概要

It is truly an honour to write the forward for this book. This book brings together highlights from the 1^st Asia-Pacific CBR Congress which was held in Bangkok on 18th-20^th February, 2009. This landmark Congress brought together Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) practitioners, policy makers, representatives of disabled persons' organizations and most importantly, persons with disability from all over the Asia-Pacific region. Our gratitude goes to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific(UNESCAP) who made this Congress possible and also our special thanks goes to all the supporting organizations, too numerous to mention.

The Congress gave us many, very unique experiences of what people are doing to create more and new possibilities for persons with disability in the region. And importantly, this is being done in ways that develop the different communities for everyone's benefit. It was wonderful meeting so many people from across the spectrum, ranging from academia to grass roots activity. There was much delight in seeing the work others were doing in making a difference, and many friendships were made.

An important outcome of the Congress was the formation of the CBR Asia-Pacific Network which will continue to promote CBR activity and research. This Network will also be responsible for promoting future Congresses.

This book has a main theme of applying the CBR strategy to promote and action, inclusive development. It covers broad areas from research, assistive technology, women with disabilities to rights as declared by the United Nations. Clearly, not all the areas that were covered at the Congress could be covered in a single book. But I believe there will be something of interest for everyone, in this book.

I am very happy that we now have a book that will not only stimulate delightful memories of the 1st Congress but which also will stimulate more inspiring thoughts and actions for the readers and the many people around the world involved with CBR work.