Message

Anne Hawker
Chair, Regional NGO Network for the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons

The Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons has enabled the Asia Pacific Region to continue the endeavours commenced in the Decade of the Disabled. The Agendas for Actions for the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons in tandem with the UN Standard Rules have enabled a focused development to occur. It has been recognised during this decade that information sharing throughout the region is crucial, if we are to maximise the experiences of the Region and together maximise the potential outcomes of the Decade. Modern communication methods have greatly enhanced the region to set and achieve common goals. Further they have greatly aided our abilities to keep abreast of what is happening in this Region. The Asia and Pacific Journal on Disability is another important tool in facilitating communication. The Regional NGO Network for the Promotion of the Asian and Pacific Decade is very proud to involve with its partner, the RI Regional Committee for the Asia and Pacific in the development of this Journal. Our thanks go to the editorial team of Dr Joseph Kwok of Hong Kong, Ms Karen Ngai of Hong Kong and Ms Carol Searle of New Zealand. This is your magazine, so please provide the editorial team with the ideas and information so that the success of this inaugural issue be repeated.

It is exciting as we reach the midpoint stage to have a Journal presenting the views of the region. The Regional NGO Network for the Promotion of the Asian and Pacific Decade looks forward to the completion of other planned projects, which will assist in the development of effective information dissemination in the Region and intra regional co-operation.

ASIA & PACIFIC JOURNAL ON DISABILITY

Vol.1, No. 1, September 1997

Published by the Asia and Pacific Regional Committee of Rehabilitation International (RI) and the Regional NGO Network (RNN)