Non-handicapping Environment Workshop
16-18 February 2004, Bangkok, Thailand
ThailandIndian Policy Maker (left) and former Filipino Participant (right)
Before APCD was established, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security conducted Regional Training Courses for Trainers on the Promotion of a Non-handicapping Environment (NHE) for Persons with Disabilities in Bangkok, in March 2000 and February 2002. Acknowledging the effectiveness of the Training Courses, APCD decided to conduct another in February 2003. In the past, more than 90 persons from 13 countries in the Asia-Pacific region graduated from the Training Courses.
This year, a Non-handicapping Environment Workshop for National Trainers and Policy Makers was organized as part of a follow-up of former participants. In order to consolidate their efforts and achievements for the promotion of a NHE in their own countries, responsible policy makers were also invited for the Workshop and expected to enhance their relevant knowledge/skills. Twenty national trainers and 15 policy makers from 9 countries (Fiji, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Viet Nam and Thailand) participated. Resource persons came from Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the UK.
The comprehensive course included experiential exercises, field visits and developing Plans of Action for their respective countries.
Comments of former training participants:
"NHE is more a self-help initiative approach because it encourages independence and is proactive. It's a participative approach on the part for former training participants (FTP), which is good in that it fosters collaboration among the FTP and resource persons."
"The workshop was immaculate and delivered in a very constructive way. Intergovernmental cooperation would be a good idea to introduce in the next workshop."
Comments of policy-makers:
"This year's workshop is very good for policy makers to share experiences and knowledge about non-handicapping environments for PWDs' independent living."
"Certain case studies should be presented by resource persons on the actions taken by them to process codes/ standards in their countries and the various difficulties faced."
The resource persons facilitated a successful training course. Please read comments from some of them.
Mr. Joseph Kwan, Hong Kong
"This workshop was a report back session on what they have achieved within their own countries after attending the NHE courses from previous years. It provided an excellent opportunity for the Former Training Participants (FTP) to learn of the achievements and success stories of the other FTPs in their own countries, therefore being motivated and able to learn and adopt similar projects and programs for themselves. The Special Interest and Optional Sessions at the end of the day were also beneficial for the FTP and policy makers (PM) to learn and share their own experiences, to discuss their frustrations and deficiencies. The resourse persons (RP) at the same time advised the FTP and PM on ways to address and overcome their various problems. Finally, the development of Strategies and Action Plans by the FTP and PM together was a good positive exercise to practice collaboration and partnership between the two groups, to learn from each other and agree upon an Action Plan to move forward towards the implementation of this workshop in their own country. Personally, I highly value the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences with each and every participant from the Region, the privilege of collaborating in a most professional manner with other Resource Persons, all of whom are equally dedicated in the promotion of a NHE in the Asia and Pacific region."
Mr. Katsushi Sato, Japan
"I believe that an objective to foster the building of an access initiative network (AI Network) of technical personnel, PWDs, and personnel from governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations concerned with access issues in this region was achieved. Exchange/ dissemination of good practice from experience, as well as analysis of potential problems, effective solutions and all information on implementation in this region can give confidence to those who are going to implement a non-handicapping environment. I believe that APCD and AI network members (for example, FTP and resources persons) can play an important role in using all the experience gained in the series of workshops."
Dr. James D. Harrison, United Kingdom
"The value of bringing together policy makers and trained participants, who are able to demonstrate their achievements, is the major advance in the course. Thus, the course can utilize real-life examples of initiatives taken by members in the region, and share their experience and knowledge with the other participants in a meaningful way. One enduring question is "how to sustain the momentum gained by the course, and ensure that all participants produce positive outcomes on returning to their home countries."The continuity of APCD's program is thus a vital aspect of any evaluation, and of any forward planning."
Mr. Yoshihiko Kawauchi, Japan
Mr. Kawauchi (left) and the Workshop Participants
"During the workshop I couldn't help wondering why I was participating as a resource person. It's true in Japan we have learned much from the USA and Europe about accessibility and issues related to disabilities. We then applied that knowledge with necessary modifications to meet our needs. Each participant here can do the same based on what we shared. It was significant to have the policy makers included since a lack of awareness and understanding of disabilities is the biggest obstacle in establishing policies related to persons with disabilities."
Dr. Satoshi Kose, Japan
"With the mix of former trainers and newly enrolled policy makers, the 2004 Workshop covered different viewpoints, which are quite often difficult to gain when one is in their home country. The policy makers usually make their decisions from their own experience and knowledge, that is a top-down approach. Listening to various views and ideas, getting to know different situations of other participants and other countries, all of these were beneficial for these policy makers who joined the Workshop. They will be able to take up their roles with a broadened view. For example, with a bottom-up approach mixed with their former one when they will similarily take up the task."He also left some words for all the participants. "Now you have the knowledge and will soon have the tool to continue the training in your own country (with the package of videos). So it is your turn to train your colleagues, and to increase the number of people who understand and are willing to join the forces. Keep going!"
APCD wishes all participants success in their future endeavours as they seek to meet the needs of PWDs.
The Workshop Certificate Presentation
