概要

The Foundation of the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD Foundation) was established in 2004 under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.  APCD Foundation has been conducting Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) Trainings since its inception, and is now recognized as the Asia-Pacific Regional Secretariat for the CBR Asia-Pacific Network endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

APCD's mission is to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) to become "Agents of Change" by promoting community-based inclusive development. APCD has made it a priority to train leaders with disabilities in the community to promote an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based community. 

WHO has the CBR Guidelines, which consist of a matrix with health, education, livelihood, social and empowerment components.  APCD has been developing CBR to empower PWDs and self-help organizations of PWDs by means of an empowerment model. Currently, we are promoting an accessible community model.

A PCD does not focus on disability, but rather on accessibility in the community in regards to health, education, income generation, the built environment, transportation, communication, recreation, sponsored religious activities, etc.

Since PWDs are the most knowledgeable about the needs of PWDs, the PWDs in the community will continue to live and work for sustainable inclusive development. The key leaders for the Asia-Pacific CBR activities have been PWDs; CBR trainings have been conducted for PWDs and service providers such as medical, educational, vocational, and social agencies.

This book is to be a guide for APCD's approach on community-based inclusive development. APCD Foundation acknowledges the commitment and tireless efforts of the leaders with disabilities and the professional service providers who have worked diligently to develop a better quality of life in the community through understanding and collaboration.