NGO PERSPECTIVES for Full Participation and Equality

Task force on Public Awareness

ESCAP Decade Agenda for Action

RNN Report on Public Awareness

Report developed by RNN Task Force Public Awareness
Coordinator: Noman Khan (Bangladesh)

1.0 Introduction

RNN had taken the initiative to assess the progress of the different member countries with regards to the targets of the ESCAP Decade agenda for action 1993 ~ 2002. As a step of this initiative RNN had established 13 Task Forces to review the Decade achievements and shortfalls. It corresponds to 12 policy areas of the Agenda for Action of the AP Decade with an additional area on "women and girls with disabilities". 'Public Awareness' is among these Task Forces. These reports developed by the NGO representatives will provide input to the ESCAP High-Level Intergovernmental Meeting at Japan in October 2002.

The major objectives of this initiatives:

Evaluate the progresses of the decade in each RNN member country / areas by NGOs.
Identify issues and problems of each country/areas and Asian Pacific Regions for full participation and equality of people with disabilities.
Propose a future action plan for the regional cooperation as Post Decade Action of NGOs and GOs.

The targets of Agenda for Action under Public Awareness as stated in the Agenda document are:

To undertake immediate action to ensure that the national and provincial print and electronic mass media, including the private sector and the folk media, feature issues related to the Decade through regular and accurate coverage that improves public awareness and attitudes concerning people with disabilities.
To undertake phased action to encourage all education and training institutions, government agencies and NGOs that implement programs and projects for children and youth to identify and provide means of ensuring that disabled children and youth are included in activities designed for all children and young persons.
To encourage immediate action by ministries of education and all other relevant agencies to initiate a review of all educational and functional literacy materials, in different formats, in use in each country and area, with a view to excluding content that is derogatory towards persons with disabilities, and with a view to including illustrations and references that support the inclusion of persons with disabilities in mainstream community life.
To encourage immediate action to ensure the issuance of first-day covers and commemorative stamps promoting the full participation and equality of persons with disabilities in the Asian and Pacific region
To advocate the inclusion of disability issues in information and media policies and program, as well as the provision of appropriate time and space for disability concerns, and the prohibition of the depiction of negative and inaccurate images of persons with disabilities in performances, especially comedies, films and cartoons.
To encourage government agencies and NGOs to establish a press clipping service to comment documentation on media efforts concerning the raising of public awareness and the improvement of attitudes towards persons with disabilities.
To promote, at regional, national and sub-national levels, all cultural activities (including art and the performing arts) and sports by people with disabilities, as part of public awareness campaigns to highlight the abilities and aspirations of persons with disabilities
To develop and include disability as a mainstream development issue in the curricula for pre and in service training of public administration and technical personnel in all sectors, in order to facilitate multisectoral collaboration on disability issues, and to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all mainstream development activities

1.1 Methodology and process for development of report

Initiatives were taken by the Public Awareness task force to collect information from all RNN member countries in accordance to the RNN guidelines. Efforts were taken to collect information from the RNN members of the concerned countries. Besides this other sources of information, including the Internet, was considered in the information assimilation process. The task force used the following methods and tools for information collection:

Based on the guidelines as provided by RNN, an information collection tool was designed. The tool covered all the targets under public awareness. For easier reporting each of the targets was broken down on specific issues of the broader targets.
The tool was circulated to all concerned RNN members along with other possible sources of information of each relevant countries.
Available ESCAP reports along with different relevant documents were assessed for collection of information.
The existing websites were accessed through the Internet for relevant information.
Compilation of relevant information as found from the different sources.

1.2 Limitations of the report

The task force expected to develop the report with specific target wise achievements with a scale ranking and the justification of these rankings. But despite of repeated persuasions to the concerned sources of the different countries a limited feedback was received. These feedbacks were not in the desired form of information on achievements and rankings. In such a situation the task force had to concentrate on secondary sources of information like, ESCAP documents, country reports and Internet Websites. Based on the findings the task force came up with a compiled statement of interventions in connection of public awareness issues. Although attempts have been made, information from some of the countries was not available.

Reflection of achievements of individual countries by Sub-regions

East and Northeast Asia

China

As regular initiatives; sports, games and arts festivals were held at national, provincial and city level. Special Awards have been declared on (a) National Day of Assisting People with disabilities, (b) Young Pioneer assisting People with disabilities, (c) Young volunteers assisting People with Disabilities and (d) Model of assisting People with Disabilities.
Through these initiatives society has become more understanding, respectful and caring of people with disabilities. With higher self- respect, self- confidence, they have become aware of self- improvement and are more self- reliant. Disabled persons are participating more actively and are contributing to society. Disabled people are also gradually becoming more aware of the laws protecting their rights.

Hong Kong China

Launched publicity programs and activities including seminars, exhibition, road shows etc. to promote a positive image of people with disabilities.
Mental health month observed in October each year to promote public awareness and acceptance of people with mental problems.
Observed International Day of Disable Persons both by Government and NGOs. The message of "Society for All" has been disseminated.
A number of TV episodes and announcements of public interests on talents and abilities of PWDs produced since 1994.
The Government has formulated policies to encourage and facilitate students with disabilities to receive mainstream' education.
In July 2001, a code of practice on education was introduced under the Disability Discrimination Ordinance to provide guidelines and advice to students with disabilities and education service providers.
To commemorate the conclusion of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons in December 2002, the Post Office will issue a special first-day cover and postmark.
Support has been provided to disabled athletes in the country.
To promote the employment of People With Disabilities, the Labor Department conducts publicity activities on a regular basis to enhance the understanding of employers and the public about the working abilities of disabled people. These activities include annual awards to outstanding disabled employees and enlightened employers, exhibitions, seminars and radio programs.

Japan

'Person with Disabilities Day' is observed on December 9th to increase public awareness on disability issues.
'Week for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities' declared starting from the International Day of Disabled Persons (December 3rd) until "Person with Disabilities Day" (December 9th). Aim of the declaration is to develop activities that encourage the willingness of persons with disabilities to participate in society and be self-reliant, and further deepen understanding and awareness among the Japanese people on issues regarding disabled persons. Based on the objective, the national government works to raise public awareness through the media, while local governments and organizations of disabled persons hold numerous commemorative programs.
In April 2001, World health Day's theme was "Mental Health". Taking advantage of the occasion, the Japanese Government carried out various projects (ex. publication about Mental Health) to educate the public.

Mongolia

Increasing awareness in the public for the development of positive mental environment on supporting the people with disabilities and cooperation with them.
In order to intensify the activities of the Decade of the Disabled the Government of Mongolia proclaimed the year 2001 as " The year of Promotion of the Disabled" and achieved remarkable results.
The governmental and non-governmental organizations have been undertaking activities in assisting the people with disabilities.

South Asia

Brunei Darussalam

Various awareness campaigns through the mass media such as radio, television and newspapers, pamphlets, workshops, seminars and religious talks carried out by the government and NGOs.
Parental participation in the training of people with disabilities is being given utmost importance.
A family support system, including a group of caregivers such as therapists, volunteers and parents themselves is being facilitated to provide emotional support.

Through these activities the general public of Brunei Darussalam are now more accepting the people with disabilities.

Cambodia

National public awareness activities in the country is carried-out by DAC with GO, NGO and IO involvement.
NGOs initiated public awareness activities.
International Day of Disabled, International Women's Day observed regularly.
Cambodian Handi - Sports Day celebrated annually.
Educating influential groups such as teachers, monks, healthcare workers, government institutions and NGOs are also helping to change the people's attitudes
Arranged sports with contests and games in which all the participants are disabled.
Public awareness is enhanced through periodical press releases, radio and television broadcasts on the services available and the rehabilitation of disabled persons.

Indonesia

International Day of Disabled Persons observed regularly.
National Movement on Public Accessibilities (GAUN 2002) established on June 4, 2000.
A variety of talk shows, published articles and journals regarding social welfare of persons with disabilities through mass media, held sports events, exhibition of persons with disabilities' products conducted.

Laos People's Democratic Republic

A translated report on the review of the progress that Asian and Pacific countries made two years into the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, was published and distributed to all government ministries, organizations and all provincial offices in early 1996. This has helped change attitudes of the people towards people with disabilities.
In April 1996, the country held a medical conference aimed at establishing measures to strengthen the provision of medical rehabilitation services and improve the system of providing such services at the provincial and district levels.
Conference on Cooperation for Disabled Persons was held in September 1996. 24 representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and provincial health services and rehabilitation units attended the conference.
From 1995 a course on medical rehabilitation was included in the medical studies curriculum at the local university

Malaysia

The Government media carried out various programs such as frequent talk shows, interviews, and programs in TV and radio on related topics.
The newspaper also featured special reports and write-ups on issues concerning people with disabilities.
Trailer films and jingles were produced and broadcasted over television and radio in conjunction with the annual celebration of people with disability day.
Campaign 1999 was organized in Malaysia.
1st Asian Para Games was held.
Special Concert by people with disabilities was organized.
RTM and National Film department have also produced several documentary films, which highlighted the success stories and achievements of people with disabilities in various fields. These films were broadcasted over TV Malaysia since 1997 and re- aired from time to time.
Sign Language has been included in daily time news on TV-1 of RTMs
Information on importance of registering children with disabilities was disseminated through the electronic and print media so that the children with disabilities could receive the opportunities of education and skill training.
The children with disabilities were enrolled in the various special schools for children with disabilities set up by the Ministry of education.
The planning and implementing agencies for government projects have become more sensitive towards the needs of people with disabilities in their planning for various govt. and public buildings in general.
Highlighted the abilities and achievement of People With Disabilities through different events and media.
Information to People With Disabilities disseminated.

The above promotional activities have helped to create public awareness, positive attitudes, ensure accessibility, disabled- friendly buildings, discarded discrimination against people with disabilities.

Myanmar

Observed International Day of Disabled person since 1994, to commemorate the annual International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December, skill contests in art, singing, dancing, and cane weaving are held. People with different disabilities take part enthusiastically in these events. Blind persons' football matches attract a lot of interest and attention. These awareness-raising activities, focusing on the skills demonstrated by the differently able person, have been very effective.
International White Cane day is being observed annually since 1992
Public awareness activities intensified through national media and other activities.
Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, together with the non-governmental organizations (NGOs), have worked towards creating more awareness through various activities, special programs, advertisements and showing the daily activities of special schools on television.
Televised coverage of special occasions such as the celebration of the International Day of Disabled Persons, annual disabled sports events and blind persons' football matches.
Stage shows by schools for blind persons held in Myanmar.
Talent shows jointly performed by blind persons, persons with physical disabilities and intellectually disabled persons.
Christmas concert performed by people with speech and hearing impairment.
An awareness workshop and advocacy meeting in 1996 was held for health workers organized by the Ministry of Health
Most of NGOs have included public awareness raising issues in their training program.

Philippines

IEC materials developed and advocacy campaigns regularly conducted on disability issues;
National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week observed as an initiative for the promotion and advocacy of disability issues;
Puppetry used as a popular media to generate public awareness of disability issues and positive attitudes towards people with disabilities;
Nationwide radio programs broadcasted weekly, anchored by disabled persons and with a focus on disability issues;
Organizations of disabled persons participated in different programs with a focus on disability issues;
Commemorative Stamp on AP Decade 1998 issued.
Youths With Disabilities took part in Philippine National Games;
CONCERN Magazine and other publications made with focus on disability issues.
Media publicity made regularly on disability issues.
National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week observed.
Special features on disability issues published.
Clipping of all press releases on disability concern issues maintained.
Produced and distributed special Education Posters for nationwide SPED campaign.
Department of Education, Cultural and Sports with NGO and other agencies developed functional literacy and educational material in different formats and dialects to include illustrations and references that support the inclusion of PWDs in mainstream community life;
Participated in international events - Abilympics, paralymics, FESPIC Games, national and regional cultural and sports activities, and integration of National Abilypics with TESDA's Philippine National Skills Competition to expand work opportunities for competitions with disabilities;

Singapore

A booklet on the use of proper terminology was printed by NCSS in 1995 and disseminated to the public.
The government funds NCSS to mount public education and awareness programs with the objective of increasing public awareness on the abilities of people with disabilities.
"Disabled does not mean Unable" was adopted for the public awareness program in 1994 and 1995.
The model Employer and Model Employee Awards were introduced in 1996 to give recognition to outstanding employers who have contributed significantly to the employment of persons with disabilities and to disabled employees who have served as role models at work for others.
NCSS has produced a booklet on early identification and management of children with development disabilities in 2002, with the input of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and MCDS.

Thailand

The Thai Government allocated financial resources (around 4000000 bath) to celebrate the International Day for the Disabled Person.
In 1999, Thailand hosted the Seventh Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled or the FESPIC Games.
On 3rd December, the International Day of Disabled Persons, business employing persons with disabilities as well as people who work for persons with disabilities are selected to receive a plaque from the Prime Minister in recognition of their contribution.

Viet Nam

Vietnam hosted the 9th Campaign of Asia-Pacific Decade of Disabled Person in December 2001 in Hanoi.
The mass media has increased its coverage of PWDs. Such as traditional art, songs, dance and drama performed by People with Disabilities.

South and South-West Asia

Bangladesh

Initiatives had been taken by the NGOs in collaboration with the Government to publicize through the print media features with regard to the Decade. Publications of such features have allowed information access for the general mass with regard to the decade.
Steps have been undertaken to facilitate NGOs operating education programs to include people with disabilities. Teachers and related people have also been trained at a limited scale. The Ministry of Education (Directorate of Primary Education) have undertaken studies with the objective of formulating national policies and action plans for the inclusion of disabled learners in the primary education setup of the country.
The Government and NGOs have undertaken actions collaboratively for the issuance of articles in the national newspapers and magazines promoting the full participation and equality of persons with disabilities. These were focused with much more emphasis in days related to disability issues like the International Day for the Disabled Persons, National Day for the Disabled Persons, White Cane Safety Day, etc.
The role of NGOs and media has played a significant role to bring about changes in the lives of PWDs in recent days. The strong advocacy of NGOs and effective canvassing of media by highlighting the inner and hidden problems of PWDs have been considered a real breakthrough in this regard. All the events of national and international disabled days were telecast where TV spots, dramas, recreational programs, dialogues, policy advocacy programs were included.
Networking organizations on disability issues in the country is collecting documents on media efforts concerning raising public awareness towards the PWDs. There are also efforts by different individual NGOs to collect such clippings at the regional and national level.
The Ministry of Social Welfare, in association with the NGOs organizes regular cultural events in its observances of different days in the country. Many NGOs independently organize cultural and sports events for people with disabilities. A National Sports Federation has also been formed to facilitate furtherance of sports activities for people with disabilities. Steps have also been taken by the Government and NGOs to include people with disabilities in the mainstream sports of the country. All these initiatives and the praise-worthy performances of the people with disabilities in international sports events have contributed in raising public awareness on disability issues. These are however very limited, particularly to the city areas.
Initiatives have been taken by the Department of Social Services and NGOs to initiate an in-service course for the Departments' officials to receive an orientation course on disability issues. The training program has already started with a considerable number already trained. The topic of disability had also been incorporated in a training program of the Public Administration Training Center offering courses to senior level Government officials of Bangladesh.

India

Social Welfare and Development Fair are organized that cover on disability issues.
Government organizes national/international exhibitions on state of the art and traditional assistive device, barrier free features that facilitate public awareness.
Seminars, public awareness campaigns by NGOs, national Institutes to strive for inclusion of children and youth with disabilities in all activities designed for children and youth.
Stamp has been issued and media coverage done in the country.
Participated in Para-Olympics. Coverage on this issue has facilitated public awareness.
Pilot project to create awareness on capabilities of disabled persons implemented in 22 districts in the year 2002.
Module on disability concerns introduced in LBS national Academy of Administration for civil servants since 1999

Islamic Republic of Iran

Media coverage done regularly focusing on positive attitudes and encouraging public awareness.
International news on disability issues translated into local language.
Sports competitions and cultural programs for disabled persons held in the country.

Maldives

Since 1990, nationwide activities and campaigns to disseminate information on people with disabilities and the prevention of causes of disability have been carried out regularly through the mass media.

Nepal

Sign language is incorporated with television news.

Pakistan

Public sensitization achieved by means of many media, electronic and seminar presentations.
Mass awareness campaigns launched on National Television.
GO and NGO is active in promoting awareness to public on disability issues.
Awareness on Portage program carried out in the country.
Seminars on Special Education awareness conducted at some Universities.
The Directorate General of Special Education, under the Ministry of Women Development, Social Welfare and Special Education, established a national library and resource centre in Islamabad, to provide the following special education services:

Foreign books on Special Education;
Overseas journals;
Audio and video tapes on special education, mainly for course-participants and teachers at the national institute of special education;
Content page service (CPS) of overseas journals;
Reports and bulletins

Such initiatives on education have contributed in the development of public awareness.

Sri Lanka

The International Day of the Disabled Persons is commemorated annually by the Ministry of Social Welfare with the aim of promoting awareness among the general public to eradicate negative attitudes and also to give an understanding about their rights for equal opportunity and equal participation.
Wide publicity has been promoted through print and electronic media to the World Program of Action and ESCAP Agenda for Action.
Action had been taken to conduct workshops, conferences, sports meets to deliver the message to the public.
Each year the Ministry selects a special "theme" on the International Day of the Disabled Person and continues with the relevant programs
Workshops on psychosocial rehabilitation, employment for the disabled, accessibility to built environment, community based rehabilitation etc have been held, to make the offices and the public aware about the subject.

Turkey

In order to increase the public awareness about disability and people with disabilities; competitions, meetings, symposiums, panels and employment of people with disabilities have been arranged.
Number of documents including disability issues (such as disability prevention, rehabilitation, special education, accessibility, vocational training and employment) published by governmental and non-governmental organizations.
A cine- vision show about the disabled individuals and their lives were filmed and sent to the municipals to be used for increasing public awareness. Short films are prepared for preventing the causes of disability and are disseminated to all national and local television companies.
"Catalog of the agencies serving for disabled people" were prepared and last updated in 2000.
"Improving transport for people with mobility handicap" publicized by European conference of ministries of transportation translated into national language and sent to the local and central authorities to guide them in their works related with disability.
"Nutrition diet in Disability" book mentioning about the disabilities related with malnutrition and the diets and techniques for certain types of disabilities, were sent to the all rehabilitation centres, special education centres and schools, hospitals and the disability organizations.
In 1998 a study was conducted to detect disability rate and cause of disability among population above 65 years in elder people's home in Turkey. The data and the related suggestions were collected in a book called "Evaluation of Disabilities in Elderly People".
"Guide for Employment of Disabled" were published and distributed to related agencies and disabled individuals through disability organization.
Recommendations and decisions of United Nations and "Standard Rules for the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disability" were translated into national language and disseminated to national and local governmental institutions and non-governmental organizations related disability issues.

North and Central Asia

Armenia

TV and Print media focused on issues to disability to raise public awareness.
Seminars with participants of NGOs held to share on disability.

Uzbekistan

Materials developed by disability specialties published in local press with an effort to raise awareness.
Brochures and booklets on disability issues published in the country.
Meetings of specialists and disabled persons held.
Issues of disability and rehabilitation and occupational diseases covered in media.

Pacific

Cook Islands

Conducted a National Public Awareness Raising Workshop with representation of People with Disabilities, care-givers, parents, concerned government representatives from all islands of the Cook Islands with the theme of: "The Rights of People with Disabilities to quality life, are Human Rights".
The Cook Islands National Disability Council has been initiated in March 2001.
The media (radio, TV and newspapers) has been used to bring awareness to all on the issue of disability.
Screened the two ESCAP video tapes ("To be seen, heard and counted", "Freedom from Barriers" and "Things we don't talk About" produced in Vanuatu) on their national television as a lead up to the second national workshop on Advocacy Training in October 2001

Fiji

International Day for Disabled Persons - celebrated annually to promote public awareness
Stamp issued to depict Asian and Pacific Decade and disability development in Fiji

Federated states of Micronesia

International Day for Disabled Persons Observed.
Radio programs, booklets and posters have been used for public awareness.
Conferences and workshops also conducted as part of public awareness

New Zealand

The New Zealand Disability Strategy was launched in April 2001 and has objectives relating to public awareness.
The Mental Health Commission was established in 1996 and responsible for public awareness campaigns that reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.
The Ministry for Disability Issues has a regular newsletter "Participate" which facilitate development of public awareness on disability issues.

Samoa

Extensive media coverage done on achievements by PWD
Increased participation of PWD in cultural activities facilitated.

No Information was found from the following countries/areas:

Afghanistan, American Samoa, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Caledonia, Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, French Polynesia, Georgia, Guam, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kyrgyz Stan, Macao China, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Niue, Northern islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu.

Conclusion:

The report has only been able to portray a limited picture of the 'Public Awareness' activities in the member countries of the Asian Pacific Region in accordance to the Decade Target. But there are undoubtedly much more that already has been achieved in these countries. One of the biggest limitations has been that the task force team was unable to find information on a large number of countries in this region.

Although the information provided through this report do not reflect achievements addressing the specified targets of agenda for action but it is quiet evident from the findings that there is an overwhelming influence of the targets on the activities carried out in each country on public awareness. This is an indicator of the direct effect of the ESCAP declared decade on each of the countries. It has also been found that the emphasis of the member countries is to a large extent on issues related to raising public awareness on disability issues. Public awareness has been identified as an essential prerequisite area to be addressed to ultimately progress towards equalization of opportunities and rights for people with disabilities.

While compiling the data it has been realized that the impetus of the initiative on public awareness among the member countries has been towards the latter part of the decade. This has been able to create a platform in these countries to design and develop further initiatives in the future to progress systematically in collaborations with Government and Non-Government agencies in addressing the targets of the agenda for action. This will emphatically and systematically influence the concerned countries to address the needs of the people with disabilities in the forthcoming decade of the region.

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