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Disability Bill good but…

Posted on: 2-Jan-2008

The Volta Physically Challenged Independent Group (VOLPHIG), an association of physically challenged people in the Volta Region, has said the passage of the Disability Bill alone cannot be a panacea to the problems facing them.

It said it required collective and persistent advocacy and lobbying for the effective implementation of the legislation through the development of a strategy and working relationships with identified groups, stakeholders and government agencies to foster the speedy implementation of the Act.

Addressing the fifth anniversary get-together of the group at Ho the board chairman of VOLPHIG, Mr Joseph Dehole Dometi, said the excellent support and encouragement over the years by development partners and donors was commendable, adding that it was a way of assisting persons with disability to enter and participate in the mainstream of national development.

He mentioned them as MEND Trust of New Zealand, Democracy and Human Rights Fund of the US Embassy, Ibis West Africa, The Royals Netherlands Embassy, Feed the Mind of UK and the Voluntary Service Overseas(VSO).

Mr Dometi said locally they were in partnership with five disability non-governmental organisations to form a network known as Volta Disability Network (VODIN).

He said that revolving loans had been advanced to 135 members, mobility aids to over 90 members and residential vocational skills training and ICT for 21 members.

The programme head of the Department of Social Welfare, Mr Peter Hlovor, assured them that the department would continue to discharge its statutory obligations to support VOLPHIG and others to promote the welfare of the physically challenged.

He disclosed that with financial and material support from the Ho Municipal Assembly and the VSO the department had reactivated three projects in Tsawenu, Anyirawase and Awudome-Nkwanta.

This he said was to provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to promote and protect their human rights as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Source: Daily Graphic

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.myjoyonline.com/news/200801/11973.asp

Nigeria: Zhin Donates to Widows, Orphans, Disabled

Leadership (Abuja)
3 January 2008
Posted to the web 3 January 2008

Uzochukwu Obiekwe

Kuje Area Council chairman, Hon Danladi Etsu Zhin, has donated 50 bags of rice and clothes to about 200 widows, orphans and disabled residents in the Kuje Area Council, Abuja.

At the presentation programme held within the area council secretariat, Kuje, Hon Zhin urged the recipients to regard the presentations as a mark of love to them and the government's commitment to serving them.

He called on them to reciprocate the gesture by making their own little contributions for the progress of Kuje Area Council and the nation in general. "We are aware of the enormous contributions you can make to the success of this administration, as every one has been endowed by God with the ability to play certain roles that will add to the advancement of his/her immediate environment.

"I therefore employ you to look beyond your disadvantaged states and begin to explore those inherent potentials in you, which if well taped, will not only make you useful to yourself, but enable you affect the lives of others around you. All it requires is your determination to make a difference with your lives irrespective of your dispositions.", he added.

While commending the non-governmental organisations and bodies working among the underprivileged in the society. He called on them to continue with their good works "while calling on others to join these vanguards to sow into the lives of less less privileged in the society", he added.

The head of the committee of widows, orphans and disabled in Kuje Area Council, Mrs Abigail Odedokun, said that the recipients were identified through the 10 wards in the area council with the help of the village heads.

She said the choice of the recipients reflected both natives and non-natives and of different religions.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801030325.html

Nigeria: Bright Future for Blind Man

Daily Champion (Lagos)
3 January 2008
Posted to the web 3 January 2008

Lagos

Although Danlami Umaru Basharu, is physically blind, he can see a very bright future ahead of him. Unlike several millions like him in the country, who capitalize on their disabilities, to become a liability to members of the society, Basharu believes in the contrary and today, he is a force to reckon with.

The 48 -year- old man from a humble background is today with two master degrees, which he obtained from Europe. He has one important unanswered prayer which is concerning the estimated 19 million people under his leadership.

"My desire and only prayer, which is an age long one is to see that a clause in respect of disabled persons is enshrined in the country's constitution" says the Lagos-based lawyer, who is the current National President, National Joint Associations of Person with Disabilities (NJAPD), stressing that, "and once this is done, a reprieve in no small measure will come to disabled persons in the country. They will feel a sense of belonging and to a great extent, the issue of stigmatization and other standing associated problems facing disabled persons would by time, naturally fade away from the system".

Bashiru noted that the constitutions of some African countries including that of the South Africa and Uganda categorically recognize the rights of special persons, noting that the present Yar'Adua administration should do something similar without further delay.

He said after all, it is an undisputable fact that every society has disabled people, suffering physical, a sensory, mental or intellectual disability and also that everybody is vulnerable to the syndrome one way or the other.

To be able to champion the course of the disabled persons effectively therefore, Basharu equipped himself with wherewithal, particularly educationally. "Truly, it is not easy one standing to his feet to fight against a social ill with attendant obstacles", said Basharu, a man from educational disadvantaged state.

The father of one, and a former senior producer at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), who won the 1990 Julie Coker award as the best broadcaster of the year, told the story of how he lost his eyes to measles when he was three years old, and added that the burden of disabled persons in the country has become his.

Basharu, a lawyer and an alumnus of the prestigious Cambridge University, United Kingdom, where he had both his first and second degree in law, gave instances of some African countries' constitutions including South Africa's and Uganda's that both categorically provide for rights of disabled persons, saying is high time similar gesture held sway in Nigeria, an acclaimed giant of Africa.

"Let the disabled also have a feeling that Nigeria belongs to all of us. We should not be stigmatized, discriminated against and neither marginalized in our country. We are human beings just like every able bodied person", Basharu lamented. "So when the constitution makes provision that we too can contribute positively to the nation's socio-economic development, many of us would cease from being perpetual recipients. What I am saying is that we too are capable to be engaged in productive activities to earn our living rather than being recipients. We have knowledgeable people in our mist. We have them across fields and trades."

Basharu pointed out that under JNADP are six categories of persons which include: the blind, the deaf and dump, the spinal cord injury victims, the mentally ill, the lepers and the lame.

To coordinate these persons of disabilities, Basharu, who also has a master degree in Management Sciences from Durham University Business School, UK said the process is so tasking. How he said, it is as a result of the low level of literacy among members and importantly their peculiar features.

He said what many of them are not opportuned to carry out productive activities, which he said is based on the discrimination many of them face while seeking paid employment. He however said himself has been a victim of such unwholesome affairs but fused to speak further on the particular corporate organisation that such happened, asking rhetorically and furiously as well that: "How many companies or even government establishments in Nigeria will joyfully employ or award contract to a disabled person?

He said by calculation, Nigeria from its over 142 million current population figure, has over 19 million disabled persons, pointing out that the figure was arrived at using the World Health Organisation"s (WHO) statistics of the present of 10 percent disabled people in every population.

Also the International Labour Organisation (ILO) finding shows that over 80 percent of the people in this group in many developing countries, including Nigeria is unemployed. The assumption is that persons with disabilities are unable to work and besides, is the fear of costly special facilities to be provided by their employers if employed.

It is however, recognized that disabled people do not only have a valuable contribution to make to the national economy but that their employment also reduces the cost of disability benefits and may reduce poverty.

Unemployed persons with disability are becoming a perennial menace to society because there are no special facilities for them to fit into the working society. According to UNICEF, 30 per cent of street youths are disabled, but who cares.

Asked whether majority of the disabled people are not ignorance of his crusade, he said there is nothing like that, noting that he maintains a constant touch with many of them through their respective association's leaders.

He however, refuted the opinion of many that majority of disabled persons enjoy begging and would not want to work even if provided a job, saying such could not mean that all disabled person are lazy.

Basharu, a delegate member, National Political Reform Conference (2005), and a member of Oxford and Cambridge Club of Nigeria, has traveled wide. He has been to the United States, West Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark , England, Canada, Louisiana etc for one course conference or the other that bother on the issues affecting the blind persons.

He said most of his undertakings that have today developed him constructively were through the benevolence of some spirited Nigerians and corporate bodies. He pointed to one Dr. Ben Epega, who he described as a philanthropist and Senator Bode Olajumoke as well as the British Airways Nigeria as parts of his numerous benefactors, appreciating them on their numerous kind gestures towards the realization of his dream of becoming somebody in the society.

Basharu, loves reading, writing, listening to radio as well as swimming and other indoor games.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801030473.html

Tri-City family opens home, hearts to children

By MICHELLE DUPLER
Tri-City Herald

RICHLAND - Doing laundry for a husband and 15 children would drive most mothers crazy, but Julee Feser has a system.

Each member of her patchwork quilt of a family has a towel, embroidered with the owner's name, hanging on a rack in the upstairs bathroom. With only one towel per person, the laundry never backs up, she says.

Julee and her husband, Mike, had to create a lot of systems to manage their family, which includes one biological son, Michael, 16, and 14 children and teenagers adopted from China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Vietnam and Washington.

The Fesers have five more biological children, but they're all grown, some with children of their own.

"People say, 'You must have a huge house' or 'How much money do you get?' " Julee said. "I think, 'How much money do you get for your kids?' It's an average-size house and an average-size income, but it works."

The couple say they manage financially, but they occasionally get help from charitable organizations, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The foundation helped with Christmas presents recently, Julee said.

Many of their adopted children have medical problems, disabilities or other special needs - like their most recent addition, MyHao, 5, who came from Vietnam in January 2007 and has Down syndrome. MyHao is their second Down-syndrome child. The first was Jonathan, 2, whom the couple adopted just after he was born in Tacoma in 2005.

"It was the most amazing thing to me," Julee said. "I never thought we'd have a newborn in our home again."

Last year, they also learned the toddler has severe aplastic anemia, a disease that stops bone marrow from producing enough blood cells. They hope to get word from a hospital about a lifesaving bone-marrow transplant early this year.

The family has health insurance through Mike's job at Washington Group International, and supplements that with medical coupons to keep health-care expenses under control. Jonathan's care alone could cost millions without insurance, Mike said.

And that isn't the only medical challenge the family has faced. Berhanu, 6, lost an eye to retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer, and got a prosthetic eye in 2007.

Solomon, 3, had surgery for spina bifida and is now able to walk. And Josiah and Maggie, both 6, have cerebral palsy, which affected Josiah's ability to walk for the first few years of his life, and has Maggie in a wheelchair that she's rapidly outgrowing.

Two more of their adopted children are amputees, Julee said, including Anna, 7, the first child they adopted.

The couple felt God guided them to consider adoption at a time when all of their biological children except Michael had grown up and left home.

"We went from thinking about retiring early and having a life together and traveling [to adopting]," Mike said. "We never knew what was in store for us was much better."

They knew they wanted a baby girl from China, but it didn't occur to them to take a child with a disability. In fact, one of their many fears was getting a child with significant medical problems.

"Then we said, 'If we're going to adopt people, we might as well adopt ones no one else wants,' " Julee said.

So halfway through the process, they changed their minds and asked for a child with special needs.

"We know he [God] has chosen every one for us," Julee said. "When they were the right kids, it would all fall into place."

Keeping everything in place takes work and organization.

Inside the family's one-story Richland home, tables are shoved together into a line stretching from the dining room into the living room. Six bedrooms are filled with bunk beds and cribs. Two refrigerators hold more food than most people can imagine.

A schedule hangs on a bulletin board in the hall, setting out blocks of time for each member of the family to have meals, showers, naps, do chores, pray or just kick back and relax.

But the fruits of Julee and Mike's labor were evident during playtime on a recent Friday afternoon, when joyous peals of laughter wafted up from the basement playroom where five of the children jostled for their turn at a board game.

Berhanu ran in and complained to Julee that the others wouldn't let him play.

Siblings, apparently, will always be siblings.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004110113_bigfamily06.html

Kwanza Norte: Disabled People Get Driving School

Ndalatando, 01/07 - A driving school adapted for disabled people will be created this year in Luanda, to allow the group get driver’s licence.

This announcement was made last weekend in Ndalatando, Kwanza Norte, by the National Association of Disabled People of Angola chairperson (ANDA), Silva Lopes Etiambulo, during a meeting with members of the institution, as part of a 24 hours working visit to the province.

According to ANDA chairperson, the initiative is based on professional training actions for the disabled, under the “Projecto Vem Comigo” project that among other objectives, aims at the socio-professional and productive reintegration of disabled people.

He also announced that as from this month, ANDA intends to create, in partnership with the Public Administration, Work and Social Security Ministry (Mapess), conditions that permits the extension of project at all levels and in every provinces of the country.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=586616

Minister warns men against impregnating disabled girls

Monday, 7th January, 2008

By Moses Nampala

THE Minister of State for Gender, Rukia Isanga Nakadama, is concerned that men lure disabled girls into relationships. She added that men abandon the girls after impregnating them.

Nakadama called for urgent redress of the situation, saying it was rampant in rural areas. The minister made the remarks while addressing people with disabilities at Bugadde Primary School in Kityerera sub-county, Mayuge district on Friday.

“My ministry has come up with a strong advocacy mechanism to prosecute the culprits,” she said.

She regretted that statistics indicated that 57% of the females with disabilities conceive after being raped.

Nakadama said the victims are usually attacked by the culprits from foot-paths, discreet spots and gardens.

She added that because of social stigma, men responsible for such pregnancies always deny the victims any form of assistance during pregnancy and after delivery. “The time for playing games is over. The culprits will be prosecuted.”

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/17/605432

Apology given after disabled parking row

January 07 2008 at 11:50AM

Track sprinter Lee Roy Newton has apologised for the fact that his Audi-sponsored vehicle was parked in a disabled parking bay outside Woolworths in Cowey Road, Durban, last week - although he wasn't driving it.

His apology comes after Morningside resident Barbie Page laid a complaint with Umhlanga Audi when she saw an able-bodied woman parking in the disabled bay.

"A young woman zipped into the disabled parking bay and nimbly hopped out of her silver-grey Audi on the side of which was proudly displayed 'Lee Roy Newton - sponsored by Umhlanga Audi,'" she said.

Page took issue, asking the driver how she could park in a disabled bay.

The woman reportedly said: "Why should you care?"

Page then phoned Umhlanga Audi to complain.

"Audi said that neither Newton nor his girlfriend could have been driving the car as they were both on holiday," said Page.

"My issue is not with Lee Roy, but with the driver. Her attitude of absolute insolence sums up the attitude of people towards facilities for the disabled," said Page.

Newton contacted The Mercury and said that he was shocked to find out about the complaints.

He said the fact that he had a family member with cerebral palsy made him more sensitive to the mistreatment of handicapped people.

"The woman driving the car was my friend's girlfriend. We asked her to buy food at Woolworths because we were moving house at the time.

"She came back and did not mention the incident, and I only heard about it now. I apologised to Barbie and I'm sorry that this happened," said Newton.

Audi spokesperson Riaan de Vries said the company was looking into the matter.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=139&art_id=vn20080107032643959C922028

Angola: Kwanza Sul - USD 70,000 Earmarked for Rehabilitation of Disabled People

Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
8 January 2008
Posted to the web 8 January 2008

Sumbe

At least USD 70,000 will be released to rehabilitate 60 disabled people victims of landmines in Kassongue district, coastal Kwanza Sul province, in a process due to begin this month, at the Orthopaedic Centre of Gabela, in the framework of "Rehabilitar 7" project.

Being implemented by the National Association of Disabled People of Angola (Anda) the project counts on the assistance of the National Inter-sectorial Commission of De-mining and Humanitarian Aid (CNIDAH), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU).

The three-month project includes physical rehabilitation of associates, with prostheses in lower and upper limbs.

According to the coordinator of the project, Enoque Bernardo, this assistance will help the landmine victims so that they stop begging.

Kassongue district, with the highest number of disabled people in the province, has 2,000 victims registered, out of 7,050 handicapped existing in the province.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801080813.html

UN drive for economic and social rights

By Frances Williams
Published: January 8 2008 19:29 | Last updated: January 8 2008 19:29

The United Nations is to push for economic and social rights, including the human rights responsibilities of companies, to be given greater attention in the run-up to the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Louise Arbour, UN high commissioner for human rights, says in an interview with the Financial Times the attacks on the US on September 11 2001 have left the debate on economic and social rights on hold as the human rights community fought to defend civil liberties from erosion by counter-terrorism measures.

The year-long campaign leading up to December’s anniversary of the Universal Declaration represents a fresh opportunity to emphasise the “indivisibility” and “universality” of the human rights affirmed in the declaration, she says. The declaration makes no distinction between civil and political rights, and economic, social and cultural rights.

“If you look at the Universal Declaration ... all the rights are there. This was Roosevelt’s ‘Freedom from fear and freedom from want’.” But western governments have largely championed civil and political rights while leaving econ-omic and social rights to the market, she says.

“The assumption was that prosperity will look after the right to health and education, which I think is a completely misguided view of what human rights are about.

“There’s no reason to assume that prosperity will transform itself naturally into any form of social justice,” she says, including help for the most vulnerable.

The overemphasis of civil and political rights has laid the west open to charges of hypocrisy by many developing nations, which say economic and social rights are more important to them.

While this argument is “a bit disingenuous”, she says, “the fact that not a single western country has ratified the Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers is very telling”.

Although controversial UN draft norms - setting out companies’ human rights responsibilities - have been shelved for the time being, the high commissioner does not rule out future development of binding international rules for corporations.

These could start with less contentious areas, she says, such as non-discrimination, protection of the right to life, liberty of the person, and the core labour conventions outlawing child labour or slavery.

She acknowledges this is not a near-term prospect. “When you look at the fact that it took two decades to get a Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, any work that can be done on all fronts to advance human rights protection in an environment where multi-national corporations are the dominant actors should be welcomed,” she says.

John Ruggie, UN special rapporteur on business and human rights, is due to make recommendations to this effect when he presents his final report to the UN Human Rights Council at the end of his mandate in June.

Prof Ruggie has been criticised by civil society groups for putting too much stress on voluntary corporate initiatives, which often lack adequate monitoring or accountability mechanisms, which they argue risk defusing pressure for binding rules.

Ms Arbour accepts these criticisms, but says the engagement of businesses needs to be encouraged.

For instance, her office is working in partnership with the UN’s Global Compact, whose 3,600 corporate members, mostly in emerging economies, have pledged to uphold 10 principles on human rights, labour rights, the environment and anti-corruption.

“There should be no false pretence that membership carries any endorsement of the company’s compliance with human rights norms and standards,” she says. “But one can only hope that it will move forward.”

Curriculum vitae
1947 Born Montreal, Canada
1967 Graduated from College Regina Assumpta, Montreal
1987 Appointed to the Supreme Court of Ontario
1990 Appointed to the Court of Appeal for Ontario
1995 Led an inquiry into prisons for women in the province
1999 Chief prosecutor of the International War Crimes Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda
1999-2004 Appointed to Supreme Court of Canada
2004 United Nations high commissioner for human rights

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/250dd438-be10-11dc-8bc9-0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1

handicapped

09/01/2008

Thanks to a joint project between Tunisia and the United States government, the Association of Parents and Friends of the Handicapped now offers Tunisians three more training centres. By Jamel Arfaoui for Magharebia in Tunis - 09/01/08

Tunisia's Association of Parents and Friends of the Handicapped (APAHT) has constructed two new facilities in Nabeul and Menzel Temime to provide education and training for citizens with moderate handicaps. The US-funded project aims to facilitate the integration of the handicapped into society.

During a tour of the facilities on Monday (January 7th), US Ambassador to Tunisia Robert Godec called the $760,000 project a "symbol of long-standing friendship between the American and Tunisian peoples who share the same values and principles".

The new state-of-the-art facilities house male and female students suffering from different mental and physical disabilities. They receive education and sports training, as well as vocational training.

Supervisor Madiha ben Debba expressed hope that the two new facilities will be as effective as the one in the Ariana governorate on the outskirts of the capital. The Ariana centre was built in 1999, also with US assistance.

Madiha stressed the importance of US assistance, saying it "enabled us to realise our ambition, which is the integration of the handicapped into society and enabling them to depend on themselves."

"Through this effort," she said, "we can create a smile - not just on the lips of the handicapped, but their entire family as well."

Godec's tour began at the Nabeul center, where he said, "This school is more than just a building. It represents hope for the children who seek knowledge which will enable them to depend on themselves." Godec added that, to Tunisia, "The school also represents the future and the development of the society that has long been known for its tolerance and openness."

"I have followed up on the building of this centre as if I was following up on my own house," Kamel Khalil, a sports trainer in the Nabeul centre told Magharebia. "I will do my best to give those children all my experience so that they eventually don't feel different from other children." Khalil expressed his hope that the specialised gymnasium will be supplied with necessary equipment on time so he can begin working with the children.

At the Sidi Salem Center in Menzel Temime, Godec expressed his admiration for the local community, whose co-operation facilitated the completion of the project. He also noted the generosity of the Tunisian authorities, which contributed the land on which the centre was built. The ambassador also thanked local businessmen for their contributions, particularly of necessary equipment.

The APAHT project, just one component of Tunisia's social reform plan for the integration of the handicapped, was funded in part by the Humanitarian Assistance Programme of the US Department of Defence.

The Tunisian government has been active in recent years in reshaping its policies regarding people with disabilities. In August 2005 it revised the laws governing handicapped affairs, in order to enable them to integrate into professional life and to receive government loans for small and medium-size enterprises on easy terms.

The government has also created a special college to train specialists in caring for people with disabilities.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2008/01/09/feature-02

Eritrea: National Rehabilitation Commission Branch in Gash-Barka Region Extends Interest-Free Loan to War-Disabled Citizens And Demobilized Women

Shabait.com (Asmara)
15 January 2008
Posted to the web 15 January 2008

Barentu

The National Rehabilitation Commission branch in the Gash-Barka region extended over 20 million Nakfa of interest-free loans to 791 war-disabled nationals and demobilized women in the region.

The head of the branch office, Mr. Girmai Beimnet, pointed out that the loan would be directed to agriculture and trade activities, as well as cattle fattening schemes. He also noted that the Commission had earlier extended a similar loan amounting to 30,000 Nakfa to 501 disabled citizens.

Mr. Girmai further indicated that there are plans to extend interest-free loans to 300 nationals shortly. The loan is aimed at improving the standard of living of the beneficiaries, and thereby help them become productive and self-supporting, he added.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801151032.html

Oscar to fight Olympic ban

Brad Morgan
16 January 2008

South African double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius has been barred from competing in the Beijing Olympics after a report commissioned by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) found that the prosthetic "blades" he runs on give him an unfair advantage.

By all reports, the "fastest man on no legs" is not about to take this lying down, and is planning to take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The IAAF's decision has sparked numerous heated back-and-forth discussions on message boards on websites around the world, with no clear-cut opinion emerging from the man in the street.

Scientific investigation
After a two-day scientific investigation, supervised by Professor Peter Bruggemann at the German Sport University of Cologne, Bruggemann concluded that the prosthetics Pistorius uses require 25% less energy than able-bodied athletes need to run at similar speeds.

The study said that once the Paralympic superstar reaches a certain speed, less additional energy is needed than is the case with natural limbs.

It also found that the mechanical advantage of running with the prosthetics was higher than 30% in the ankle because of the loss of energy in the joint that able-bodied athletes experience.

The returned energy from Pistorius's prosthetic blade is close to three times higher than that of the human ankle joint in maximum sprinting, the report said.

Not surprised
According to various media reports, Pistorius wasn't surprised by Bruggemann's findings. He said he had spoken to others about Bruggemann before the tests, so he suspected that the findings would go against him. Nonetheless, he admitted that hearing them was a shock.

Having been forewarned, though, Pistorius said he was prepared for a negative report and ready to continue his fight by other methods, including testing with other, independent scientists.

For some, it might seem to be an open-and-shut case that Pistorius has an unfair advantage, given the results of the IAAF's testing, but other questions could be raised in support of him.

Advantages versus disadvantages
While the prosthetics, known as "Cheetahs", are said to give Pistorius an advantage, the question remains: how much is he disadvantaged by his disability.

Pistorius had both legs amputated when he was 11 months old because he was born without fibulas, which are bones found between the knee and the ankle. How does one reasonably balance out the advantages the "Cheetahs" give Pistorius and the disadvantages of his double amputations?

One could also ask why, if the blades Pistorius uses give him such a big advantage, disabled athletes have not far surpassed able-bodied athletes in the record books? They haven't. They haven't even come close to the achievements of able-bodied athletes.

The Olympics
In fact, Pistorius is the first disabled athlete to truly challenge for a place in the Olympics based on a comparison of his performances against able-bodied athletes.

To be honest, however qualifying for the Games would not only be an outstanding achievement, it would also be a surprising one. A medal threat Pistorius is not.

Pistorius has overcome huge obstacles to achieve what he has so far - world Paralympic records in the 100, 200, and 400 metre sprints - but the challenge he now faces is even more daunting: entry into the Olympic Games.

Further investigation
It is difficult to take up a position either wholly for or against his inclusion at the Olympics. And it is probably too early to reach any conclusions; after further tests are conducted a clearer picture will emerge about the relative advantages and disadvantages Pistorius faces.

His case holds huge implications for the future of competition between able-bodied and disabled athletes. Pistorius has already competed against able-bodied athletes, but if he is unsuccessful in his bid to participate in the Olympics, the chances of other disabled athletes bridging the gap will suffer a huge blow.

The IAAF's decision is certainly a big setback, but Pistorius has fought to overcome numerous obstacles throughout his life. Clearly, he is not someone who simply accepts "no" for an answer, and so his mission to compete in the Olympic Games continues.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.southafrica.info/what_happening/sports/oscar-160108.htm

South Africa: SA to Receive Electric Braille Machine in Feb

BuaNews (Tshwane)
17 January 2008
Posted to the web 17 January 2008

By Bathandwa Mbola Pretoria

A new electric brailler for visually impaired people will be available in the country in February, says the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB).

The machine is made possible by a ten year international partnership between SANCB and the Perkins School in Boston, in the United States. The partnership, called the Perkins Project, runs a factory in Killarney Gardens, Cape Town where the braille machines are assembled for distribution in South Africa, Africa and other developing countries. The factory is supplying the braillers at 40 percent cheaper than the imported machines.

SANCB Communication Manager, Lindie Sutherland told BuaNews that, the electric brailler will weigh less and users will not have to press the keys hard like before. A braille machine can be compared to a manual typewriter typing in tactile dots instead of ink. The old machine consists of 756 parts and weighs 6.5 kilograms. Ms Sutherland said: "The partnership was established with a view to benefiting visually impaired people in the developing world by giving them access to an affordable way of writing Braille." According to Ms Sutherland, this was how the council's slogan: 'Empowering visually impaired persons to do what they dare to dream' was adopted.

The factory has since manufactured more than 20 000 braillers in the past 10 years and by doing this, Ms Sutherland said, it has empowered many blind people in the developing world to write braille and therefore to be literate .

The world renowned Perkins brailler machines were manufactured since 1951 and used in more than 170 countries.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801170126.html

Kenya's Disabled people demand parliamentary, civic seats

Human rights groups and civil society organizations in K enya Thursday accused the Election Commission of Kenya (ECK) and political parti e s represented in parliament and civic bodies of discrimination for failing to no m inate people with disabilities, who fall in the special interest groups, to parl i ament.

Speaking at a Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) conference, a sp okesman for disabled people, human rights lawyer Lawrence Mute said ECK and poli t ical parties had violated section 33 of the national constitution, which provide s for special interest groups to be given priority when filling civic and parliam e ntary positions through nomination.

"The ECK is constitutionally empowered to vet the party nominations to ensure co mpliance with the special interest criteria and gender equality before transmitt i ng the names for appointment by the president," KNCHR said in a statement read b y Mr. Mute, himself disabled.

"As they say, 'nothing should be done for us without us'," Mute said.

He said political parties, ECK and the president would be in contravention of th e constitution if the lists of nominated MPs and civic leaders do not include re p resentation for the disability 'special interest.'

Kenyan political parties are in the process of finalizing lists of their nominat ed MPs before parliament resumes sittings in March.

Nairobi - 17/01/2008

Panapress

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.afriquenligne.fr/news/daily-news/kenya's-disabled-people-demand-parliamentary,-civic-seats-2008011715208/

South Africa: Board to Review Disability Grants in KZN

BuaNews (Tshwane)
18 January 2008
Posted to the web 18 January 2008

By Siboniso Ntuli
Pietermaritzburg

An appeal board will be formed by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development to review disability grant applications that were previously refused.

The department's MEC Dr Meshack Radebe said that the board would help the department to make sure that the disability grants are given to the people who deserve them.

"The appeal board will mostly investigate the cases of those sick or disable people who were refused disability grants after they were examined by the certain doctors and stated that they are capable.

"The problem that we are experiencing in this province is that, some disable or sick people are being refused to get grants. This follows after they were examined by the corrupt doctors who want bribery, before being satisfied that a person does qualify for the disability grants," said Dr Radebe.

Dr Radebe said if a person was refused or does not have money to pay, the doctor can write a report that a person does not deserve a grant.

The people, he said in all the areas of the province will appoint the appeal board and they will be working in all the district offices of Social Development.

"By basing the appeal board to all districts in the province, we want the board to be accessible by the people in their respective communities. The board must be part of the community that they will be serving."

The people who have been refused a disability grant, but they believe that they deserve it, they can submit their claims to the appeal board. Once claim is submitted, the board will investigate the case.

The appeal board will also investigate the applications to see if the people are partial or permanently disable.

Dr Radebe further said the appeal board would then make the recommendations to him, if the people are permanently disable and there is a need to be given grants.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801180709.html

CRIPPLED GRADUATE MOVES TO REMOVE DISABLED BEGGARS FROM THE STREETS

By UBONG UKPONG, Abuja
Monday, January 21, 2008

Christian Agbo Obiora, a physically challenged person, is distinguished in his condition. Ranked fifth in a family of nine, he is the first and only graduate in his family and he is doing everything possible to stay distinguished even as he mobilizes disabled persons for vocational training to give them a better means of livelihood rather than begging.

The 29- year- old youth corper served at the Social Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in Abuja, the nation’s capital. As part of his Community Development Service (CDS), Obiora mobilized over 40 of his less underprivileged disabled colleagues and caused them to undergo a free skills acquisition training on tie and dye/batik and soap making.

He told Daily Sun in an interview that the essence of choosing the training project as his CD, was out of his burning desire to see those who are physically challenged like him, engage themselves in useful ventures that would enable them to contribute to nation building. Said Obiora: "I chose the project for my CD because of what I have been going through.

“Secondly, I want to do something for people in my category. Those who might not have the opportunity of doing things on their own, but when you expose them to things like this, they would be able to do something on their own to cater for themselves rather than going out to beg." Poised to reduce the rate of street begging, Obiora said apart from getting them out of the streets, he was also trying to build their self-confidence. He pointed out that the self-confidence disabled people lacked, has being affecting them in so many ways. "We have a mind of not being free with people and feeling inferior. So, I want to really build on that. There is nothing different between other people and us. The only thing is that we have one or two disabilities and those disabilities we have do not mean that we cannot succeed in life.

"We can be what other people are. What we need to do is for us to put that problem behind us. The way you see yourself is not the way people see you. People sometimes don’t even know if you are disabled and the only thing that can make you to achieve that is the way you conduct yourself. Obiora disclosed that the worse disservice is to sympathise with disabled persons when they tried to execute their normal duties as any other person.

He said it pisses up any disabled person as the sympathizers tend to suppose that the disabled person was useless to his community. Said he: "To sympathise with a disabled person is a negative attitude. It is a negative attitude in the sense that those people who are sympathising with the disabled person believe that there is nothing a disabled person can offer. And that would always affect whatever the disabled person is trying to prove to them that he can do."

Submitting that the attitude was a wrong and worrisome one, Obiora, who hails from Eha-alumona, Enugu State, charged his colleagues to reject the attitude and integrate themselves into the society and contribute their quotas to develop it.

Obiora told Daily Sun that he found no difficulty gathering his disabled colleagues for the training as he met them one on one on the streets, persuaded them and they had no problems accepting him seeing he was one of them. "When they see that you care for them, whatever you are telling them they believe you. And secondly, they found out that I have the problem they have. So when I’m talking to them, they listen to me.

"I went to several Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to mobilize them and saw many of them on the road and spoke with them. Sometimes I make out time and go out to talk to them about the skills acquisition training", Obiora stated. However, he regretted that most of the disabled persons would not want to acquire skills and work to earn a living. Therefore, no matter what you do to encourage them, they would rebuff it. "Those here are interested in developing themselves. Some of them are not interested because they believe they can stay on the streets and make more money. Some even feel that acquiring a skill is a waste of time, but sitting on the streets to beg make them lazy."

Frowning at alms giving, Obiora said, "We are telling the public that they don’t have to be giving alms. They should give us that equal opportunity. What an able bodied can do, a disabled person can as well do it. The problems we are having is that the public believes we cannot do those things and that is why the public keep giving alms, not trying to find a way of bringing these people up. What I’m saying is that, there are many NGOs who are dedicated to work. If you want to reach out to people.

If you have anyone on mind that you have been seeing, go to that NGO, get a social worker, talk to that person there and take the person off the streets so that the person can be rehabilitated and become a better person to the community. A graduate of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Obiora plans to be fully involved in helping to rehabilitate not only his disabled colleagues, but every other less privileged persons around, to contribute to eradicating streets begging.

"After my service year, I want to establish an organisation to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged, not just disables. I did Social Works in school and being a social worker, you are a help agent", he stated. Obiora said he was not so much attentive to and involved in love life, to enable him to concentrate on what he had to do for now, he expressed hope that at the appropriate time, he would get married like every other person and breed children. "Life is like that. No matter how you look, you will have admirers. Some day I hope to get married and my wife will come naturally. I believe that some day, something will happen and I will meet my wife.

“I am facing a number of challenges especially mobility problem. Another is about what I want to do after service, I have a lot of ideas and a lot of things to offer but the problem is how can I get to offer some of these things? Some of these things are not forth coming because of not being able to get the necessary support from the public.

Obiora told Daily Sun that his disability resulted from polio, and placed the blame of most disability on parents, stating that it was the result of their carelessness by not adhering to the calls for immunization. "It was from polio at a tender age. Though I would say that I didn’t really know how it happened, If I were immunized, may be it would not have been like this. I have taken it like a fate and I am living comfortably with it. It is not preventing me from any thing.

I live like any other person, I do whatever that my pears do. Parents have to be careful about some of these things. It is true that we have some of these problems and people tell us to take it as a fate but in the real sense, the parents are the people to blame because most cases of disability came from polio. It is usually a few people that their own cases were from accidents or things like that, but most are from polio. When you go round Nigeria today, you see many cases of disabilities. It is from the carelessness of our parents. My message to parents is that what they owe their children is not only breast -feeding. They owe them more than that. Give them immunization and good health".

A lover of football and sprints, Obiora said he had never and would never play football, which he always feel like playing most times, especially when he watched stars. Recounting sadly he said: "Assuming I do not have this challenge, who knows, may be I would have been the next Okocha they have been looking for to go to Nations cup. These are the things one would look at. It limits our chances.

“There are a lot of things I cannot do . Though there are still some I can do, but what of those I cannot do? I love football so much but I cannot play football no matter how I tried. I love to do sports such as boxing or to be a sprinter but I cannot. I just sit down, watch people do all these and I get pissed up that I can never do it in my life. About 60 percent of disability comes from polio and we have to do something about it. Government has been doing a lot, but people have to be enlightened the more."

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/abujareports/2008/jan/21/abujareports-21-01-2008-001.htm

Tunisia: Laughter Festival Aims at Bringing Joy to Disabled Children

Tunisia Online (Tunis)
21 January 2008
Posted to the web 22 January 2008

Tunis

A festival dubbed "week of laughter", will take place at the Municipal Theatre in Tunis from January 27 to February 3, 2008.

The festival which is organized by 'Yalil Production' aims at bringing financial and moral relief to disabled children with specific needs. All of the proceedings of the event will go to UNESI (Union Nationale des Ecoles Specialisees et integrees), an association which aims at helping children suffering from linguistic, emotional or behaviour related problems.

Nine shows, by talented humorists from Tunisia, France, Canada Algeria and Morocco, will be presented. After opening the show, French comic Yves Lecoq will be followed by Adam, Tomer Sisley, Anne Romanoff, Nasreddine Ben Mokhtar, Jaafar Gasmi, Anthony Kavanagh, Baaziz and Booder for what promises to be a hilarious event.

The organizers say that plans are afoot to take the show to four other main Tunisian cities. In the aftermath of this second edition of the festival (the first edition took place on in 2007), they also hope to turn the event into a permanent annual event.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801220588.html

Eritrea: Ministry Extends Interest-Free Loan to 67 War-Disabled Nationals in Berikh Sub-Zone

Shabait.com (Asmara)
25 January 2008
Posted to the web 25 January 2008

Berikh

The branch office of the Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare in the Berikh sub-zone extended over 1 million Nakfa in interest-free loans to 67 war-disabled nationals, according to Ms. Aklasia Teklu, head of the branch office.

Previously, the branch office has extended a loan amounting to 10,000 Nakfa each to 25 disabled nationals, in addition to assistance in the form of cattle to 12 needy citizens.

Ms. Aklaisa further indicated that walking sticks and wheelchairs have been distributed to 56 disabled individuals in the area, and that financial assistance has been provided to 35 street children for buying educational materials. The branch office has also offered six-month training courses in weaving to demobilized women fighters in Tsaeda-Kristian, and that each trainee has been provided with a weaving machine, she added.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801250771.html

Ghana: MTN Gives Disabled Free 2008 Tickets

Public Agenda (Accra)
25 January 2008
Posted to the web 25 January 2008

Basiru Adam

The headline sponsor of the ongoing 2008 African Cup of Nations MTN, has presented 600 tickets to some disabled persons in Accra to enable them to witness Ghana's matches in the tournament.

The mobile telecommunication company presented 120 tickets each to the Ghana Society for the Physically Challenged and the Association of Sports for the Disabled. The remaining 360 tickets went to other disadvantaged persons who were selected in consultation with some Accra-based radio stations.

The Corporate Services Executive of MTN Ghana, Ms. Mawuena Dumor, said the presentation formed part of her company's commitment towards the development of sports in Ghana and Africa for that matter.

She said the gesture presents a fine opportunity for the beneficiaries, who would have gone without it, and also to have a real feel of football in the stadium and to see their soccer idols.

"For many football fans in Ghana, the only chance they have to see their favourite football stars in action is through television. Having drawn all our stars to Ghana, it is important to increase the chances of fans seeing their stars. It is our expectation that the 600 fortunate fans will enjoy the classic feast of football which is unfolding right here in Ghana," she explained.

Ms Dumor further said that MTN was very proud of her achievements in Ghana and was ready to build stronger relationships with the people as part of their corporate objectives.

She mentioned in particular the establishment of the MTN Foundation in Ghana through which the company executes its corporate social responsibilities. "We are passionate about our vision to positively impact the lives of people in our communities and we will intervene through projects in two key areas namely education and Health. This is why MTN is happy to partner UNICEF through CAF to provide quality education for children."

Receiving the tickets on behalf of beneficiaries, the President of the Ghana Society for the physically challenged, Joseph Adu-Boampong, expressed gratitude to MTN for the presentation and appealed for more assistance towards the betterment of the lot of physically challenged in the country.

The substantive Captain of the Black Stars, Stephen Appiah, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury, graced the occasion.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801250632.html

Cameroon: North West - Jerry Club Assists the Disabled

Cameroon Tribune (Yaounde)
25 January 2008
Posted to the web 25 January 2008

By Yaboa Ndula
Bamenda (Mezam)

The 2007 Christmas season came with blessings for the disabled and the disadvantaged of the North West. Most of them were out in their crutches and braises receiving gifts at the head office of the Community Resource Center for the Disabled and the Disadvantaged (CRCDD). The assistance came from Jerry Club, a social group in Bamenda that gave TV sets, a CD player, Savons, Toilet tissues, food items and CFA 50.000 to CRCDD.

Handing over the gifts, the president of Jerry Club, Djam Richard said it is a way to sympathise with the plight of the disabled. He told the disabled that it is not what one gives that matters but the love one puts in the giving. The coordinator of CRCDD, Limen Florence Ndwengwa, on behalf of the disabled, thanked the Jerry Club for the largess. After enumerating what the disabled can do, such as repair of crutches, production of powder soap, do craft work, embroidery, sewing etc, she said disability is not inability. She also acknowledged Deheri Monitor for training some disabled in computer soft ware and CATTU North West for providing books to disable children and children of parents with disability. Though they are disabled, they are very ambitious and hope for a brighter future she concluded.

Presenting the plan of action of the Jerry Club for 2008 Ndonwi Sylvanus said their project will cost some CFA 7.058.835. He pleaded to both national and international humanitarians groups to help them in their numerous projects. He said their main problems are mobility, leadership skills to be efficient, lack of Bibles to evangelise, provision of school needs to disabled children amongst others. The club founded 14 years ago has also supported the Orphanage in Njinikom, the Leprosy settlement in Mbingo, the disabled Center in Bafut, the Philadelphia Center for the blind in Mbengwi amongst others.

CRCDD Bafut, Benakuma and Bamenda branches have common goals -to consolidate and create public awareness on the disabled, to empower them in various vocational fields, to educate them on their rights and to evangelise the disabled.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801250721.html

Uganda: The Agony of Being Female

East African Business Week (Kampala)
28 January 2008
Posted to the web 28 January 2008

By David Mugabe
Kampala Uganda

Ms Carol Nampiina's posting to her new workplace coincided with her monthly menstrual flow that fell in July, and it took her less than two days in her new office to try and confide in someone about her discomfort.

Nampiina was uncomfortable at office for unlike her previous residence where she easily disposed off her sanitary pads, her new office lacked a sanitary bin. During the times she had her flow, she had to wrap her used pad, keep it in her bag until late in the evening when she went back home to dispose it.

She confided in an older colleague who said she found the situation like that when she joined the company, and there were worse circumstances for women. Like the many forms of social omissions to the disadvantage of minorities, indications are that the lack of proper places for disposal of used sanitary pads is one of the overlooked practices prevailing in modern offices in Uganda.

And although some offices have women's exclusive toilets, they are not absolutely secure from male intrusion which threatens their privacy and dignity. But there are also offices which don't have "women's only" toilets at all.

"Even in our offices, there is no separation of toilets for sexes and this can have serious health consequences. Even our female colleagues here complain. My senior health officer is annoyed but we hope it will change," said Dr Mesach Mubiru, director of health services, Kampala City Council.

The Public Health Act, 2000, Chapter 281 states that privacy must be provided for by labeling whenever communities have both sexes working together. Mubiru says the same legal provisions protect workers even at private offices. Mubiru agrees it is a much flaunted provision.

It is a silent, sensitive yet progressive evil that the victims dare not come out loudly about it, just like in the many cases where women have had to quietly bare the brunt of social ostracisation.

The dirty and inconveniencing task of walking around with a used pad in a lady's bag contributes to the psychological barrier that even educated women have to live with just because the greater picture of having the job despite such trauma makes more sense.

"You can even use a bucket which costs about $2.1 (Ush3500) to $2.9 (5,000) only," said Ms. Mankolo Mercy who had to be pressed to talk about this sanitary subject having served in a high level office that lacked sanitary bins.

Mr. Mohammed Kirumiira, chief health inspector, KCC agrees that there is a problem hitting women sanitaion generally. Infact, Kampala, the quickly rising cosmopolitan city that in November 2007 hosted 50 heads of government in the Commonwealth meeting has been facing this discriminatory challenge.

Officials say the problem is most at Constitutional Square, Sure House and Goods Shade on Entebbe road which all have KCC toilets and are situated in and around the Kampala city centre.

At Constitutional Square, which is a central business location, there is a single entry for both sexes because the contractors built only one access door.

There is only one attendant maintaining both toilets, and he being a man, condemns the women's' side to poor service.

"The contractor economizes (to avoid paying more salaries)-he employs only one male attendant and there is no attendant on the ladies side to collect money or wash the toilets. How can a man clean ladies' toilets," asked Kirumiira.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act 2006 states that where persons of both sexes are or are intended to be employed, except in the case of buildings where the workers are all members of the same family, the convenience shall have proper, separate accommodation for persons of each sex, separate approaches for each sex." This is truly contravened in practice by the wider Ugandan society, in both public and private spheres.

KCC has 12 public toilets in and around the city centre and the management at City Hall concedes there is a general lack of concern for the womenfolk, right from the offices at City Hall.

"Like here (KCC offices), it is abused, women here have been complaining that the toilets get chocked because they (women) place pads into the pans and have very little flowing water to wash down the refuse," said Kirumiira.

With Dr. William Muhairwe, the managing director of Uganda's National Water and Sewerage Corporation recently disclosing that Uganda's main urban centres are just 10% sewered, the absurdity of the hygiene risks are glaring.

Humiliation

In office premises where there are no bins, the casual employees who are tasked with collecting and disposing rubbish are subjected to the ghastly nightmare of sometimes touching the bloodstained pads of their senior colleagues.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801281180.html

Disabled ask for special beds

Tuesday, 29th January, 2008

By Daniel Edyegu

PERSON with disabilities (PWDs) have asked the Government to furnish maternity wards in the country with adjustable beds for disabled expectant women.

“Pregnant disabled women can’t access hospital beds because they are high. Nurses are often so rude to them yet it is their conjugal right to conceive,” the Eastern MP for the disabled, Julius Balyejjusa, said recently.

He told celebrants at the International Day for the Disabled in Kisoko sub-county, Tororo district that the fear of undergoing such experiences had forced some disabled women to stop conception before they reached menopause.

Balyejjusa added that the disabled were also sidelined in the award of contracts by local governments.

“When you are implementing government programmes, the benefits must be felt by all. But if you leave out the disabled, who comprise 14% of the population, then we shall be disabled 100%.

“We are very hardworking people and that is why I have never heard any disabled person caught stealing. So give us a chance and we will perform to our best.”

Emmanuel Otaala, the state minister for primary health care, promised to follow-up the issue of adjustable beds with his ministry.

Otaala explained that the ministry had begun a policy that requires all medical officers to learn sign language.

The celebrations were held under the theme: ‘A good environment for PWDs is a better one for all’.

Tororo resident district commissioner Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, the district chairman Emmanuel Osuna and Paya LC5 councillor Alfred Oketcho, attended.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/17/608933

Cameroon: North West - Nkum Council Adopts 2008 Draft Budget

Cameroon Tribune (Yaounde)
29 January 2008
Posted to the web 29 January 2008

By Peter Adi Fonte
Nkum (Bui)

The Councillors of the Nkum Council met at the St. Pius X College Tatum recently and approved a draft budget of 209.883.011 francs for 2008. This budget shows an increase of 52.230.398frs over that of 2007.

Besides the adoption of the draft budget Councillors also approved motions to empower the Mayor to follow up a loan from FEICOM to construct a town hall, that the Mayor dispose of the Council four wheel drive Toyota vehicle which is now more a liability than an asset to the Council and for a new one to be purchased, the approval of the master plan of the Council as a working document and the approval of the sanitary inspection taxes and library fees.

The budgetary session was chaired by the Mayor of Nkum Council Alhadji Mayenin Kifon. He in his speech said in spite of the pre occupation of the last elections the Council still squeezed resources for road maintenance, the organization of Mini-agro Pastoral Show and fellowshipping with the disabled and handicapped persons. He said it was his wish that the Council should institute the 15th day of December every year as Council fellowship Day with the disabled and handicapped persons in Nkum. Mr. Mayenin thanked the Councilors for the trust bestowed on him and for voting a dynamic lady and experienced gentlemen to assist him. He called on Councillors to initiate projects in their respective areas and submit to the appropriate Council Committees for consideration.

He vehemently deplored the attitude of some business ladies of Nseh who refused to pay global tax last financial year with the complicity of some administrators. Mr. Mayenin called on the Councillors to examine the draft budget critically, objectively and realistically. The Senior Divisional Officer for Bui Mr. Panjouono Daniel in his speech said the meeting was meant to put in place a working tool that will enable the Councillors to ably represent their people in the Council. He said the Council should fully implement the instructions of the Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation that each Council should come out with a realistic budget. He defined a budget as a forecast of what money is estimated to be collected and spent. Mr. Panjouono in congratulating the Councillors for their brilliant election called on each and everyone of them to initiate and carry out development projects in their various areas. He said it was left to the Councillors to rally like one man and build up the Council and the Nkum Sub division.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801290836.html

Mengo Rotary aids the disabled

Wednesday, 30th January, 2008

By Francis Emorut

A NUMBER of people with disabilities will have easy movement after the Rotary Club of Mengo donated 280 wheel chairs worth sh100m.

“We conceived the wheelchair project idea after appreciating the difficulty handicapped persons face as far as mobility is concerned,” the club president, David Bukenya, said.

Over 30 beneficiaries received the wheel- chairs during the distribution exercise at Kampala Secondary School on Monday.

Bukenya said the beneficiaries in Mpigi would get their chairs at the district headquarters on Friday and those of Kabale on Saturday.

The exercise will later roll out to Bushenyi, Kanungu and Rukungiri districts. More 5000 wheelchairs, Bukenya added, would be imported in the next two months.

Emmanuel Semwanga, a project committee member, gave the beneficiaries tips on proper wheelchair use and maintenance. He cautioned them against vandalising the chairs.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/19/609128

Angola: Handicapped Association Celebrates 16th Anniversary

Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
30 January 2008
Posted to the web 31 January 2008

Luanda

Caxito city, northern Bengo province, will host the national event marking the16 years of foundation of National Association of Angolan Handicapped (ANDA) being commemorated next February 01.

ANDA chairperson, Silva Lopes Etiambulo, told ANGOP that they will seize the opportunity to launch the first stone for the construction of a milling industry and a retread workshop.

According to the source, the event was initially scheduled to take place in Uige province, but due to organisational reason, there was a need to transfer it to Bengo province.

Comprising 35,000 disabled people, ANDA was created on 01 February 1992 in Luanda and operates country wide.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801310064.html

Nigeria: Subscribers - Waiting for Toll Free Lines

This Day (Lagos)
ANALYSIS
30 January 2008
Posted to the web 31 January 2008

Lagos

If the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) makes good its plan to enable a national toll free emergency calling system, Nigerian subscribers may be the ultimate beneficiaries, Efem Nkanga reports:

The issue of national toll free lines which has for long eluded Nigeria despite its commendable advances in the telecoms sector is set to finally see the light of day. Many Nigerians who had been worried about the lack of a national emergency calling system called toll free lines breathed a huge sigh of relief when the NCC expressed its readiness some days ago to intervene and save the nation from the shame of the self-acclaimed 'giant of Africa' not having its own recognised national emergency toll free lines.

Through its representative, Mr Stephen Bello, the Executive Commissioner, Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the NCC had at a one-day stakeholders' forum unveiled plans to set things aright in that regard.

Bello had revealed plans put in motion by the commission to set up national emergency toll free centres in all the 36 states of the federation plus the Federal Capital, Abuja, that will enable quick responses to emergencies in the country. He disclosed that the emergency toll free line system will be solely financed by the commission and state governments.

Toll free lines are lines dedicated to ensuring that people, especially in times of crises, can make calls to a network without being charged for the calls. A toll free line is a special telephone number in which the calling party is not charged for the call by the telephone operator. Toll free lines also ensure that information on any segment of the society, be it in the area of health care, companies, travel, banking, politics insurance, and roads, among others, are just a dial away.

In developed countries, especially in the United Kingdom and United States, toll free lines have become a way of life. The service works in such a way that in virtually any sector and any area of life, especially in an emergency, a caller can pick up a phone and dial these dedicated numbers and any information or assistance required can be in seconds. A unique feature of the lines is that they usually begin with three digit codes 112, 411, 911, 999, 800, 888, 877, and 866 codes, among others.

Though some of the GSM operators in the country, especially Celtel had tried to operate the service, their efforts did not have the required national spread that a national calling plan requires because it was restricted to only the networks of the operator making the service to lack the uniformity that a national calling service should be identified with. Since the first toll free line was launched in the United Kingdom in July 1937, many nations across the globe have set up their own national emergency lines that have come handy when desirous. As a nation develops and grows, a national calling system is a prerequisite that cannot be ignored because of the immense benefits that it is capable of bringing to the citizenry.

A national emergency calling system provides 24-hour toll free telephone service that cuts across different areas of need like fire, robbery, accidents, domestic violence, and police etcetera. There are also different toll free lines dedicated to health, national disaster, hearing impaired, violation of human rights, research purposes and transportation, among others. Since the British implemented the 999 nationwide emergency number to render assistance in emergency situations like fire outbreaks, accidents, burglaries, etc, toll-free numbers have over time become very common and have proven in many instances to be life savers, enhancing access and help where there would have been none. The numbers are usually very easy to recall and the cost of the calls is usually borne by the government, participating networks or participating companies.

For example, if an accident occurs on the highway, all a passerby needs do is call a toll free line and in minutes, the information as to where the caller is, where the accident occurred etc, is received and help is sent in almost immediately. In many instances, the access to toll free lines have made the difference between life and death.

In America, the popular nationwide emergency toll free help line, 911 launched over 35 years ago, has made the 911 number synonymous with help in any emergency. In most of the states, the 911 line is synonymous with rescue, assistance and reliable help made available in minutes. Even little children are aware that in an emergency, the number to call is 911. Another popular nationwide information help line in America is the 411 toll free line. This line makes information available to the caller on virtually every area of need cutting across all sectors. Also not left out is the 1800 numbers dedicated to several areas of need. African countries like Uganda have keyed into the necessity for toll free lines. The Ugandan telecom in conjunction with Uganda Conflict Action Network a while ago launched its first toll free help lines number 0800 112 112 to enable Ugandan's access to emergency and routine medical services faster. This initiative has largely helped in ensuring that health care delivery is just a dial away. The partnership made it possible for those who normally would not have access to healthcare to embrace the service. It is noteworthy to mention that Ugandan telecom provides the 24 hours Toll free help line seven days a week, and also monitors the functioning and provision of technical services.

In Nigeria , the onset of technology in the nation no doubt has opened windows of opportunities to Nigerians that was only dreamed about in the past. These days, the technological way of doing things has almost taken over the nation. In virtually all areas of life, initiatives championed by technology is being embraced. We have such initiatives powered by technology like eHealth, eEducation, eTravel,eBusiness, ePayment, eCommerce, eGovernment, eAgriculture, eVoting,eProducts, eBanking etc gradually taking over the landscape of the nation. This is one reason why the delay in the nation having its own national emergency calling system had in the past led to people wondering why the nation was lagging behind in this regard.

Though Nigerians made do with the customer care toll free lines of the operators, it was obvious that its range of effectiveness was limited. A viable national emergency calling system that will help the socio economic landscape of the nation and work for the good of all is not negotiable and cannot be replaced with customer care toll free lines.

The proposed national emergency system about to be set up by the NCC will assuage the yearnings of Nigerians and be of tremendous help especially with the challenges posed by armed robbery attacks, road accidents, fire incidents and other emergencies that humans contend with on a daily basis.

The importance of this service is globally accepted as a tool that impacts positively on any society especially in emergency situations. That the proposed nationwide emergency helpline will in no small way impact positively on the nation is not in doubt. The system when it finally takes off will ensure that all Nigerians including children will be able to use it with zero cost implications so that in the event of any emergency, speedy help that could make the difference between life and death is made readily available. There has ben much concern that Nigeria , the giant of Africa has been without this service for so long.

That is why; the plan by the NCC to make the system available is commendable. Nigeria should endeavor to take its rightful position in Africa in all ramifications and should not just play lip service to being the giant of Africa but should be the leader of the continent in the true sense of it. Having a viable information communication technology system and all the benefits that come with it including a national toll free emergency calling system is one step towards becoming a sound economy.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200801310356.html

Ghana: Persons With Disability Demand Attention From Presidential Candidates

Public Agenda (Accra)
1 February 2008
Posted to the web 1 February 2008

By Wisdom Dzidedi Donkor

The president of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled Mr. Ofori Debrah has urged the various presidential candidates to give the disabled community the attention they deserve as citizens of the nation.

In an interview with the Public Agenda Mr. Debrah lamented the fact that so far none of the candidates have made mention of the disabled in their national plans if elected to become president of this nation.

He recalled that right from the campaign days from the party levels till date the disabled community is disappointed realizing the fact that none of the political party leaders have the disabled in mind.

According to him out of the various leaders elected by their political parties' one of them would definitely be elected as the president of Ghana. "That is why it is disappointing to note that our future presidents do not think about us" he said.

He urged politicians to try as much as possible to include the disabled in their developmental programs.

He noted that the Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) would be watching as the political season has just begun and would make no mistake in choosing the right person that would fight their course.

He urged all Persons with Disability to ignore any politician who would not have any plan for them

"GFD would not encourage its membership to toe the line of any flagbearer who appears insensitive to the plight of PWDs", he said.

The coordinator of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled, Ms Rita Kusi-Kyeremah congratulated the Black Stars for coming this far in the Ghana 2008 tournament. She urged the players and the technical team to keep up the spirit of team work which they have displayed so far.

Ms Kusi- Kyeremah also thanked MTN for making it possible for the members of the federation to watch the ongoing tournament.

On the disability friendliness of the various stadiums the coordinator said they are grateful to the authorities for leaving space for the disabled.

She said it is rather unfortunate that PWDs have no facility at the VIP stands of the various stadiums and appealed to the stakeholders to correct such abnormalities in any project.

She said she is very optimistic that the Black Stars will lift the trophy for the fifth time. She however, cautioned Ghanaians to be wary of how they celebrate victories of the Stars, especially the grand one on February 10th.

"If our celebrations will have to end in sadness due to accidents that could be prevented then it is better we don't celebrate at all", she said.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200802010539.html

トーク「スーダンの視覚障害者が直面する課題と国際協力」

斉藤@AJF事務局です。

来月2日・3日に、大阪国際交流センターで、ワン・ワールド・フェスティバルが
開かれます。
このフェスティバルでトーク「スーダンの視覚障害者が直面する課題と国際協
力」を行います。
AJF・スーダン障害者教育支援の会（CAPEDS）・立命館大学グローバルCOE「生存
学創成拠点」が協力して実施する企画です。
以下の案内をご覧のうえ、ぜひご来場下さい。

トーク「スーダンの視覚障害者が直面する課題と国際協力」
日時：2008年2月2日（土）午後3時〜5時
会場：大阪国際交流センター3Ｆ会議室4（定員36人）
　アクセス・マップは以下のページです。
　http://www.ih-osaka.or.jp/i.house/900/map.html

　大阪方面から・・・地下鉄谷町線「東梅田」より「谷町九丁目」下車
　新大阪駅から・・・地下鉄御堂筋線「なんば」で千日前線のりかえ「谷町九
　　　　　　　丁目」下車
　天王寺方面から・地下鉄谷町線「天王寺」より「四天王寺前夕陽ヶ丘」下車
　　　　　　　　　「あべの橋」発「天満橋方面行きバス（101号）」または
　　　　　　　　　「上本町六丁目方面行きバス（62号）」で「上本町八丁目」下車
　　　　　　　　　　上本町八丁目バス停から徒歩１分
参加費：無料
※ワン・ワールド・フェスティバルについて
　http://interpeople.or.jp/owf.html

スーダン障害者教育支援の会（CAPEDS）　http://capeds.rakurakuhp.net/
立命館大学グローバルCOE「生存学創成拠点」　http://www.arsvi.com

参考：
座談会「視覚障害者が高等教育機関で学ぶ　スーダンと日本の経験を語る」
http://www.arsvi.com/2000/070809.htm

PS
当日、会場内で資料配付・販売を行います。
手伝ってくださる方は、僕宛に連絡下さい。

トーク「スーダンの視覚障害者が直面する課題と国際協力」報告

斉藤@AJF事務局です。

この週末、大阪国際センターで開かれたワン・ワールド・フェスティバルに
参加しました。
土曜日午後3時からスーダン障害者教育支援の会・立命館大学グローバルCOE生
存学創成拠点との合同企画「スーダンの視覚障害者の直面する課題と国際協力」
を行いました。
月曜日から早稲田大学平山郁夫記念ボランティアセンターのスタディツアーでタ
ンザニアへ向かうというボランティアが一人、呼び込み、受付、会場係をやって
くれました。
午後3時に直前の企画が終わり、プロジェクターの設置、イスの並べ替えなどを
行って開始した時は会場内に6〜7人しかいなくてさみしいなと思っていたのです
が、会場入り口に吊るした活動紹介と呼び込みが効をきして、スーダン障害者教
育支援の会のアブディン君・福地君（二人とも全盲）の話が終わって質疑に入る
頃には20人近い参加者がありました。
二人の体験を踏まえた話に熱心に聞き入っていた参加者は、盲人サッカーボール
を使ってのプレー実演に感心していました。
点字毎日の記者、JICA大阪職員、メキシコ滞在体験のある視覚障害者が、企画終
了後も話し込んでいました。
日曜日、とあるブースで展示スタッフをしていた前日の参加者に感想を聞いたと
ころ、「プログラムを見て企画を知った。自分が弱視で、途上国の視覚障害者は
どんな境遇にいるのか、どんな施策がとられているのか、気になっていた。二人
の話を聞いて、共感するところがたくさんあった」と語っていました。
その日の午後、ワン・ワールド・フェスティバル実行委員会と外務省の共催企画
として行われたシンポジウム「国際協力を語ろう　G8に向けた日本のイニシア
ティブ」で、この感想を紹介したところ、パネリストの高橋基樹さん（神戸大学
大学院教授）が、「途上国の人々がどういった困難にどのように立ち向かってい
るのかを知って共感するところから国際協力を考えていくことが重要だ」とまと
めてくれました。

以上、報告です。

第3回リスクと公共性研究会

下記のとおり、第3回リスクと公共性研究会を開催します。
社会開発の視点から、アフリカのHIV/AIDS問題を捉えようとした研究発表2本で
す。当日は、特定の開発政策の是非を述べあうに止まらず、政策立案者が地域住
民の生活をどう理解するか、そして地域住民は政策立案者に対してどう働きかけ
るのかといったことを議論できればと思います。

なお今回は、アフリカ地域研究会との共催となります。

[日時]
2月2日(土)13:00-16:00

[場所]
工学部4号館4階北側第1講義室（401号室）
※開催場所の地図と交通アクセスについては、下記のウエブページを参照してく
ださい。
http://www.asafas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/about/access.html

[プログラム]
発表1「基礎教育の好影響を阻むHIV/AIDS」石井尚、大西千絵、大村奈央、畠山
勝太、早坂舞香（神戸大学国際開発研究科）
発表2「エチオピアの農村社会における住民主導のHIV/AIDS予防運動と感染者の
エンパワーメント」西真如（京都大学研究員）

[問い合わせ先]
西真如
e-mail: nishi@jafore.org
mobile: 090-9119-5084

Oscar is half man, half machine

It is not politically correct to criticise people with disabilities but, to be fair, as an athlete, Oscar Pistorius does not have a disability.

He has an “enhanced” ability. The swimmer Natalie du Toit is an example of what should be the prerequisite for a disabled athlete wanting to compete against able-bodied athletes: the disabled athletes must retain their inherent disadvantage.

I don’t mean to be offensive but Pistorius is technically half man, half machine.

Would an athlete be permitted to run the Comrades with an oxygen-mask strapped to his face? The logic is similar. - BK Pillay, Greenwood Park

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.thetimes.co.za/Sport/Article.aspx?id=698166

世界銀行情報センター（PIC東京）コーヒーアワー
「万人のための教育-ファストトラックイニシアティブ（FTI)」

日時： 2月5日（火）　午後6時30分〜8時
会場： 世界銀行情報センター（PIC東京） http://www.worldbank.org/ptokyo
内容： 約1億人に達するともいわれる学校に通うことができない子供たち
に初等教育の機会を提供するには何をしなければならないのか、デスモンド・
バーミンガムFTI事務局長がお話しします。
言語： 英語・日本語（逐語通訳付き）、日本手話、参加無料（コーヒー付
き）
詳細、参加申し込み：　http://go.worldbank.org/H7TCW8Y440

Botswana: Disabled Player Barred by Referee

The Voice (Francistown)
5 February 2008
Posted to the web 5 February 2008

Francistown

Referees boss Harris Lebotse intends to apologise to a Ramotswa Home Defenders player who was not allowed to play in a league match by a referee just before Christmas because of a disability.

27-year- old Keneilwe Ramokhuwa, who was born with one arm shorter than the other, was barred from playing for his side's game against rivals Mokgosi by a whistle man, named only as Mr Piet.

"What happened is regrettable. FIFA does not allow discrimination of any kind and we cannot afford to go against that. I will write letters of apology to the team and the player. I will also apologise to the player for the embarrassment he suffered because of the incident", Lebotse responded to Voice Sport enquiries into the incident.

Quizzed on what action the Referees' Commission would take against referee Piet, Lebotse said: "We will look into the matter and take the necessary action. I appeal to referees to consult when they are not sure of what the rules and regulations are in any situation."

According to the player and his side's manager, Mosupi Ikaneng, referee Piet could not clearly explain the rule that barred the disabled from playing in a competitive football match.

"I was surprised by the referee's decision because this player has played for us for more than three seasons and we have never had any problems from referees. Referee Piet could not give me a clear explanation. His action disturbed our plans. I have a feeling we could have won the game, which ended in a one all, had Ramokhuwa played. He is one of our best players," Ikaneng said.

For his part the player revealed that, "It was a very painful experience especially when the referee pushed me away when I demanded an explanation. I am still confused about my status as a player although I have played some games since then. I have played for a very long time without any problems. Mr. Piet's decision left me in shock".

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://allafrica.com/stories/200802050772.html

Cape boosts public transport for disabled

Cape Town - The City of Cape Town has improved the Dial-a-Ride service, which is a public transport service for special needs passengers such as the disabled and visually impaired.

Significant improvements have been made in the new tender for the service which was awarded to WCL Trading and took effect on 1 January 2008.

The Dial-a-Ride service is subsidised by the city and the provincial and national Governments for the exclusive use of special needs passengers with physical and visual impairments.

The objective of the service is to be efficient, safe and fair to all registered passengers.

This gives effect to the Department of Transport's motto of "Putting People, Public Transport and Quality of Life First".

Users are required to register on the data base which currently has about 5 000 listed users.

Users of Dial-a-Ride can book a trip either by SMS, by calling the toll-free number 0800 600 895 or by emailing: bookings@dialaride.co.za.

The provincial department monitors the quality of the service through the toll-free Transport Information call centre at 0800 65 64 63 where users can register their compliments and/or complaints.

The department, in consultation with the provincial Government, followed an extensive stakeholder participation process before the tender was issued and awarded.

The upgraded service confirms the city's commitment to provide dignified, reliable and efficient public transport for passengers with special needs.

The restructured Dial-a-Ride service will provide:

• an improvement in the overall capacity and flexibility of the service by increasing the number of vehicles;
• fewer larger converted panel vans and smaller buses;
• improvements to the overall quality of the service as a contractual obligation and
• the addition of sedan vehicles.

The service operates seven days a week between 6am and 8pm.

Previously the service could accommodate 330 return bookings per day however now it has increased to 400.

The first two weeks of January saw an average of 30 bookings per day with the majority being for non-work related purposes.

Since 15 January this has changed to an average of 200 bookings per day of which 80 percent are during peak hours when people are being transported to and from work.

This is expected to grow as the enlarged capacity and extended operating hours become common knowledge.

The Dial-a-Ride service was previously provided by Ikapa Tours and Travel and the transition to the new operator, WCL Trading, took place without any disruptions.

WCL Trading has also employed four disabled people to do administrative work.

More vehicles are now available, with nine sedan vehicles (metered taxis) adding to the existing four panel vans and 13 Quantum taxis.

The vehicles, with new branding, are easily identifiable and the Wayfarer electronic ticketing system brings this service into the cash-free era.

The city, in accordance with existing legislation and in consultation with other stakeholders, decided to significantly reduce fares, making public transport for special needs passengers more affordable.

The minimum fare has been reduced by 20 percent to R4.00 and the maximum fare by 57 percent to R5.50. - BuaNews

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.buanews.gov.za/view.php?ID=08020516451003&coll=buanew08

Pension Funds Adjudicator
Press Office Feature : Ruling concerning the payment of a disability benefit as a result of mental infirmity

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Company: Pension Funds Adjudicator
Author: Mamodupi Mohlala
Email: editor@itinews.co.za
Posted: 06 Feb 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Claims assessor’s decision unreasonable on the medical evidence

The Pension Funds Adjudicator issued a landmark ruling in the matter of P v Eskom Pension and Provident Fund regarding the entitlement to a disability benefit on the grounds of mental infirmity.

The complainant was employed by Eskom from 12 July 1989 until May 2005, when her employment contract was terminated due to ill-health. Prior to the termination of the employment contract, the complainant applied for an ill-health benefit and underwent various medical evaluations.

A report from Miss C, an occupational therapist, concluded that from a physical functional point of view, the complainant should be able to cope with the inherent physical demands of her job, although a period of work hardening would be required given the extended absence from work.

A neuropsychological assessment from Mr M, a psychologist firstly concluded that there was no wilful exaggeration of the symptoms and that the complainant’s present level of neuropsychological functioning would be incompatible with a return to the open labour market at present.

Furthermore, the complainant is approximately 20 months post trauma and only minimal further improvement in her neuropsychological difficulties can be expected at this stage. The psychologist concluded that some further improvement in the mental functioning may occur with more adequate psychological treatment.

Dr F, a neurologist, submitted a report stating that the complainant’s symptomatology appears to be of an entirely psychological nature and may be related to a personal injury claim against another medical practitioner.

He was of the view that the psychological problems could be resolved with time and motivation but this is unlikely to be resolved until the litigation is completed. He was also of the view that it was quite possible for the complainant to recover completely from this type of ordeal with no long term mental changes.

However, with regard to the question of her fitness to work, he was of the view that this was a difficult question to answer. He finally concluded that in the present situation the complainant would not be able to return to work but was of the view that there was an excellent chance that this may or could be resolved in the medium term.

Dr B, a specialist psychiatrist, concluded that the psychiatric treatment is poor, inadequate and far from optimal. The doctor was of the view that the complainant should gradually resume work with the employer with reduced stress levels and constant support from the employer.

The fund’s claim assessor rejected the ill-health disability application primarily on the grounds that the disability was not of a permanent nature. Instead, the complainant was paid a withdrawal benefit.

The complainant was unhappy with the decision of the fund and lodged a complaint with the adjudicator’s office.

The Adjudicator firstly held that in determining whether the member is entitled to a disability benefit and whether the fund has properly exercised its discretion, the enquiry is not whether the trustees were wrong in repudiating the claim, but rather whether the decision reached is reasonable based on the evidence before them.

After examining all the medical evidence and the submissions of the parties, the Adjudicator accepted that the medical evidence confirmed that the complainant was unable to return to employment in her current position.

Furthermore, in the absence of a rule creating such a condition, the liability for a disability benefit should not be declined simply on the basis that there may be a possibility that the disability may be removed by other medical treatment.

Therefore, the Adjudicator concluded that there was sufficient grounds for finding that the claims assessor’s decision was unreasonable on the medical evidence before him and held that the complainant was entitled to an ill-health disability benefit.

Therefore, the fund was ordered to pay the complainant an ill-health retirement benefit, less amounts already paid and further less any deductions permitted by the Act, together with interest thereon.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.itinews.co.za/companyview.aspx?cocategoryid=5&companyid=61&itemid=58C6A018-F9AD-4DAF-B830-A0E40C2037CB

Federation Of Disabled Inaugurated

By Daily Guide
Thu, 07 Feb 2008
General News LOW GRAPHICS

THREE associations of disabled people in the Kwaebibirem District of the Eastern Region have formed a federation to fight for the cause of the disabled in the district.

The associations, Ghana Association of the Blind, Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled and the National Association of the Deaf, whose membership is about 200, have come together to form the Federation of Disabled Associations so they would become stronger in fighting for what is due them as physically challenged in the society.

At the inauguration of the umbrella association at Kade, the district capital, last Friday, president of the district federation, Stephen Nketia commended government for passing the Disability Act.

He asked all agencies involved in the implementation of the Act to give real meaning to government’s intention of passing the Act, saying it would be a waste of time if the attitude of society towards disabled persons did not change.

According to the district president, it is respectable to be disabled, stressing that disability did not mean inability.

“We want to be part of the society, so society must give us that recognition,” he said.

Mr. Nketia also called on government to consider increasing the share of the district common fund allocated for the disabled from 2 to 4 percent to help them properly meet their needs.

The guest of honour at the programme, who was the Deputy Eastern Regional Minister and MP for Kade, Hon Ofosu Asamoah pleaded with disabled people to stop roaming the streets and begging for alms.

He pointed out that people who were disabled should not see themselves as people who could not do anything for themselves and the nation.

He noted that there were people who are disabled but find themselves in lucrative businesses after studying or learning various trades.

“Government has put in place a lot of micro-credit facilities like the Rural Enterprise Project which are available to any group of persons who come together to form associations like yours.”

Hon Ofosu Asamoah stressed that the Disability Act, passed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, was to ensure that people with disability were given equal opportunities in the nation's building process.

“Government knows this nation can only attain total development if all her human resources are well harnessed," he said.

He therefore appealed to the families of physically challenged persons not to abandon them to their fate but rather give them the necessary love, care and the support to enable them to live decent lives.

He tasked the executives of the umbrella association to manage affairs of the association effectively and efficiently to ensure its growth and sustenance. From Thomas Fosu Jnr, Kade

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.modernghana.com/GhanaHome/NewsArchive/news_details.asp?menu_id=1&id=VFZSVk1rOUVaelU9

権利条約：障害を開発にメインストリームするために、誰が何をするのか

国連ＮＹの長田さんから頂いた情報です。

2月には毎年開催される、社会問題に関する政府間会議がNYの国連本部で開催さ
れます。この会議においても今年の話題のメインの一つは障害と開発です。つま
り、障害者の権利条約の32条をどうやって進めていくかということが議論されま
す。
この会議には、　VENUS　ILLAGAN、前DPIの議長をはじめ、昨年のWORLD
PROGRAMME OFACTION　をスポンサーした、フィリッピン政府とNGO,　World Bank
　の　MCLAINさんなど、専門家が世界からやってきます。この本会議と平行して、
世界銀行のGlobal Partnership for Disability and Development (GPDD)　プロ
ジェクトと、フィンランド政府が共同で、NYにおいて、2月の8日に、フィンラン
ドの代表部で、「権利条約：障害を開発にメインストリームするために、誰が何
をするのか」と言ったタイトルで会議が開催されます。

We, the Global Partnership for Disability and Development (GPDD) is organizing a round table discussion in conjunction with the 46th Commission for Social Development entitled “The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities- Mainstreaming Disability in Development -who will do what?”

The purpose of the Round Table with open discussion is to provide various stakeholders a possibility to continue exchanging views on the practical ways forward towards mainstreaming disability matters in development. The focus will be on what each organization can and will do, and to seek synergies and opportunities for collaboration.

Friday, February 8, 2007
3.00 p.m.- 6.00 p.m.
at
Permanent Mission of Finland to the United Nations
866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 222
New York, N.Y. 10017, U.S.A
Tel. +1-212-355 2100.

【付記】GPDDについての参照URL
http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTSOCIALPROTECTION/EXTDISABILITY/0,,contentMDK:21036173~pagePK:210058~piPK:210062~theSitePK:282699,00.html

Panel Discussion:
"Mainstreaming Disability in the Development Agenda"
Commission for Social Development

United Nations Headquarters - Conference Room 4
10:00 a.m., Tuesday, 12 February 2008

PANELISTS:

Ms. Rosangela Berman-Bieler
Executive Director
Inter-American Institute on Disability & Inclusive Development
New York, U.S.A.

Ms. Venus M. Ilagan
National Project Director, Breaking Barriers for Children (DANIDA project)
Immediate Past Chairperson & Representative for International Relations, Disabled Peoples' International
Manila, Philippines

Ms. Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo
Senior Operations Officer
World Bank
Washington D.C., U.S.A.

Ms. Barbara Murray
Senior Disability Specialist
International Labour Organization (ILO)
Geneva, Switzerland

Dr. Ronald Wiman
Senior Social Development Advisor
Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Helsinki, Finland

MODERATOR:

Ambassador Claude Heller
Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations
New York, U.S.A.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

• Read the report: Mainstreaming disability in the development agenda
  
• Commission for Social Development
  
• All members of delegations, UN system staff, and representatives of NGOs are invited to attend.
  Event is open to NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC; United Nations grounds pass is required for entry.

USAID Offers 95,000 Dollars Support To Disabled Sports

By GNA
Tue, 12 Feb 2008
General News LOW GRAPHICS

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has granted 95,000 dollars to the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD) towards organising a national wheelchair basketball competition in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital.

The competition is to create a forum for the Society to select talented players to form a national men and women's wheelchair basketball teams capable of participating in both international and local competitions.

Mr Abdul-Aziz Mohammed and Francis Amedor, Chairman and Secretary of the Sports Wing of the Society, who briefed the GNA Sports in Kumasi, said the grant which is under the USAID Sports Diplomacy Initiatives, was geared toward advancing the Agency's policy of inclusion for people with disabilities.

Mr Amedor said part of the grant would be used to purchase modern basketball chairs, hand bikes, bikes for single leg amputees and training programmes in the maintenance of the chairs.

He said that the Ghana Social Club would be the venue for the competition with the opening ceremony expected to come off on Friday, February 15 at 09:30 hours.

【付記】上記ニュースのURL
http://www.modernghana.com/GhanaHome/NewsArchive/news_details.asp?menu_id=1&id=VFZSVk0wMTZXWG89

Angola: Lwini Fund Organises Round-Table Meeting On Disability

Angola Press Agency (Luanda)
12 February 2008
Posted to the web 12 February 2008

Luanda

Lwini Social Solidarity Fund organises on February 14, in the premises of the Journalists Training Centre (Cefojor), in Luanda, a round-table gathering under the topic "The disabled person, labour market and social integration", part of the activities celebrating the institution's 10th anniversary.

According to a press release from Lwini Fund, this round-table meeting is due to the need for the whole society to evaluate matters related wi