Regional News
Condolence for the late Dr. Henry Enns
Dr. Henry Enns
The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability deeply regrets the sudden death of Dr. Henry Enns, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre on Disability Studies (CCDS) and extends sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Henry passed away in Sri Lanka while on a research project for the Asia Development Bank. Henry and his wife Dr. Olga Krassioukova-Enns were the first visitors of the APCD Project in August 1st which was the first day of the APCD Project in Bangkok, Thailand. Henry wrote on our guest book, "A very special visit on the occasion of the inauguration of APCD. You have a wonderful vision. We look forward to much joint collaboration that will contribute to greater participation of people with disabilities in the Asia-Pacific and the whole world".
Dr. Henry and APCD staff
Henry was a pioneer, an activist, and a visionary for people with disabilities. He was a leader at the local, national and international levels all of his working life. At the age of 15 he contracted rheumatoid arthritis and by the age of 19 the disease put him in a wheelchair. Henry was the first General Secretary of DPI and later the President of DPI. He was the Canadian Government representative for the United Nations concerned with disability issues. Henry promised to collaborate with APCD in information exchange, the United Nations Student Scholarship student placement and the ADB poverty reduction program on disability population.
Henry's family decided to establish a "Henry Enns International Scholarship Fund on Disability Studies" through the CCDS. This fund may be used for PWDs in the Asia and Pacific Region. APCD hopes to continue his vision, passion and spirit.
Philippine' s Decade of Persons with Disabilities
President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared 2003-2012 as the Philippines Decade of Persons with Disabilities and ordered all government agencies and instruments to implement plans, programs and activities geared towards the development of Filipinos with disabilities based the country's National Plan of Action for the Decade.
