowledge, practical experience and a wide range of resources on integrating Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) in development programming which the United Nations and its partners have accumulated during the last decade. Users can either browse through the resource database or search for specific topics such as relevant international standards, 'how-to guides', case-studies and learning materials on HRBA.

LAUNCH OF CSO NET – CIVIL SOCIETY NETWORK
The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) has launched a knowledge-based, open networking platform called “CSO Net – the Civil Society Network” which is designed to facilitate interaction among civil society groups worldwide, Member States and UN system agencies.

The aim is to: share and promote best practices in the field of economic and social development; establish innovative and collaborative development solutions; facilitate partnerships among the users of the portal; and promote interactive discussions through online forums on issues of immediate relevance to the UN’s agenda. The portal can be accessed at http://www.un.org/ecosoc/csonet to explore ways that your organization can contribute to and engage effectively with the NGO Branch and the United Nations system as a whole.

ILO COUNT UP IN VIDEO: AN AUDIO DESCRIPTION VERSION IS AVAILABLE NOW
An audio description version of "Decent Work for People with Disabilities Count us in!" video is now accessible for persons with visual impairment. It can be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/ilotv#p/u/12/pFlG__NxHaY

NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
AFRICA
EFA-VI NATIONAL TASK FORCE MEETING IN MOZAMBIQUE
The EFA-VI National Task Force Meeting in Mozambique met in Maputo on February 19, 2010. All major stakeholder groups were represented at this meeting that was chaired by Dr. Agusto John, Honourable Deputy Minister for Education. The report of the NTF indicates that at this time almost 200 visually impaired children in Mozambique have access to any type of education.

Therefore, the EFA-VI NTF has decided to set up a model of inclusive education programme in order to reach more children with visual impairment. In Mozambique attention will be given to the training of special and general classroom teachers and provision of basic educational materials as Braille slates and canes for orientation and mobility. A complete plan of action for 2010 has been drawn-up and the implementation of activities will be monitored by the Regional Coordinator of EFA-VI.

ICEVI's newest International Partner Member, the Francophone Blind Union, is already working hard to expand the EFA-VI campaign to Francophone countries in Africa. Therefore, another EFA-VI meeting is planned to take place in Burkina Faso. Mrs. Francoise Madray-Lesigne, President of FBU and Mr. Andre Kowalski, visited Burkina Faso twice in the past few months and held a series of meetings with Government officials, representatives of international and inter-governmental organizations and appraised them the campaign plans. The ICEVI brochure and EFA-VI Campaign materials have been translated into French and shared with the officials.

As Burkina Faso is one of the Fast Track countries of the World Bank, the campaign wants to capitalize on the commitment of the Government for the general education for all, where the EFA-VI could be embedded as its integral part. Francoise will visit Burkina Faso in the near future to come up with a detailed plan for the implementation of the campaign and with this initiative.

ASIA-PACIFIC
SHANGHAI EXPO: BETTER CITY, BETTER LIFE--FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
On Saturday, May 1, 2010 the Shanghai Expo opened its doors. This is the first time that the international expo takes place in China. Under the theme "better life for people", the Expo presents exhibitions about persons with disabilities. The China Blind Association presents three main projects:

 Blind football
 Guide dogs and their training
 Dialogue in the Dark: dark restaurant projects operating in several big cities in China

THE NIPPON FOUNDATION PROVIDES GRANT TO EXPAND HIGHER EDUCATION INITIATIVE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
In late March The Nippon Foundation (Japan) approved a grant of US $180,000 to support the first year of a two-year expansion of the work currently underway with ICEVI partners in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam and to include Cambodia in this growing network to improve the situation of visually impaired students enrolled in university education. This program was initiated in Indonesia in 2006 and has gradually expanded to three additional ASEAN countries. During the current (2010-2012) phase the project is assisting students in overcoming the "access to information barrier" and "attitudinal barriers" that often results in an unwelcoming university environment.

Recently, the availability of relatively inexpensive and portable "netbook computers", combined with the free open-source NVDA screenreader are providing a "technology lifeline" to visually impaired students with which they can overcome the "information access barrier". To create a more welcoming university environment ICEVI and its local partners are working on the development of training and training materials for use with university administrators, faculty and the non-disabled student body.

While these efforts are underway, the project is simultaneously working toward the broader goal of having measurable impact on the public policies that all too often place disabled students at a distinct disadvantage. The main objective of the project is that all disabled students entering universities in the region have full access to the same rights and services afforded to non-disabled students.

ASIA
A HOLISTIC ACTION PLAN OF ABU
In its Executive Meeting held in Sana'a, Yemen, on 6-7th March, 2010, the Asian Blind Union approved a comprehensive plan of action for the year 2010. The plan includes key activities covering the following four main strategic areas of the Asian Blind Union:

1. Capacity building and human resource development
2. Strengthening the affiliates
3. Women empowerment
4. Information dissemination

Some of the key actions will be:

 Implementation of two computer skills training course for visually impaired people and teachers
 Strengthening the inclusive/special education human resource; teachers teaching in special schools of Middle East countries will be oriented in the areas of visual impairment and mental retardation during a workshop in Jordan.
 Focus on strengthening organizational management and advocacy human resource in South Asia; A three month training programme in rehabilitation and management of associations will be held in New Delhi, India. In addition, a three day advocacy workshop is planned to be held in Karachi, Pakistan in June, 2010.
 Organizing two workshops on UNCRPD in order to sensitize government officials and disability activists; The first workshop will be held in Sri Lanka. Another workshop on UNCRPD will take place in Tajikistan.
 The organization would also continue its quarterly newsletter titled "progress". This year, the ABU Newsletter will also be available in Braille to our readers. Also, attempts will be made to provide the Arabic and Russian translation of the Newsletter.

BLIND CHILDREN GET A RAW DEAL IN EDUCATION FOR ALL (EFA)
The Education Committee of the Asian Blind Union has conducted a research study which shows that visually impaired children, studying in government schools under EFA Scheme, have extremely poor reading, writing, and arithmetic skills. "The purpose of the study was to ascertain the levels of efficiency gained by visually impaired children in SSA schools in basic literacy and arithmetic skills with the help of carefully designed and administered tests and to collect other related information." states Mr. A.K. Mittal, Chair of the ABU Education Committee. The study had a sample of 200 visually impaired students of classes 4 and 5 from 10 Indian states. Among the sample, 122 children used Braille and 78 large print for their studies.

The emerging data presented a grim reality about the various tall claims being made regarding the success of inclusive education in the country. The average national marks scored in Braille reading and writing ranged from just 20 to 23%, while in arithmetic the range nationally was 10% to 31%. The position regarding reading and writing large print for children with low vision was no better with marks ranging from 22% to 31%.

The study also brought out that there is a general shortage of textbooks in Braille and large print. The participating schools had hardly any special devices for children with low vision. Another aspect is that a large number of specialized teachers are not qualified enough to teach blind children.

LAUNCH OF THE RIGHT TO BOOKS FOR THE BLIND CAMPAIGN IN INDIA
The National Federation of the Blind and the All India Confederation of the Blind launched a national campaign to ensure the accessibility of all print books for visually impaired at the same time and at the same cost at which these are available to their sighted counterparts. The campaign was launched on 29th January, 2010 on the eve of the World Book Fair. A declaration and a national appeal were issued by the office bearers of the two organizations in a joint press conference held at the India International Centre in New Delhi. One of the main objectives of the campaign is to provide more books in alternate formats such as Braille, Audio, and large print. Another major aspect of the initiative focuses on copyright exceptions to ensure an increasing number of accessible books.

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA OPENS DOORS FOR MEDICAL STUDENT WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT
A recent judgment of the Supreme Court of India appears to have opened new opportunities for the visually impaired. A young student, Nitin Mantri, had dreamt of becoming a Doctor from his early years: not an uncommon dream among the youngsters. What made the dream of Nitin so special was the fact that he was visually impaired. Due to his visual impairment, there were strong chances of his denied admission to a Medical College.

The inspiring stories of blind and low vision doctors are not absent from our memory. One immediately recalls the name of Late Salma Maqbool of Pakistan, who not only was a successful practicing doctor, but was an important leader in the blindness field.

Despite knowing that the road may be difficult for him, Nitin persisted with his dream and tried to seek admission in a medical college. He scored much higher percentage of marks than the cut off percentage, yet he was denied admission. He was admitted only after the High Court of Madhya Pradesh intervened.

Social, administrative, and political prejudices cannot be easily set aside. His institution as well as the Government of his State appealed in the Supreme Court of India. After 9 months of toil, Nitin obtained the judgment in his favour: “There are no rules to bar a visually impaired student from studying medicine”, the Supreme Court ruled.

The ruling is important not just for Nitin Mantrie but for the entire visual impairment sector. Its significance rests in two respects. Firstly, it has opened new avenues of study and employment for the visually impaired. The Supreme Court of India judgment can be cited as an example by individuals and blindness organizations in other countries to obtain similar facilities in their respective countries. The UNCRPD already advocates the principle of “Reasonable Accommodation”. This principle can help us in opening up new opportunities in the areas of education and employment.

Secondly, the case in reference brings an important message to all of us. That is that given the will and determination, the most difficult doors can also open. So finally it is clear: the cure to our problems lies only with us.

EUROPE
4TH EUROPEAN eACCESSIBILITY FORUM: INCREASING HARMONIZATION
The primary purpose of the 4th European eAccessibility Forum, held April 12 in Paris, France, was to provide all participants with an opportunity to learn about information access in the digital domain and to discuss the issues with experts in the field. Speakers included specialists from organisations representing consumers of accessible information, research organisations, public national and European institutions, and, European and international for-profit companies.
Plenary papers, workshops and demonstrations were presented. Romain Deltour, Software Architect for the DAISY Consortium, attended the Forum and has provided an overview of the day-long event so that those unable to be there will nonetheless benefit from the information exchange that took place. The proceedings will be available on the BrailleNet website in the near future at: www.braillenet.org

A REPORT ON THE EBU CONFERENCE 'MAKING THE UN CONVENTION WORK FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED WOMEN
The EBU women's conference took place from 26 to 28 of March in Larnaca, Cyprus. The event was hosted by The Pancyprian Organization of the Blind (POB). Fifty four participants from 19 EBU member organizations attended the conference, who presented their views on the selected topics from the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability.

Many young, high-motivated, and capable women joined the meetings at the conference. This is a very positive sign regarding future work! They shared their experiences and suggestions to meet the challenges of everyday life. Eight interactive sessions with workshops and round table discussions on different issues were offered to the participants. As a result of the conference, a Declaration was formulated which will be presented to the EBU board.

RNIB'S DEVELOPED LOW VISION TOOL KIT
The Royal National Institute of the Blind People (RNIB), with support from the Welsh General Assembly, has recently developed a new publication, The Low Vision ToolKit. RNIB, in cooperation with ICEVI, is now working to make a more "international version" of this ToolKit available. This publication can be of real assistance to those in developing countries working on the EFA-VI programme and needing clear and well organized materials to support the training of specialist and regular classroom teachers in the area of Low Vision. Copies of the Low Vision ToolKit will be available shortly.

THE DANISH ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND WILL HOST THE 9TH EBU GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN 2011
The EBU board has confirmed the bid submitted by the Danish Association of the Blind (DAB) to stand as host for the ninth EBU General Assembly in 2011. The Assembly, with adjacent diversity events, will take place over the first week of October 2011 in Fredericia in the central part of Denmark, where DAB, amongst other facilities, runs its training and holiday centre, Fuglsangcentret.

DAB is already working to assure that they will offer an accessible framework, very well planned and designed for visually impaired persons and with accommodation, exhibition, professional, and leisure facilities that should satisfy all visitors, delegates, guides or otherwise interested stakeholders.

Organizing this event will also be one of the ways in which DAB will celebrate their 100 year anniversary in 2011 and attract interest and attention within the national and international community.

THE INTERGEN PROJECT
The INTERGEN PROJECT is designed and conducted by the European Blind Union (EBU) in collaboration with five partners from the EBU network: the German Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted (DBSV), the Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted (UIC), the Italian Institute for Research, Training and Rehabilitation (IRIFOR), the Turkish Federation of the Blind, and the Turkish Six Dots Foundation. The project is funded by the Education and Culture DG of the European Commission.

This project aims to foster intergenerational exchange of experience. The ambition is twofold: (1) To make up for the lack of independence affecting a great many blind and partially sighted persons; and, (2) To alleviate their isolation and loneliness.

Practice workshops with junior and senior visually impaired participants and professional trainers were held by partner organizations in Germany, Italy, and Turkey last year. Video extracts from some of these workshops can be seen on the INTERGEN website: http://www.intergenerations.eu/video. The site is also regularly updated with new reports, news and information.

Among the objectives of the project are the creation of a guide on how to organize and moderate intergenerational workshops, and a handbook compiling different daily life management skills. At the recent steering group meeting in Rome the work already completed on the handbook was presented and ideas for its development and completion were put forward.

The INTERGEN model is currently under completion. Once it is validated by the consortium, it will be tried at workshops to be held in Germany, Italy, and Turkey with new participants. Later the model will be translated into German, Italian, and Turkish, and will be disseminated at European, national and local levels.

The ultimate success of the project will depend on it being disseminated as widely as possible both through the EBU network and other channels, allowing it to become a real ‘working model’ which can be adapted to different circumstances and integrated in different structures. Partners will also be in charge of promoting the model by supporting one training centre for VI youth or a local retirement home to hold an INTERGEN workshop.
TELEFÓNICA ABILITY AWARDS
Visually impaired social entrepreneur and founder of disability organization "Kanchi", Caroline Casey, has joined Ireland’s Ambassador to Spain, Justin Harman and César Alierta, Chairman of Telefónica, to launch the Telefónica Ability Awards in Spain, the first country outside of Ireland licensed to run the awards program based on the original O2 Ability Awards model created and operational in Ireland since 2005. The expansion to Spain marks the first franchise of the Ability Awards internationally and is an historic achievement for Kanchi, highlighting the strength and innovation of Irish social entrepreneurship.

The Telefónica Ability Awards will recognize organizations throughout Spain for best practice in the inclusion of people with disabilities as employees, customers and members of the community. The auditing and benchmark templates created in Ireland will be used to assess organizations that enter the program in Spain . Kanchi is currently in negotiations with several pan-European organizations to establish the Ability Awards program in countries throughout Europe and beyond. The application process in Spain opens in May 2010 with the first Awards taking place in November 2010.

LATIN AMERICA
IBERO AMERICAN BRAILLE COUNCIL: READING AND WRITING WORKSHOPS
In March 2010, Braille workshops took place at the AECID Centre (Agencia Española de Cooperación para el Desarrollo) in Montevideo, Uruguay. The workshops were about research, modernization and diffusion of reading and writing system. Representatives of the Spanish and Latin American Braille Commission attended the event. Several recommendations to the Latin American Braille Council were put together, such as technical groups on Grade 2 Braille, tactile materials adaptation, science, music code, informatics, transcription and adaptation of texts.

ULAC ORGANIZES II FESTIVAL OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED ARTISTS
ULAC will be organizing the II Latin American Festival of Visually Impaired artists. The event will take place in the Dominican Republic in September 2010. The main goal of this event is to promote culture through the artistic expression of blind and partially sighted people. National winners of each country will qualify for this event. For more information about this event, please visit ULAC's website at: www.ulacdigital.org
CHILE: EARTHQUAKE AFFECTS THE SITUATION OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE
The situation in Chile after the earthquake in February has seriously affected the organizations providing services for visually impaired people. The Corporation of Aid for the Visually Impaired (COALIVI), based in Concepción, has suffered serious structural damages. According to technical reports, it will be necessary to demolish one of their buildings and renovate most part of the main structure. The institution relies on solidarity with this cause.

Contact information:
Tel: +56-41-212-5302
E-mail: direccion@coalivi.cl
Website: www.colalivi.cl
EL SALVADOR: WORKSHOPS TRAINS COACHES FOR BLIND SPORT ACTIVITIES
Training sessions for coaches working with visually impaired people took place in El Salvador from 22-26 March 2010. This initiative of the Paralympics Committee of El Salvador was supported by IBSA, ULAC, FOAL and The Paralympics Committees of Spain and Brazil in an effort to ensure the participation of renowned specialists in different sports for the blind. It is important to highlight the participation of coaches from various Central American countries which are interested in promoting adaptive sport for the blind.

NORTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION: NEW FORMATS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW
The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has posted some new formats for accessibility and has re-issued a code of practice on their website.

CTA's popular travel guide for persons with disabilities, Take Charge of Your Travel, is now available as an audio book, to listen to while you pack or in the terminal. They have also updated the DAISY talking book format of Take Charge and the Reservation Checklist for Persons with Disabilities to version 4.0, which can be downloaded from their site.

In addition, they have launched a revised version of the Code of
Practice: Aircraft Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities. The Air Code now includes the Agency's two implementation guides, Space for Service Dogs Onboard Large Aircraft and Tactile Row Markers Onboard Large Aircraft. The Air Code is available on-line and has been recorded in DAISY 4.0 and is available on request in print, in braille, and as a CD with a variety of formats.

The following new formats are available online at:

 Take Charge of Your Travel (www.cta.gc.ca/eng/take-charge)
 Reservation Checklist for Persons with Disabilities (http://www.otc-cta.gc.ca/doc.php?did=2214&lang=eng)
 Code of Practice: Aircraft Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (http://www.otc-cta.gc.ca/doc.php?sid=1012&lang=eng)
NEW CCB WEBSITE IS ONLINE NOW
The Canadian Council For The Blind (CCB) has launched its new website at the same address at www.ccbnational.net CCB will be updating the new site more frequently with news, stories and events, and it is their intention to make the site a useful resource for members.

WBU OFFICERS
Ms. Maryanne Diamond, President
maryanne.diamond@visionaustralia.org
Mr. Arnt Holte, 1st Vice President
arnt.holte@blindeforbundet.no
Ms. Frances Candiru, 2nd Vice President
aiykko@gmail.com
Mr. Enrique Pérez, Secretary General
umc@once.es
Mr. A. K. Mittal, Treasurer
akmittal@rediffmail.com
Dr. William Rowland, Immediate Past President
rowland@sancb.org.za

REGIONAL PRESIDENTS
AFRICA (AFUB)
Mr. Mohammed Ez-zaoui
med.ezzaoui@gmail.com
ASIA (ABU)
Mr. Ahmad Mohammed Mousa Allouzi
fabjo@index.com.jo
ASIA PACIFIC (WBU-AP)
Mr. Chuji Sashida
sashida.chuji@jeed.or.jp
EUROPE (EBU)
Lord Colin Low
Colin.Low@rnib.org.uk
LATIN AMERICA (ULAC)
Dr. Guillermo Moreno
dr_guillermo_moreno@hotmail.com
NORTH AMERICA/CARIBBEAN (WBU-NA/C)
Mr. Carl Augusto
caugusto@afb.net
WBU STAFF
Dr. Penny Hartin, Chief Executive Officer
penny.hartin@wbuoffice.org
Ms. Sarah Smith, Manager Fund Development & Communications
sarah.smith@wbuoffice.org
Ms. Ianina Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant ianina.rodriguez@wbuoffice.org

World Blind Union Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission Newsletter (Issue No. 3) - April 2010

2010-05-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

World Blind Union Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission
Newsletter (Issue No. 3)
April 2010

Published by World Blind Union Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission
Contents

Membership List
P.2
Foreword by Mr Zhu Gang, Chairman, WBU Asia Pacific
Regional Massage Commission
P.3
Development of Thai Massag for the Blind in Thailand
Mr Pecharat Techavachara
President, Thai Blind Union and Foundation for the
Employment Promotion of the Blind
P.4-P.5
The Final Report on Collaboration on
Teaching Therapeutic Massage and
Acupuncture at SNH, Malaysia
Saburo Sasada
JICA Senior Volunteer
P.6-P.8
Muscle Aches
Mahboob Ahsan
Instructor & Chairman,
Bangladesh Acupressure &
Training Center Ltd.
P.9-P.11
New Function of Blind Massage International Website
P.11-P.12
10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Massage
P.13-P.14
Newsletter Editorial Committee

P.14

Membership List
(2008-2012)
World Blind Union Asia Pacific
Regional Massage Commission

Founding Chairman
Mrs Grace Chan, RSW, JP
(Hong Kong, China)
 grace@afpb.hk

Chairman
Mr Zhu Gang (China)
 penglei@yeahcome.com

Vice-Chairman
Prof. Dr Keishi Yoshikawa (Japan)
 m.kyoshiri@sakura.cc.tsukuba.ac.jp

Ms Maureen Tam (Hong Kong, China)
 maureen.tam@hksb.org.hk

Secretary -General
Mr Wang Jian Jun (China)
 amzx_amc@163.com

Deputy Secretary-General
Mr Kim Mok (Hong Kong, China)
 kim.alum@hkbu.edu.hk

Members
Mr Mahboob Ahsan (Bangladesh)
 mahboobahsan2003@yahoo.com

Mr Boun Mao (Cambodia)
 boun.mao@online.com.kh
 abc@bigpond.com.kh

Mr Yoshihiko Sasagawa (Japan)
 ncwbj@mbm.nifty.com

Mr Kwon In Hee (South Korea)
 kbuwel@yahoo.co.kr

Ms Norimah Hj. Ahmad (Malaysia)
 nuri_relex707@yahoo.com

Captain Oscar Taleon (Philippines)
 ojtaleon@pacific.net.ph

Mr Pecharat Techavachara (Thailand)
 pecharat@gmail.com

Mr Cao Van Thanh (Vietnam)
 caovanthanhhnm@gmail.com

Foreword by Mr Zhu Gang

Chairman, WBU Asia Pacific
Regional Massage Commission
The Third Newsletter of the WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission was published as scheduled. Invited by the Newsletter Editorial Board, I am hereon greatly honored to discuss the blind massage in the Asia-Pacific area with all of you.
The Board of Directors Meeting of the World Blind Union Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission was held successfully in Seoul, South Korea in July, 2009. During the meeting, the 10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Seminar, the Blind Massage International Network and the Second Issue of the WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission Newsletter were discussed. The achievements made so far are obvious to all. Hereby, we should extend our hearty thanks to the President of WBU Asia Pacific Region, Mr. Chuji Sashida, for his great support for the Board of Directors Meeting.
The 10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Seminar will be a great success. Hereby, we should extend our thanks to all members of the Korean Organizing Committee for their unremitting efforts for preparing this seminar. The WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Seminar has been successfully held nine times, and the achievements made so far have been obvious to all. Many people have made arduous efforts and lots of members of WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission have made extraordinary contributions to the massage profession for the blind in the Asia-Pacific area.
In the year 2010, communication between members will be strengthened and it is the year for work promotion. The Blind Massage International Network (www.blindmassageintl.com) is launched facing the world widely. This platform makes it possible for information exchange on blind massage ehrich in a broader context. You are most welcome to join us! Everyone’s active participation and valuable suggestions to enrich this Website will enable the International Blind Massage Network to maximize its role as an information exchange platform. The 10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Seminar is going to be held in Seoul, South Korea which will cover topics such as: “Europe and America Massage Development Trend”, “Clinical Case of Alternative Therapy”, “Massage Clinical Case”, “Government’s Support for Massage Enterprises” and other subject reports. In addition, the seminar will add a special subject of Massage Manipulation, as a continuation of the traditional programme found at previous seminars. This will bring more opportunities for the participants to learn and understand more about the massage profession.
New Year, New Spirit! The international communication and co-operation is more important in such globalizing world nowadays. Let’s carry forward the noble spirit of solidarity and helping the underprivileged; to further create companionate interpersonal relationships towards a united harmonious society; to encourage the blind to do their best and elevate their own quality with positiveness and creativity. Together with able-bodied people, to create a happy life and bright future which belongs to all of us together!
Lastly, I wish you good health, happiness and great achievements in your career. All the best!
Development of Thai Massag
for the Blind in Thailand

Mr Pecharat Techavachara
President, Thai Blind Union and Foundation for the
Employment Promotion of the Blind

Seventy years ago, blind people in Thailand were helpless and burden to their family! Having a blind child in one family was a belief that the family must have had a great sin in their past lives! Many people thought at the time that blind children were a bit better than chair and tables because they could talk. After Miss Genevieve Caulfield, an American blind lady, came to Thailand in 1939 and found the first school for the blind, the belief regarding blindness and blind people has been gradually changed. Much progress has been achieved after Thai Government began to pay more attention to the disabled by passing the Rehabilitation Act in 1991 and Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act in 2007. The public awareness concerning the blind has been increased by demonstration of well trained blind people in our society and the increasing numbers of institutions, organizations of and for the blind.
Now there are more than one thousand blind people with Bachelor Degrees and over a hundred with Masters’ Degrees. There are more and more blind people engaged in the occupations of teachers, telephone operators, musicians, hospital workers, etc. We also have blind people self employed in various businesses. In this article, the Medical Massage will be emphasized.
Massage is so far the most promising occupation for the blind, particularly in Asia! Massage can be divided into two main categories: health massage and medical massage. Thai Massage teaching was introduced to the Skill Development Center for the Blind thirty years ago. At that time, very few people believed that massage was suitable to the blind. There was a belief then that men and women touching each other was dangerous and sinful! Most Thai people merely believed that the blind could not see, therefore they could not know where to put their fingers on the right spots! Of course, most of them have changed their belief! Now Thai Massage is the most promising occupation for the blind in Thailand and Asia Pacific. Good progress has been achieved compared with the time when first Thai Massage teaching to the blind was introduced thirty years ago, but there is still very long path we must struggle. Beside China, Japan and Korea, blind people in this part of the world are never legally allowed to enter into medical massage!
In Thailand, masseurs must take national exams set up by Medical Registration Division, Department of Health Support Services, Public Health Ministry, then are eligible to obtain the license. Up till now, no single blind person in Thailand has received medical license!! The blind are engaged only in Health Massage. Only last two years, the Ministry of Public Health permitted blind people to take examination for medical license! To be survived in this very competitive occupation, one has to be very skilful and diligent. Blind masseurs and masseuses must keep improving their skills and techniques and move from regular health massage to medical massage.
This is the main reason Foundation for the Employment Promotion of the Blind (FEPB) took up an initiative to conduct a training program called “Preparing blind masseurs and masseuses to take national medical license exams.” Our training course consists of following subjects: Scientific Health, Traditional Thai Medicine, Thai Massage, Law and Morals, introductory of foreign massage, Reading/writing Braille, O and M and analysis of 35 cases. Total 1154 hours. The duration of training course will be two years beginning January 2009 to December 2010.
We have 6 licensed teachers, twenty text books all converted to MP3 and Daisy format. FEPB is now the only organization for and of the blind legally permitted to open such training program. We have fifty blind masseurs and masseuses who are very anxious to upgrade themselves from health masseurs to medical masseurs, from various parts of Thailand, came to enroll in this training program. These fifty very enthusiastic masseurs and masseuses have already gone half way: they passed the examination last year which entitled them to be Assistant Medical Masseurs. The certificates were presented on January 26, 2010 by Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, Director Bureau of Sanatorium and Arts of Healing, Ministry of Public Health.
These fifty masseurs and masseuses are studying hard so that they are well prepared to take the national medical license exam in 2011. They are the first group of blind masseurs and masseuses in Thailand who are eligible to take the historic medical license examination. When they become licensed masseurs, they are then eligible to open their own clinics! We are fully aware that to have a successful business in this field, skills of massage or medical license alone is not sufficient. One must have knowledge and experiences in management, marketing, finance, human relationship, etc. FEPB plans to conduct business courses for our blind masseurs in the near future! For the past thirty years, blind masseurs have been working under institutions of and for the blind. Very few individual blind masseurs succeed independently! Therefore, it is necessary to empower our blind masseurs by giving them the knowledge and experiences in massage business.

The Final Report on Collaboration on
Teaching Therapeutic Massage and
Acupuncture at SNH, Malaysia

Saburo Sasada
JICA Senior Volunteer

Results of Activities
Upgrading Support for Massage
St. Nicholas’ Home has been training the blind in oil massage for relaxation since 2002. During my assignment to SNH, I trained nine students in non-oil massage, Shiatsu and using more medical and scientific approach. Eight of my students are staff of SNH and one is a graduate of the massage training programme running his own massage business.
The SNH Wellness Centre provides massage therapy to the public. Now Shiatsu is on the menu, RM50 for one hour. It is getting popular among the customers.
Training in Acupuncture
I provided training in acupuncture to six out of nine students who had more than one year clinical experience. The teaching methodology is related to traditional Japanese method which is based on mainly palpation and tactile sense. The needles and Moxa used are Japanese made which is the finest.
Two out of six staff obtained an excellent level as independent therapists. However, others are still in the dependence level. They need more training or support from excellent staff.
Teaching Medical Science and Medical Art/Experience
There are two categories: medical science, basic medical science (anatomy and physiology), and medical art/experience which is traditional Chinese medicine (Yin-yang theory and meridian-and-points).
My approach is to give practical sessions first before teaching theory. The practice motivates the students to learn the related theory. Some students don’t have the basic education background which makes teaching theory not easy as compared to teaching in Japan.
Getting Textbook and Reference Books
Before my assignment in SNH, there was no text book on theory. I decided to use “Guide to Anatomy and Physiology, by Louise Tucker, Revised Version August 2009, EMS Publishing, ISBN: 978 1903348284”. For the first year, we had the print and Braille version only. Later on, audio version was added.
There is still a pending issue on making textbook of meridian and points. I have been teaching traditional medicine without any textbook for them. So far there is no appropriate book in English, so I made it myself at the end of 2009.
Visit Royal National College for the Blind, UK
Textbooks are used at Royal National College for the Blind, UK. I visited RNC in autumn 2009, and obtained audio files and other data of medical science. I found some basic advanced points in RNC which is a NGO similar to SNH as follows:
A. Computer literacy; All the 17 massage students for 2009, are computer literate which helps them to learn the theory.
B. Better amenity and living environment; Student hostels provide students with individual rooms, and the food/drinks choices in the canteen is more sophisticated.
C. Governmental financial support; each local authority that the student belongs to, subsidizes student’s major cost including accommodation, food, and going home twice a month.
Anatomy Models
At the end of last April, 11 anatomy models were donated by JICA Malaysia Office. They are very basic and effective tools when blind students learn human body structure. * JICA stands for Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Adequacy of My Assignment
Adequacy, positive points
In spite of continuous economical development in Malaysia, disabled people are still left behind in the society for their human rights. Their basic education, independent living, and social participation are still developing. After working for two years in an agency, I have found the following points need more improvement. It is not only the point of hardware but also software. Especially, better planning, evaluation and transparency in the management. However there is a struggle in my mind whether I can use my Japanese methods in this field.
JICA volunteers tend to dedicate their assignments to support sub-counterparts. However, if we could collaborate with them for improvement of the basic structural problems, it would be much better. In this way, Japanese systematic work sequence can be introduced very effectively.
Adequacy, Pending issues
Volunteers may face the problems mentioned above. The chain of order is too much top-down management. Subordinates don’t have a chance to express their opinions. Even good proposals tend to become complaints.
If the volunteers work only in the field of assignment, I wonder the end results. Because, well educated staff or students will not stay in such environment, then they will leave. Even so, our efforts may be expanded to somewhere else. However, I am not satisfied with it.

Results, Its Future Self-sustainability and Necessity of Continual Support
Future self-sustainability
I believe that Shiatsu and therapeutic non-oil massage will be continuously developing in future. My sub-counterparts are going to teach it to new students. Some sub-counterparts will go out from SNH, and spread out the therapy method.
In acupuncture training, two sub-counterparts have already reached a self-sustainable level. Technically, they are higher than my expectation. However, in diagnosis which means examination and planning of the treatment, they are still not good enough. They need to accumulate their clinical experiences under supervision by an expert. After one year’s experience, they will reach to the level to train new students of acupuncture independently.
Necessity of Continual Support
There is a great need for continual support. They need supervision and advice. So at least, one more year occasional support is needed for supervision. This is a sort of the final step of this support and very much important. This is equivalent to resident system of doctor training.

About Volunteer Experiences
It’s an once-in-a-lifetime experience. As there are almost no laws or regulations in massage and acupuncture in this country, I was able to work with my own planning. It made me activated and motivated. It’s a sort of an adventure and challenge with my counterparts. Satisfaction of my sub-counterparts through my help makes me feel satisfied. Besides, living and working in a mixed cultural and mixed linguistic society, I was also activated and motivated with feeling of tension.

Future Plans of My Contribution to Society
My Basic concept
Japanese people tend to be keen on details and stick on it. Sometimes, it seems to make an excessive stressful society.
Malaysian people, however, tend to be relaxing, care-free and sociable. I learned them from mixed cultural society. Excessiveness in either way is wrong; I would like to bring back this tropical attitude to Japan as a souvenir.
Continuous collaboration work In Overseas Countries
I would like to collaborate with blind people anywhere in need of help with therapeutic massage and acupuncture training. In making this a reality, JICA’s implementation, financial support, security and other consideration is the most important and appreciated.

Muscle Aches

Mahboob Ahsan
Instructor & Chairman,
Bangladesh Acupressure & Training Center Ltd.

Introduction
Muscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia, the soft tissues that connect muscles, bones, and organs. Muscle pain is most frequently related to tension, overuse, or muscle injury from exercise or physically-demanding work. In these situations, the pain tends to involve specific muscles and starts during or just after the activity. It is usually obvious which activity is causing the pain. Muscle pain also can be a sign of conditions affecting your whole body, like some infections (including the flu) and disorders that affect connective tissues throughout the body (such as lupus). One common cause of muscle aches and pain is fibromyalgia, a condition that includes tenderness in your muscles and surrounding soft tissue, sleep difficulties, fatigue, and headaches.

Causes

The most common causes are:
 Injury or trauma including sprains and strains
 Overuse: using a muscle too much, too soon, too often
 Tension or stress
 Certain drugs, including:
- Lowering blood pressure
- Cocaine cholesterol
- Statins for lowering
 Dermatomyositis
 Electrolyte imbalances like too little potassium or calcium
 Fibromyalgia
 Infections, including:
- Influenza (the flu)
- Lyme disease
- Malaria
- Muscle abscess
- Polio
 Lupus
- Polymyalgia rheumatica

Home Care
For muscle pain from overuse or injury, rest that body part. Apply ice for the first 24 - 72 hours of an injury to reduce pain and inflammation. After that, heat often feels more relaxing.
Muscle aches from overuse and fibromyalgia often respond well to massage. Gentle stretching exercises after a long rest period are also helpful.
Regular exercise can help restore proper muscle tone. Walking, cycling, and swimming are good aerobic activities to try. A physical therapist can teach you stretching, toning etc. to feel better and stay pain-free. Begin slowly and increase workouts gradually. Avoid high-impact aerobic activities and weight lifting when injured or while in pain.
Be sure to get plenty of sleep and try to reduce stress. Massage, acupressure therapy is excellent way to help you sleep and relax.

When to Contact a Medical Professional
If home measures aren’t working, call your doctor, who will consider prescription medication, physical therapy referral, or referral to a specialized pain clinic.
If your muscle aches are due to a specific disease, follow the instructions of your doctor to treat the primary illness.
Call your doctor if:
 Your muscle pain persists beyond 3 days
 You have severe, unexplained pain
 You have any sign of infection, like swelling or redness around the tender muscle
 You have poor circulation in the area where you have muscles aches (for example, in your legs)
 You have a tick bite or a rash
 Your muscle pain has been associated with starting or changing doses of a medicine, such as a statin
 You have sudden weight gain, water retention, or you are urinating less than usual
 You are short of breath.
 You have muscle weakness or cannot move any part of your body
 You have vomiting, a very stiff neck, or high fever

How to Diagnose
Before giving Massage, Acupressure Therapy a therapist should do the necessary examination; and ask questions about muscle pain, such as:
 When did it start? How long did it last?
 Where is it exactly? Is it all over or only in a specific area?
 Is it always in the same location?
 What makes it better or worse?
 Do other symptoms occur at the same time, like joint pain, fever, vomiting, weakness, depression, or difficulty using the affected muscle?
 Is there a pattern to the muscle aches?
 Have you taken any new medications lately?
Prevention

 Warm up before exercising and cool down afterward.
 Stretch before and after exercising.
 Drink lots of fluids before, during, and after exercise.
 If you work in the same position most of the day (like sitting at a computer), stretch at least every hour.

Alternative Names
Muscle pain; Myalgia; Pain – muscles¬

References
 Buttaravoli P. Muscle strains and tears. In: Buttaravoli P, ed. Minor Emergencies. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 122.
 Buttaravoli P. Myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia: (Trigger points). In: Buttaravoli P, ed. Minor Emergencies. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 123.

New Function of Blind Massage International
Website

The Blind Massage International Website (www.blindmassageintl.com) was launched on 15 October, 2009 under great support from members of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission. At the moment of its launching, Blind Massage International Website received great support from President of WBU Asia Pacific Region and Council of the National Committee of Welfare for the Blind in Japan (NCWBJ) — Mr. Chuji Sashida (Japan), Founding Chairman of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission & Chief Executive of Hong Kong Blind Sports Association Ltd. — Mrs. Grace Chan (Hong Kong, China), Chairman of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission and Board Chairman of Hunan Yeahcome Health Care Co., Ltd. — Mr. Zhu Gang (China), Vice-Chairman of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission & Chief Executive of The Hong Kong Society for the Blind — Ms. Maureen Tam (Hong Kong, China), member of WBUAP Regional Massage Commission and President of Foundation for the Employment Promotion of the Blind — Mr. Pecharat Techavachara (Thailand), Secretary-General of Korea Blind Union — Mr. Kang Yong Bong (Korea), as well as an acupuncture and massage therapist from America and a massage customer from Netherlands. They all congratulated warmly on its implementation and acknowledged the positive contribution of this website to the blind massage industry.
The Website was launched after repeated testing for three months. Its function has been further improved and its content being updated daily. In order to realize the resource-sharing, sections such as “Professional Academic” and “Blind People’s World” have been set up. In addition, sections like “Industry Yellow Page”, “Recruitment and Employment”, “Education and Training”, “Testing Center”, “Questions and Answers” and etc. are for members to upload data.
Professional Section: including the academic world and massage. It involves the advanced academic essays world-wide and professional massage knowledge. Welcome to share your latest research results/suggestions with all of us by sending an e-mail to the Blind Massage International Network’s mailbox (blindmassageintl@yeahcome.com).
Visually Impaired: To provide the latest information for the blind or low vision people, in order to help them resolve problems/confusion realistically.
Yellow Page: To provide a convenient publicity platform for various therapeutic massage centers, massage clinics and industrial enterprises. Aims to collect industrial trends/dynamics, to promote mutual understanding among practitioners and to offer a convenient search function for the related industrial (internal or external) people of all circles.
Employment: To issue the recruitment information and release the resume. You may register to be a member to publish recruitment news which provides more chances for massage therapists outside this region, to gain more information related to employment. If you are looking for a new job, you may register here as a member and submit your resume. Perhaps the opportunity is here.
Education: More training opportunities for the region will be welcomed by blind massage therapists. It promotes the industry of blind massage and brings progress and development. Traditional massage techniques from different parts of the world can also be exchanged as well. We welcome the relevant training institutions to register and post education, training and recruitment information to this section.
Q & A: This is a special section for questions and answers. Whenever we face some questions and are eager to find out the solution, you may submit your question to this section. Any browser can register as a member and reply to your question with his/her answer. Let us learn from each other by resource sharing.
The vigorous development of Asia-Pacific regional blind massage is the result of the tireless efforts of various national organizations of blind massage. In this highly developed information technology, the Internet, as the most efficient and convenient information exchange channel, can also be one of the best choices to promote the information exchange of blind massage. It is believed that with more of you joining us, the better the platform realizes the blind massage’s exchanges and cooperation to the maximum extent.
If you have the latest information of related industries, or the latest research findings, please send an e-mail to the Blind Massage International Network at blindmassageintl@yeahcome.com.
Thanks for your support!

10th WBU
Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Massage

3 to 6 May, 2010 • Seoul, South Korea

Organized by Korea Blind Union
The “10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Massage” will take place from 3 to 6 May, 2010 at the Seoul Olympic Parktel in Seoul, South Korea, a great conference for blind massage teaching professionals, operators of massage centers and blind masseurs. This conference will discuss and exchange ideas on new massage techniques and theories, new applications and related training and employment for the blind.
The Korea Blind Union is honored to be appointed by the WBU Asia Pacific Regional Massage Commission to be the host of this Regional Massage Seminar. It is our great pleasure to invite you to attend this meaningful Seminar. The theme of the Seminar is “Meeting New Challenges through Exchange and Rising Self-Esteem”
It is Spring in May in Seoul where flowers blossom with pleasant weather. We extend our warm welcome to all our friends in the region and other regions of the world to Seoul, South Korea to participate in the 10th WBU Asia Pacific Regional Seminar on Massage. We believe your participation will make the Conference meaningful and remarkable.
Countries:

Australia Bangladsh Brunei Cambodia
China Hong Kong, China Taipei, China Fiji
Indonesia Japan Korea Malaysia
Mongolia Philippines New Zealand Papua New Guinea
Singapore Thailand Vietnam Samoa
Myanmar Laos

Tentative Programme:

3 May, 2010
Opening Ceremony
Key Speeches
Country Reports
Plenary Session I:
Europe and America massage development trend
4 May, 2010
Plenary Session II:
Simulation therapy clinical case
Plenary Session III:
Massage clinical case
Workshops / Massage Skills Exchange (I):
Health Massage
Workshops / Massage Skills Exchange (II):
Clinical Practice
5 May, 2010
Plenary Session IV:
Support system of government for the massage enterprises
Closing Ceremony
6 May, 2010
Sight-seeing
•Changgyeong Palace
•Kwang Hwa Moon Square & Cheonggye creek
•Han River
Tour of Institutions
•Korea Blind Union Office
•Blind Massage Center
•Seoul Blind School

Newsletter Editorial Committee:

Chairman:
Mr Zhu Gang (China)
Members:
Mr Pecharat Techavachara (Thailand)
Prof. Dr Keishi Yoshikawa (Japan)
Mr Kwon In Hee (South Korea)
Ms Maureen Tam (Hong Kong, China)