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Disabiled Persons Bulletin
Introduction
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.
Contents
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.
^Return to top.
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.
^Return to top.
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.
United Nations activities concerning the blind
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.
^Return to top.
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.
^Return to top.
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.
^Return to top.
American Foundation for the Blind
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.edu
The 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.
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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 grants
Africa 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 1,483,926
Table 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 grants
Information 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 20 240,000
a/ 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
1996
Implementing agent No. of Value of
projects grants
Non-governmental organization 85 963,259
Government/ministry 3 78,000
United Nations 14 206,140
Others (universities/research
institutes) 4 52,907
Multiplier 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
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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.
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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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