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This document has been posted online by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). Reproduction and dissemination of the document - in electronic and/or printed format - is encouraged, provided acknowledgement is made of the role of the United Nations in making it available.
This double issue of the Bulletin focuses on two major events in which the Division for Social Policy and Development of the United Nations Secretariat participated: the Third Paralympic Congress and the 1996 observation of the International Day of Disabled Persons.
The Third Paralympic Congress: A World Congress on
Disability was held at Atlanta, Georgia, from 12 to 16 August 1996;
in conjunction with the Paralympic Games, the Congress focused
international attention on issues critical to persons with physical
disabilities.The Paralympic Games were the vision of Sir Ludwig Guttman,
can English neurosurgeon at Stoke-Mandeville Hospital. In 1948,
Guttman organized the International Wheelchair Games to coincide with
the 1948 London Olympics. The first effort was symbolic; a deliberate
attempt to connect the Olympics and the Paralympics was not made again
until the 1960 Rome Olympics. Since that time, the Paralympic Games
have been held every four years in conjunction with the Olympic Games,
and were held most recently at Barcelona. In 1996, the Games were
held following the Atlanta Summer Olympics.The Congress provided a forum for discussion and networking
cross-sectoral issues to further the disability movement worldwide.
The Congress consisted of consensus sessions, educational sessions and
research institutes, all dedicated to enhancement of understanding of
and dissemination of knowledge about disability.The Congress was attended by approximately 800 participants,
including government leaders from numerous countries, including
ministers of health and sport, as well as many other United States
government agencies, such as the Centre for Disease Control, the
Social Security Administration and the Department of Education.The Congress focused on three major areas: political empowerment,
economic empowerment and furthering the disabled sports movement, and
the five consensus sessions were held on the following themes:
- "Forging a new disability paradigm: defining a human rights agenda
inclusive of people with disabilities";- "Defining the future of sports opportunities for people with
disabilities";- "Expanding opportunities for employment and economic viability for
people with disabilities";- "Future Paralympians: making sports opportunities available to
children with disabilities worldwide";- "Increasing opportunities for people with disabilities in developing
countries through sport".The Division for Social Policy and Development of the United
Nations Secretariat provided the Congress with its expertise in
technical aspects of the United Nations global disability policy
framework. The United Nations Voluntary Fund on Disability co-
financed participants from a number of developing countries.
Representatives of the Division participated in two working sessions:
"Defining a human rights agenda inclusive of people with
disabilities", and "Increasing opportunities for people with
disabilities in developing countries through sport". There was a
mutually enhancing exchange among participants from Governments, non-
governmental organizations and experts in the various fields of
disability. The group for the former session focused on steps toward
inclusion of disability into the mainstream human rights agenda to
promote awareness of new concepts of a new disability movement of the
disabled persons. The group for the latter session emphasized the
participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of
sport/recreational activities.
The United Nations has strongly supported activities that improve
the quality of life of persons with disabilities. Sports can change lives
of disabled persons by giving them an equal chance to participation and
self-realization. Full participation of the disabled in all aspects of
life leads to their integration into society. Furthermore the
organization of sports events in which persons with disabilities can
participate raises general awareness concerning the talents, abilities,
needs and concerns of disabled persons. Sports minimize disabilities and
maximize abilities, thus changing attitudes towards people with
disabilities and helping disabled persons realise that they can be
productive members of society.Supporting sports is an important United Nations activity for
promoting the human rights of persons with disabilities and the
equalization of opportunities for them. The World Programme of Action
concerning Disabled Persons and the Standard Rules on the Equalization
of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities - outcomes of the
International Year of Disabled Persons and the United Nations Decade of
Disabled Persons, respectively; contain provisions relating to sports.
The Programme of Action (para. 137) recognizes the importance of sports
for disabled persons; and calls upon member States to encourage sports
activities through proper organization and the provision of adequate
facilities. The Standard Rules (Rule 11) ask States to take measures to
ensure that disabled persons have equal opportunities for sports. These
measures include making places for sports accessible to persons with
disabilities, training staff in sports programmes, supporting
participation by persons with disabilities in sports activities and
events at the national and international levels, and giving them access
to quality instruction and training. The Standard Rules also call for
cooperation between sports organizations and organizations of persons
with disabilities.The United Nations also expressed strong support for sports with the
proclamation by the General Assembly of the International Year of Sport
and the Olympic Ideal in 1994. Through that proclamation, the United
Nations recognized the importance of sports as a tool to promote
understanding among people.The United Nations Voluntary Fund on Disability has supported
sports activities among persons with disabilities at the national and
regional levels.Training and instruction workshops for coaches and trainers for persons
with disabilities have been co-financed by the Voluntary Fund in French -
speaking African countries (Algiers, April 1986), in the Asia and the
Pacific region (Kuala Lumpur, April 1987), in Western Asia (Cairo,
December 1987), in western, central, eastern and southern Africa (Harare,
March-April 1988) and in Latin America and the Caribbean (Cali,
Colombia, August 1989). These regional workshops involved more than 650
participants from 76 countries.The Fund supported the building in 1990 of training facilities for the
disabled in the form of a track and field stadium at Amman.The Fund has also co-financed several international sports events,
including:(a) The Arab Regional Summer Games for Disabled Persons (Amman, 1995);
(b) The Handisport Games (Paris, 1938);
(c) The International Summer Special Olympics Games (Minneapolis, 1991)
(d) The Paralympic Games for Persons with Mental Handicap (Madrid, 1991).
The Division for Social Policy and Development of the United Nations
Secretariat also collaborates with sports organizations for persons with
disabilities. For instance, the Division collaborated with the Special
Olympics Committee to organize a symposium on mental retardation, held
at United Nations Headquarters before the start of the Special Olympic
Games at New Haven, Connecticut, in July 1995. The Special Olympics at
New Haven was the largest sporting event in 1995, and included theme
days, such as the celebration of the United Nations fiftieth anniversary,
through the participation of members of the Division. The Division also
collaborated with the Committee for the Atlanta Paralympic Games at the
Third Paralympic Congress, on the theme "Humanity, equality and destiny"
in August 1996.
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed, in its resolution
47/93 of 14 October 1992, that 3 December be observed every year as the
International Day of Disabled Persons.The Day, which was initially proclaimed to commemorate the
anniversary of the General Assembly's adoption of the World Programme of
Action concerning Disabled Persons, aims to promote greater understanding
about disability issues and increased awareness of gains to be realized
through full and effective integration of persons with disabilities in
social life and development.In 1996, the Day was marked by two major events at United Nations
Headquarters in New York.Exhibit by the American Foundation for the Blind, entitled -
Inspiration and innovation: "Hellen Keller and the American Foundation
for the Blind in the twentieth century" (2-31 December 1996)The American Foundation for the Blind, in cooperation with the
Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development of the
United Nations Secretariat, organized an exhibit in the public lobby of
United Nations Headquarters in New York on the theme, - "Inspiration and
innovation". The exhibit took place from 2 to 31 December 1996. It
reviewed the history and contributions of people who are blind or
visually impaired to social life and development in the twentieth
century, beginning with Helen Keller. The exhibit focused on the role
of information technologies as enabling factors for independent and
productive living of blind and visually impaired persons.Seminar and briefing on disability issues for non-governmental
organizations (5 December 1996)The Division for Social Policy and Development, in cooperation with
the Department of Public Information of the United Nations Secretariat,
organized a seminar and briefing for non-governmental organizations to
review and discuss recent issues and trends in the disability field, with
reference to the theme "Disability and poverty eradication".In 1994, the General Assembly proclaimed 1996 as the International
Year for the Eradication of Poverty, with the objective of creating
greater awareness of the fact that eradication of poverty is fundamental
to reinforcing peace and to achieving sustainable development, and
promoting concrete actions which will result in a distinct and
significant contribution to the efforts to eradicate poverty (see General
Assembly resolution 49/110).The World Summit for Social Development, as well as other recent
United Nations conferences on global development issues, have emphasized
the need for people-centred, sustainable development with the eradication
of poverty as a crucial cornerstone. For instance, the Copenhagen
Declaration on Social Development states that one of the world's largest
minorities - more than one person in 10 - are people with disabilities,
who are too often forced into poverty, unemployment and social isolation.
The Copenhagen Declaration expanded the context of poverty eradication
to encompass sustainable livelihoods, a sense of human security, the
reduction of inequalities, the elimination of discrimination, and full
and effective participation in community life.The seminar and briefing included presentations by selected bodies
and organizations of the United Nations system, concerned governmental
offices and agencies, and representatives of non-governmental
organizations on recent developments in their respective areas of concern
and their own efforts in the area of poverty eradication.The seminar and briefing offered an opportunity for active exchanges
of various perspectives on disability issues.The briefing was comprised of two panels, the first one including
representatives of the Department of Public Information and the
Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development ; Ms.
Bonnie O'Day, United States National Council on Disability; Mr. Mark
Leeds, Director, Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities; Mr. Michael
Maney, Chairman of the American Foundation for the Blind; Ms. Lucy Wong-
Hernandez of Disabled Peoples' International; and Ms. Susan Parker of
Rehabilitation International. Speakers from UNICEF, ILO, UNESCO, UNDP,
FAO and the Department of Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations
Secretariat discussed the work of their agencies in the field of
disability during the second panel. The presentation was followed by a
question and answer session.The following was the Secretary-General's Message for the
International Day:"On this International Day of Disabled Persons, we are celebrating
achievements in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities. Such
achievements have contributed to the enrichment of the lives of
individuals and of society at large."From its inception, the United Nations has been at the forefront
of efforts to improve the lives of persons with disabilities throughout
the world. The Organization's Charter affirms the principles of
fundamental freedoms, the dignity and worth of human beings and the
promotion of social progress and better standards of life. Beginning
with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the General
Assembly in 1948, a number of international human rights instruments have
set out the principles and established the foundations on which persons
with disabilities can exercise their civil, political, social and
cultural rights on an equal basis with other people."More recently, the Assembly has adopted the 1982 World Programme
of Action concerning Disabled Persons and, in 1993, the Standard Rules
on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.
These are expressions of the political and moral commitments made by the
international community to the creation of just and equitable societies."The 1995 World Summit for Social Development and other recent
United Nations conferences on global development issues have emphasized
the need for people-centred sustainable development, with the eradication
of poverty as a cornerstone. The Copenhagen Declaration on Social
Development points out that people with disabilities form one of the
world's largest minorities, more than one person in 10, and are too often
forced into poverty, unemployment and social isolation. In developing
countries, as many as 80 per cent of all disabled people live in isolated
rural areas. Most of these individuals are the poorest in the community,
with little or no access to health care or rehabilitation or support
services. Even in developed countries, studies reveal higher proportions
of disabled persons among the poorest strata of society."The United Nations has embarked upon -the second 50 years' to build
a world where every citizen, regardless of disabilities, can make a
difference in his or her own life, as well as in the life of the
community of which he or she is an integral part."The Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award,
carried out by the Roosevelt Institute, is one initiative that has been
undertaken in pursuit of this goal. President Kim Young Sam of the
Republic of South Korea, the recipient of the inaugural $50,000 award on
behalf of his nation, arranged for an additional $1.5 million in funding
in order to endow annual $7,000 awards to 10 Koreans with disabilities.
President Kim also pledged that his nation would strive to be a model for
other developing nations in its policies towards persons with
disabilities."In our continuing effort to build a just society for all, and in
our common endeavour to fight poverty, we recognize that society needs
all persons with disabilities to be active participants. We cannot
afford to lose what they can contribute to the general welfare. Let this
Day be a celebration of accomplishments and an inspiration for further
efforts by, and on behalf of, persons with disabilities."The representative of the Office of the Mayor of New York City, Mr.
Mark H. Leeds, Director of the Mayor's Office for People with
Disabilities, presented the United Nations with the following
Proclamation:Whereas: The annual International Day of Disabled Persons is being
observed at the United Nations on the third of December in
conjunction with the General Assembly's World Programme of
Action concerning disabled persons and the Standard Rules on
Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities,Whereas: On this day, Governments, organizations of disabled persons
and the people of the world focus on the freedoms and
potentials of persons with disabilities. The observance also
includes monitoring of the implementation of recommendations
made by the disability community and others,Whereas: The City of New York has long taken a leading role in
recognizing and advancing the rights and potentials of persons
with disabilities in every aspect of society, and is committed
to the fullest possible integration of people with
disabilities in the life of our city,Whereas: People with disabilities make important contributions in every
area of human endeavour and are entitled to the same human
rights as are all other people,Now therefore I, Rudolph W. Giuliani, Mayor of the City of New York,
in recognition of this important observance, do hereby
proclaim Tuesday, 3 December 1996 in the City of New
York as "International Day of Disabled Persons".The International Day of Disabled Persons was celebrated in many
places around the world, as described below.Armenia
Under the theme "Accessibility is freedom" the Department of Public
Information office in Armenia and the International Federation of Red
Crescent Societies (IFRC) delegation in Armenia organized programmes to
initiate the integration of disabled persons into Armenian society. The
programmes included a ceremony and a concert commemorating the Day, and
the inauguration of a new office of Veratsnund an association for people
with spiral cord injuries. The Armenian translation of the United
Nations Standard Rules for Equalization of Opportunities for the Disabled
was presented to the Minister of Social Welfare. Also, the issue of
persons with disabilities was the major focus of International Human
Rights Day. There are approximately 100,00 disabled persons in Armenia.
The majority of their disabilities were caused as a result of the 1988
earthquake.The information set out below was provided by Disability Awareness
in Action, (a collaborative project of Disabled People's International,
IMPACT, Inclusion International and the World Federation of the Deaf).Australia
The National Information Communication Awareness Network held a
photography competition entitled "Celebration of ability". Pictures were
exhibited of disabled people experiencing freedom, control,
interdependence and adventure through leisure.Austria
The Centre for Independent Living, organized meetings on disabilities at
Graz.Dominica
The Dominican Association of Disabled People organized a week of
educational activities on the theme "Integration into the mainstream of
society for equal opportunity".Germany
On 30 November at Bonn, in the old parliament building, the non-
governmental organization VDK held a meeting, together with other major
organizations, and had discussions with members of parliament, attended
by 500 people.Ghana
The Care and Concern Action Group, a disability-focused group, celebrated
the International Day by a candlelight procession, integrated arts
events and exhibitions, conferences and workshops for the media, public
solidarity with other groups and the presentation of a petition to the
District Secretary.India
The Association of the Physically Handicapped had four "Thoughts on
disability" articles in the national daily newspaper The Hindu. These
articles appeared in the paper from 30 November to 3 December. Children
from the Association's Shradhanjali Integrated School took part in
painting competitions, and cultural and sports events in Bangalore and
won several prizes. In south India, the non-governmental organization
OED held a meeting for 30 disabled people in Karagraharam village. The
meeting discussed equality, the needs and aspirations of disabled people,
and how OED could help disabled people to improve their situation.Italy
Raffaello Belli of Disabled Peoples'International presented a report on
proposed legislation on personal assistance for independent living, at
a meeting at Palermo, Sicily.Latvia
The disabled persons newspaper LINVA and the association of students of
social work celebrated the International Day with a party for disabled
people, and provided transportation for them.Mauritania
3 December was the Day for publicizing disability issues in Mauritania.
A number of articles on disability appeared in the press.Singapore
The Disabled People's Association and the Society for Continence
celebrated with a "Cybersaavy" project to highlight provisions, such as
the national EnableNet, which allow disabled people to use the Internet.Sri Lanka
SHIA, a Swedish non-governmental organization working to improve the
socio-economic status of disabled people in Sri Lanka, organized
television programmes on persons with disabilities.Sweden
A conference was held to discuss "Discrimination against persons with
disabilities and the law". Mrs. Inger Claesson Wa"stberg, the Disability
Ombudsman, presented a comparative study of Sweden and other countries.
Ms. Madeleine Leijonhufvud, Professor in Criminal Law, made a
presentation on the topic "Discrimination - a crime?" Ms. Kaj Fo"lster
reported on the situation in Germany, and Mr. Brendan O'Gorman from the
Department of Social Security spoke about anti-discrimination legislation
in the United Kingdom.Uganda
The National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda held district
celebrations in 39 districts and a national event in Kabale, with the
President of Uganda as Guest of Honour; events included a marching
parade, exhibitions, seminars for government officials, a tricycle race
and a public rally.United Kingdom
The International Day was celebrated in the lobby of the Houses of
Parliament on 2 December. The Day focused on the new Disability
Discrimination Act. The objective of the celebration was to convince
members of the Parliament as well as the public of the need to develop
legislation to ensure comprehensive civil rights to all of Britain's
disabled people.Zambia
The Zambia Council for the Handicapped (North-Western Area Committee)
held a seminar for provincial rehabilitation officers and chairpersons
and directors of associations of and for disabled people in Zambia.Zimbabwe
The Deaf Soccer Championships of Southern Africa, a subregional
championship, took place at Harare, from 3 to 8 December. Teams from
South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe participated, and events
included a major demonstration on disability issues.
^Return to top.
Of the half a billion disabled persons worldwide, 50 million are
blind and visually impaired. Over 80 per cent of all disabled people
live in developing countries,often in poverty, with little access to
education and support services, and deprived of their basic human rights.United Nations engagement in the field of disability is rooted in
its founding principles, which are based on human rights, fundamental
freedoms and the equality of all human beings. According to these
principles affirmed by the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenants on Human Rights
and other human rights instruments, persons with disabilities are
entitled to exercise their civil, political, social and cultural rights
on an equal basis with non-disabled persons.United Nations concern for the blind has been part of United Nations
work in the field of disability since the very early days of the
organization, when it concentrated on promoting the rights of persons
with physical disabilities by taking action in the field of disability
prevention and rehabilitation. In 1950, the Social Commission, a
subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council, considered a report
on the social rehabilitation of the blind. A meeting was held at Geneva
to discuss coordination of the work of the United Nations and the
specialized agencies in the field of rehabilitation (26 February-3 March
1950). The Commission, in accordance with the recommendations of the
meeting, agreed on the need to establish international standards for the
education, treatment, training and placement of disabled persons, with
particular emphasis on the problems of the blind in developing countries.
In 1952, the Commission examined a report of the Secretary-General on the
international programme for the welfare of the blind, which recommended
a programme for the education, rehabilitation, training and employment
of the visually impaired. Following the work of the Commission, the
Economic and Social Council approved the proposals for a rehabilitation
programme of the physically disabled and for the prevention and treatment
of blindness.Since the 1970s, United Nations work concerning the blind has been
integrated into a global programme for the rights of persons with
disabilities. The human rights approach to disability has focused on
equalization of opportunities for persons with disabilities, enabling
them to participate fully in all aspects of social life and development.
Important contributions to the advancement of the rights of persons with
disabilities, including the blind, are the observation in 1981 of the
International Year of Disabled Persons, and formulation of the World
Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, which was adopted
unanimously by the General Assembly in 1982; the decision to proclaim the
period 1983-1992 the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons to
provide a framework for practical action to further implementation of the
Programme of Action (1983-1992); and the adoption by the General Assembly
in 1993 of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for
Persons with Disabilities.In 1994, Mr. Bengt Lindqvist of Sweden was designated by the
Secretary-General as Special Rapporteur of the Commission for Social
Development on Disability for the monitoring of the implementation of the
Standard Rules. Mr. Lindqvist, former Swedish Minister of Social Affairs
and Member of Parliament, who is blind, has a long record of active
involvement in the field of disability. Since 1975, Mr. Lindqvist has
served as Chairman of the Swedish Federation of the Visually Handicapped,
the Central Committee for the Handicapped and the Swedish National
Committee of Disabled People's International. Mr. Lindqvist has also
performed diverse executive functions in the International Federation of
the Blind and in the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind.
The text of the presentation by the Department of Humanitarian
Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat at the non-governmental
organizations briefing seminar for the International Day for Disabled
Persons (3 December 1996) is set out below.The United Nations coordinates international humanitarian assistance
to the many regions of the world that are stricken by severe conflict.
Beyond the killing, the uprooting of families and whole societies, these
conflicts create large populations faced with crippling injury, blindness
and paralysis. The absence of preventative services, including
vaccination, in war-torn settings has also resulted in a high incidence
of disabling diseases, such as polio and tuberculosis.In regions of Afghanistan, for instance, where the Department of
Humanitarian Affairs just recently launched a renewed appeal for
assistance, some 40 per cent of disability problems are polio related.
Some 50 per cent of disability problems involve lack of mobility, of
which half are related to landmines. The severe and persistent problem
of landmines should perhaps be the focus of my remarks, and I will offer
two messages that I hope will have a specific relevance to this
International Day.Here we are not speaking about the accidental and unfortunate
consequences of war, we are speaking about the systematic targeting of
innocent people. We are speaking about weapons that in some cases are
specifically designed to cripple small children. By now, many of you are
aware that there are about 110 million landmines spread across the world,
and that their longevity means the damage they inflict will reach far
into even peaceful futures. But what is this damage in human terms?
Today, there are over one quarter of a million people who have been
disabled by landmines. Some 27 per cent of those who survive a mine
explosion require major amputation of the lower limbs, but injuries will
also commonly affect the arms, chest, faces and eyes. In Angola, there
are more landmines than people; the result is some 30,000 amputees in
that country alone - one in every 300 inhabitants is an amputee. Similar
conditions prevail in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia, Mozambique,
Somalia and elsewhere. Not only does this dramatically burden health
services, it undercuts all efforts towards the restoration of societies
and economic self-sufficiency. Amputees who can no longer fend for
themselves will rely on their families for sustenance. And when the
victim is alone, the burden falls upon the community, which will often
disintegrate in areas where casualty rates are too high.The involvement of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, as the
focal point for mine-related issues in the United Nations system, is
basically twofold, and is always heavily in the shadow of these
frightening figures. Its first role is in advocating a total global ban
of the manufacture, sale and use of landmines. Advocacy, in this
respect, has meant dispelling a myth maintained by so many Governments
for so long: that there is an ethical dilemma, a legitimacy, attached to
the use of mines. With great determination, particularly of non-
governmental organizations, and the growing awareness of the public, we
have achieved a lot this year. Over 50 Governments have now come out in
support of a total ban, and this work is set to continue and accelerate
until that singular goal is achieved. So we will keep publishing our
landmines newsletter and expanding our outreach, sending this message,
until we turn around this eminently preventable cause of death and
disability and prevent an estimated 2 to 5 million more landmines from
being laid each year.For those already in place, the Department's primary role is to
develop indigenous or national capacities to carry out mine clearance,
training in mine-clearance, surveying and marking of mined areas, as well
as programmes to sensitize local populations of the risks they face. In
the more mature programmes, which also gather and circulate information
on injuries and treatment services to key non-governmental organizations
and institutions. A start is given to helping the longer-term support and
reintegration of landmine victims. This crucial aspect is principally
the focus of such organizations as Me'decins Sans Frontie`res and
Handicap International.Today, however, there is still no real mechanism for identifying
survivors and their needs. One non-profit group, the Landmine Survivors
Network, is developing a database to help victims locate proper medical
attention, but it is essentially a self-help network. So this is the
second message: we need to see increased resources and attention to
helping the rehabilitation of the thousands of innocent and often
impoverished land mine victims around the world. And that is an area
where a lot of experience and links already exist among non-governmental
organizations that deal with disability.
The United Nations Statistics Division is currently working along
several lines to improve statistics and indicators on disability. First,
it is working with Governments and others at the international level to
develop an improved methodology for collection of data. This involves
both work to standardize the concepts of impairment, disability and
handicap, as well as establishing new and more effective procedures for
the collection of data.Second, the programme recognizes that useful data on persons with
disability already exists, and is expanding dissemination of such data.Third, the programme is directed not only at producers of data, such
as the national statistical agencies, but also at the growing numbers of
users of data on disability, such as planning agencies, research
institutes and non-governmental organizations. The programme is
consulting potential users of disability data on their needs, and is
developing training materials.Concepts and methods
The starting point for all of our work to improve concepts and
methods for the collection and dissemination of disability statistics is
the International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities and
Handicaps (ICIDH) 1/. Using ICIDH as a framework for the development
of data increases the relevance of the data to a wide set of users and
contributes to greater comparability at the national and international
levels.A major focus of work has been the revision of the Principles and
Recommendations for Population and Housing Censuses (ST/ESA/STAT/SER.M/67
and Add.1). This document is the main international guide to countries
in planning and implementing the census, and is revised at about the time
of each new round of the decennial census. For the first time, the
recommendations for the year 2000 census cover the topic, disability.This is an important development, because it recognizes disability
as a priority in a national census and sets forth guidelines for how the
data should be collected and tabulated. For many countries, a census
represents the only national source of information on the frequency,
distribution and social and economic situation of persons with
disability. In fact, an increasing number of countries collect
statistics on persons with disability in their census. According to a
recent study by the Division, the number of countries rose to 70 during
the 1990 census, from 45 in 1980 and only 15 in 1970.ICIDH distinguishes three dimensions that can be studied to monitor
the situation of people with disability: impairment, disability and
handicap. Investigating the practice of countries which have included
disability questions in censuses shows that most countries use a type of
impairment approach with a list of a few easy to identify impairments,
such as asking for persons who are blind, deaf, mute, paralysed in legs
or have amputated limbs. Some countries also list a few disabilities,
such as difficulties in speaking, in hearing or in seeing.The proposed recommendations suggest a disability rather than an
impairment approach. In an impairment approach, interest is focused at
the organ or body level and often requires knowledge of specific medical
details. The evidence suggests that it is easier for people to recognize
difficulties they have doing things in daily life, such as walking or
climbing stairs, than to answer questions on a specific impairment
conditions. And since respondents may be aware of only their severe
impairments, the impairment approach tends to underestimate the
population with disabilities.Disability questions cast a wider net. Persons recognize mild or
moderate limitations in their activities as well as those that are more
severe. In addition, the disability approach focuses on a person's
experience in participating in daily life activities. This approach is
more relevant for determining policy and programmes concerning the
rehabilitation needs and activities which will equalize opportunities for
persons with disabilities.The Statistics Division has also used ICIDH to develop a minimum
set of tabulation items and core census tables. Recommendations cover
such tabulations as presence of disability, type of disability, presence
of multiple disability and causes. There are also tabulations on the
circumstances in which people with disabilities are likely to find
themselves, as well as circumstances that place a person at a
disadvantage relative to their peers, such as levels of education, school
attendance, employment, marital status and income. To assess the level
of handicap and the equalization of opportunities, it is important that
these last tables compare people with and without disability, as well as
persons with different types of disability.Another aspect of work to improve concepts and methods is the
preparation of two technical publications to give guidance to countries
on the development of disability statistics. An important part of the
framework of both publications and concepts and definitions used in
ICIDH. One of the publications, "Guidelines and principles for the
development of impairment, disability and handicap (IDH) statistics",
is currently being prepared by the Division. This is a technical
handbook for statistical offices and research organizations working on
IDH statistics. It will provide guidelines on the collection of these
statistics in censuses and surveys, and on their dissemination and
analysis for policy purposes. Statistics Netherlands and the Swedish
International Development Authority (SIDA) are contributing support to
the preparation of the handbook.The second publication, Manual for the Development of Statistical
Information for Disability Programmes and Policies 2/ was published by
the United Nations in 1996. The Manual was prepared in collaboration
with the World Health Organization and supported by SIDA. It was written
specifically for programme managers who produce and use statistical
information to implement, monitor and evaluate disability policies and
programmes.
The United Nations had an opportunity to closely collaborate with
the American Foundation for the Blind through the special exhibit on
their 75 years of work for the Blind; Mr. Carl R. Augusto, Mr. Michael
M. Maney and Ms. Liz Greco participated in events for the United Nations
International Day for Disabled Persons. Mr. Maney was a presenter at the
non-governmental organizations briefing seminar.For 75 years, the American Foundation for the Blind has worked to
enable people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve equality of
access and opportunity. We develop, collect and share information,
analyse and resolve critical issues, promote capabilities, and research
and develop the best methods and devices to use in achieving
independence, including the creation and production of Talking Books.Helen Keller's work and courage has inspired us all to overcome
barriers in our lives and make significant contributions to our families,
our communities and our world. Helen Keller (1880-1968), who became deaf
and blind at the age of 18 months, was a champion of people who are blind
or visually impaired. Throughout her life, she spoke and wrote
tirelessly, met famous and ordinary people both sighted and blind, and
campaigned to have people with disabilities included in the everyday life
of our country. For 44 years, she represented AFB in the United States
and abroad.Some persons who are blind cannot see anything at all, while others
can see light, recognize shapes and read large print. And many persons
who are visually impaired use special devices to assist them in
performing visual tasks, such as reading small print and focusing on
objects in the distance.Accommodations easily made in our surroundings assist people who are
blind or visually impaired to participate fully in everyday life.
Braille signs, warning sounds, bright and contrasting colours, enlarged
type, descriptive audio and Talking Books provide blind or visually
impaired people with independent access to places and information.Medical advances allow more premature babies to survive and more
people to live longer, but many of these newborns have multiple
disabilities, and visual impairments are common with advancing age.
Accidents and diseases also contribute to the growing numbers of people
living with blindness and low vision.A system of translating print letters into a touchable alphabet of
raised dots for blind readers was invented by the Frenchman Louis Braille
in 1829. Braille is the pathway to literacy for people who are blind,
because it provides a system for reading and writing. Many devices have
been developed that allow communication in braille.A wide variety of devices and adaptations for blind or visually
impaired people have been developed or reviewed by AFB since its
engineering research programme was established in the 1920s. Throughout
its history, when manufacturers have declined to be involved due to small
markets, AFB has often financed, researched or marketed these devices.
When manufacturers develop a new product, AFB often provides independent
evaluation for makers and users.AFB pioneered development of the long-playing record as the Talking
Book in 1932, 15 years before this technology was available to the
public. Since 1934, AFB has been producing Talking Books for the Library
of Congress to distribute through the National Library Service for the
Blind and Physically Handicapped. More than 500 titles are made annually
by AFB for this programme. Today, audio tape is the primary medium, and
AFB produces 100,000 miles of it each year.Today, many Americans who are blind or visually impaired are
employed and participate fully in society. AFB created opportunities
through legislative advocacy, and continues to be concerned with the need
for school placement options, career development and rehabilitation. Yet
challenges still exist: unemployment remains high, children do not have
equal opportunities and our health - care system fails to address all the
needs of the increasing numbers of people who become blind or visually
impaired.The Careers and Technology Information Bank (CTIB) is a network of
almost 2,000 blind or visually impaired persons who use technology at
work, in school and at home. A wide range of careers are represented in
CTIB.The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), of 1990 provides the
framework for eliminating discrimination against persons with
disabilities. AFB's ADA Consulting Group works with Governments and
companies to develop the changes that allow people who are blind or
visually impaired to live and work independently.Most of today's computer and internet software is operated by
pointing to pictures and menus. Few have been adapted for visually
impaired users. AFB strives to ensure full access to the information
superhighway by people who are blind or visually impaired.People who become blind or visually impaired regain their
independence by learning new skills, in the same way that someone who
loses a leg learns to walk with special aids. Our health-care system,
however, fails to cover vision-related rehabilitation services, such as
learning to use a mobility cane, although reimbursement for physical
therapy is routinely given. As our population ages, helping people who
experience vision loss learn to live independently becomes increasingly
important.AFB responds to 100,000 inquiries annually, using its expertise and
resources, such as the M.C. Migel Memorial Library, the world's largest
collection on blindness and visual impairment, and the Helen Keller
Archives. Access to this information, including bibliographies, fact
sheets, the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, and AFB Press
books, pamphlets, video and audio tapes in several languages, can be made
through a toll-free information line and the Internet.For additional information, contact: Ms. Liz Greco
11 Penn Plaza
Suite 300
New York, NY 10001
Tel.: (212) 502-7614
E-mail: lgreco@afb.org
Independence Alliance is a non-profit organization whose objective
is to remove the barriers which still lead to the perception that
disabled people are second-class citizens. Independence Alliance aims to
create an environment where people of all abilities can make the most
with what they have.The Alliance focuses on funding for a number of innovative
programmes to help level the playing field.The activities planned include various fields of questions related
to people with disabilities.Independence Alliance promotes accessibility to various facilities.
It plans to subsidize the purchase of equipment and assistive products
to improve the quality of life, and also gives scholarship and tuition
grants etc. The Alliance supports small businesses with the costs of
adapting to make it possible for them to employ people with disabilities.For information and membership applications, contact:
Independence Alliance,
316 Westbury Avenue Carle Place,
NY 11514
United States of America
Tel: 1-516-334-5140
Fax: 1-516-876-7375
Email: alliance@webspan.net
The Appropriate Health Resource Technologies Action Group (AHRTAG),
is an international agency specializing in primary health-care
information provision.Essential CBR Information Resources is a new publication of
AHRTAG, providing a list of key readings in community-based
rehabilitation (CBR) for developing countries. The target groups of the
new publication will be people working in CBR and community health
programmes for disabled people and organizations for disabled persons,
and students and researchers in the areas of disability, development and
disability rights. Essential CBR Information Resources contains details
of books, articles, manuals, videos etc.
Copies are available for free to developing countries (US$ 10 for others)
from AHRTAG.For further information, contact:
Ann Robins or Kaye Stearman,
AHRTAG,
Farringdon Point,
29-35 Farringdon Road,
London EC1M 3JB,
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Tel: 171-242 0606
Fax: 171-242-0041
E mail: ahrtag@gn.apc.org
The European Day of Disabled Persons (held on about 3 of December)
focuses on the theme "Equal Opportunities: equal participation", and
seeks to convert the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities
for Persons with Disabilities into tangible programmes, along with other
European instruments favouring equal opportunities and respecting human
rights for disabled people. All non-governmental organizations and
organizations of and for disabled people are invited to encourage local
and national activities on about 3 December and to inform the secretariat
of the European Day of Disabled Persons, who will publicise their
initiatives.For further information on European Union Programmes and other
action taken by the European Union and its bodies, contact:European Day of Disabled Persons Secretariat
7 Boulevard Clovis,
B-1000 Brussels,
Belgium
Tel/ Fax: 2-280-14-12
The World Institute on Disability of Oakland, California,
coordinates follow-up activity to the Fourth World Conference on Women,
held in Beijing.The International Leadership Forum for Women with Disabilities will
be held from June 16 to 20 June 1997 in the Washington, D.C. area,
followed by an intensive leadership training institute for approximately
30 women with disabilities, to be held at Eugene, Oregon.The main topics of the Forum are:
(a) Overview of legislation and policy;
(b) Education and exchange of opportunities;
(c) Current employment and vocational training;
(d) Skills of development.For further information, contact:
Ms. Kathy Martinez, Project Director,
510 16th Street, Suite 100,
Oakland, CA 94612,
Tel: (510) 251-4326
Fax: (510) 763-4109;
Email: kathy@wid.org
From 22 to 25 August 1996, the International Federation of Disabled
Workers and Civilian Handicapped (FIMITIC) held a seminar with workshops
on the topic "Disability + motherhood = Human Right?" Some 50
representatives from 15 European countries discussed various issues
related to disability, such as sexuality, partnership, pregnancy and
reactions of the social environment, as well as personal help and
technical aids for mother and child.At the seminar, FIMITIC also passed a resolution which urges society
to see human rights as women's rights, equally accorded to women with
disabilities.For general information on FIMITIC, contact:
FIMITIC, c/o Sozialverband Reichsbund e. v.,
Beethovenalle 56-58,
D-53173 Bonn,
Germany
The United Nations has recently been advised that People First of
Anchorage, Alaska, a grass-roots self-advocacy organization for people
who experience developmental disabilities, plans to organize an
international self-advocacy conference on the theme "Pursue the
challenge: leadership conference for self-advocates" from 22 to 25 April
1998. Conference organizers would appreciate advice and assistance in
contacting international disability rights specialists concerning the
planning and organization of this major event. Interested parties can
obtain more information from:Joe Pichler,
Conference Chairperson, or
Beverly Tallman Center for Human Development: University Affiliated
Program
2330 Nichols Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
Tel.: 907-272-8270
Fax.: 907-274-4802
e-mail: AYPPLFA@UAA.Alaska.eduThe conference Steering Committee has identified the following "strands"
for the conference:(a) Closing institutions
(b) Removing barriers
(c)Working across groups
(d) Dealing with the law
(e) Introduction to the United Nations activities and to
international disabilities rights.
Background
The Fund was established pursuant to General Assembly resolution
32/133, in connection with preparations for the 1981 International Year
of Disabled Persons. The General Assembly decided in its resolution
40/31 that the Fund would be renamed the Voluntary Fund for the United
Nations Decade of Disabled Persons (1983-1992), and that its resources
would support catalytic and innovative action to implement further the
World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons. By its resolution
47/88, the General Assembly decided that the Fund would continue in the
period beyond the Decade as the United Nations Voluntary Fund on
Disability, and that its terms of reference would include support for
action to achieve the target of a "Society for all" by the year 2010, as
endorsed by the General Assembly in its resolution 45/91.With an estimated 10 per cent of the world's population experiencing
some form of disablement, the Fund directs special attention to
supporting catalytic and innovative action, which will: (a) promote
greater awareness of disability issues and exchanges of knowledge and
experience; (b) build national capacities and institutional capabilities
for integrated policies and programmes in the disability field and for
national disability legislation; (c) improve data collection, applied
research and evaluation, (d) facilitate pilot efforts; and (e) promote
wide dissemination of appropriate disability technologies. Fund
assistance has contributed to expanding technical exchanges in Africa and
in Asia, and to building networks among centres for training and research
and disability organizations. Recent actitivies assisted by the Fund
have contributed to the introduction of new and expanded
income-generating opportunities among people with disabilities (Honduras,
Jordan and the United Republic of Tanzania); strengthening organization
and delivery of rehabilitation services (Mali); introduction of
community-based measures for early detection of disabilities among
children (Mali); and improving communication capacities for people with
disabilities, such as through support of publication of a Philippine
dictionary of sign language.Since becoming operational, the Fund has provided more than US$3.6
million in co-financing grants to 219 disability projects worldwide.
Moreover, the capacity of the Fund to complement in both a technical and
financial sense other forms of assistance available to Governments and
to organizations of persons with disabilities is evident from the way in
which its efforts have contributed to the mobilization of more than five
times as many additional resources for each grant made. The multiplier
effect of Fund-supported action demonstrates the way in which its
substantive contributions and seed-money grants on request can strengthen
policies and programmes in the field of disability.
Project cycle activities in the 1990s
The Fund focuses on support for catalytic action in the disability
field. During the period 1990-1996, training was the principal activity
among the 106 projects supported by the Fund, followed by information
support and technical exchanges (see table 2). The Fund provided nearly
US$ 1.5 million in co-financing grants for these activities (see table
1), grants ranging from US$5,000 to US$ 20,000.More than 90 per cent of the Fund-assisted projects have been
implemented in the developing regions of Africa, Asia, Latin America and
the Caribbean, and Western Asia; these projects also received the
corresponding share of the resources disbursed. The remaining projects
supported have been of a global or an interregional nature aimed at
delivering the benefit of Fund-assisted activities to the maximum number
of disabled persons possible.The majority of Fund-assisted projects in the 1990s are being
implemented by non-government organizations (90 per cent), in cooperation
with Governments. This reflects their rapidly increasing presence in not
only promoting but also planning and taking responsibility in cooperation
with Governments to carry out a wide range of catalytic and innovative
action in the social field (see table 3).The Arab Gulf Programme for the United Nations Development
Organizations (AGFUND) has continued to be a major partner in supporting
the activities of the Fund. Since 1990, co-financing agreements have
been signed with AGFUND for nine disability projects, representing
US$337,000 in co-financing grants. In 1996, there are two completed
projects, four are currently ongoing and one is being processed for
release of the AGFUND co-financing grant.Selected projects experience
Burkina Faso (BKF/92/D11): this project was implemented by a local
non-governmental organization, the Association des parents d'enfants
ence'phalopathes, in Ouagadougou. In 1995, the Fund co-financed
US$15,000 to cover the cost of 22 staff members of the Association for
training in Benin and France. The trainees learned the different
approaches to provide rehabilitation programmes for mentally
disabled children.Regional Eastern Africa (RAF/95/D01): a project to increase
wheelchair production in Eastern Africa, it was implemented by Wheel
Mobility Centre of San Francisco State University, in cooperation with
the Union of Disabled Persons in Kenya and the National Council of
Churches of Kenya, and has been very successful in producing wheelchairs
for disabled women in Kenya and Zimbabwe. The grant of US$30,00 co-
financed the cost of transporting wheelchair kits to these countries and
of setting up a pilot training workshop organized with the help of local
non-governmental organizations in Kenya and Zimbabwe. In this way, local
women with disabilities have learned about the construction, repair/and
maintenance of wheelchairs that are suitable for their country.Interregional (INT/96/D18): in the summer of 1996 in Atlanta1/, the
Third Paralympic Congress was held a week just before the Paralympic
Games. A grant of US$20,000 co-financed participation by 11
representatives from least developed countries in the Congress.Table 1.United Nations Voluntary Fund on Disability:
projects supported and grants disbursed by region,
January 1990-December 1996
(United States dollars)Region No. of Value of projects grantsAfrica 32 501,420 Asia & the Pacific 22 294,000 Latin America and Caribbean 14 134,675 Western Asia 20 262,800 Europe 2 18,407 Interregional/global 16 272,624 Total 106 1,483,926Table 2.United Nations Voluntary Fund on Disability:
projects supported and grants disbursed, by area of activity,
January 1990 - December. 1996
(United States dollars)Area No. of Value of projects grantsInformation 20 245,724 Training a/ 66 889,332 Technical exchanges 11 223,990 Institution building 3 30,400 Income generation 3 40,000 Pilot action (technical aids) 1 6,000 Development of human resources 20 240,000a/ Including 5 projects with both training and income-generation
components.Table 3. United Nations Voluntary Fund on Disability:
projects supported and grants disbursed, by project implementing agent,
January 1990 to December 1996Implementing agent No. of Value of projects grantsNon-governmental organization 85 963,259 Government/ministry 3 78,000 United Nations 14 206,140 Others (universities/research institutes) 4 52,907Multiplier effect of grants from the Fund
Although grants from the Fund are modest - some US$20,000 on average
- their catalytic role in implementation of the World Programme of Action
has been significant. Available data indicate that every dollar provided
from the Fund as a grant has resulted in the mobilization of an
additional four to five dollars for activities of benefit to disabled
persons. Furthermore, the Fund has been very effective in promoting
greater awareness of disability-related issues by its support of those
activities which are often overlooked in large-scale development plans,
and its provision of small but critically needed financial and technical
resources.Project co-financing experience
In order to augment the resources of the Fund, which are
considerably less than those required to meet the resource needs of many
priority projects received, the Fund has sought to establish co-financing
arrangements with bilateral development agencies, non-governmental
funding entities and the private sector. Chief among these
relationships has been the Fund's co-operation with AGFUND in co-
financing a number of disability-related projects.In recognition of his distinguished leadership and initiative in the
disability field, the Secretary-General of the United Nations had the
honour to present a testimonial to His Royal Highness Prince Talal Bin
Abdul Aziz Al Saud, President of AGFUND.Project co-financing contributions have also been effected with the
Canadian International Development Agency, Cooperation for Development,
a non-governmental organizaton in the United Kingdom, and Austrian Red
Cross.For more information on the Fund,contact:
John Langmore, Director
Division for Social Policy and Development
United Nations Secretariat, Room DC2-1370
New York 10017
United States of America
Tel.(212) 963-3060
The Disability Dimension in the Development Action:
Manual on Inclusive Planning(published on behalf of the United Nations by the National Research
and Development Centre for Welfare and Health, Helsinki)The Manual provides guidance on how to design an inclusive policy
framework to undertake development planning toward the achievement of a
society for all, where people with disabilities can exercise their human
rights and responsibilities and have equal opportunity to achieve well-
being as full citizens. The Manual presents guidelines on participatory
planning and discusses approaches to ensure that the development planning
process is sensitive to the disability dimension at every step of the
programme design and the project cycle. The Manual provides step-by-step
advice and practical examples on how sensitivity to disability issues can
be reflected in development programme and projects. There are also
examples of disability-sensitive project documentation and a screening
instrument, "rapid disability nalysis" (RDA)."Society for all" home page
Through the Internet one can access the "Society for all" home page
(http: //www.stakes.fi/sfa), which includes, updated fact sheets of
development activities that serve as examples of good practice in the
application of the inclusive approach to disability.
Notes
1/ World Health Organization, International Classification of
Impairment, Disabilities, and Handicaps
(Geneva, World Health Organization, 1980, reprint 1993).2/ United Nations publication, Sales No. E.96.XVII.4; forthcoming.
The Disabled Persons Bulletin is published three times a year in
English, French and Spanish by the United Nations Secretariat. Please
address correspondence to:Editor, Disabled Persons Bulletin
Division for Social Policy and Development
United Nations Secretariat, Room DC2-1342
New York, NY 10017
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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