WBU e-bulletin - January 2019
WBU E-BULLETIN
VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3
July 2020
Contact us at:
World Blind Union
1929 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M4G 3E8
Telephone: 1-416-486-9698
Fax: 1-416-486-8107
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wbu.ngo
Twitter: @BlindUnion
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Changing What It Means to be Blind!
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN3PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE3COVID-19
GLOBAL UPDATES5THE EXPERIENCE OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES WITH
COVID-195SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND NOT READY TO REOPEN6BACK TO SCHOOL –
CORONA EDITION7CNIB FOUNDATION OFFERS FREE EDUCATIONAL
MANUAL7COVID-19: EBU EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR INTERVIEWED ON BBC9COVID-19
END-DISCRIMINATION CAMPAIGN9UN POLICY BRIEF ON A
DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE RESPONSE TO COVID-199JOINT STATEMENT: LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN RELATION TO
COVID-1910UPDATES FROM WBU11WBU CEO'S SPEECH ON COMMEMORATION OF
THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UN11WBU SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE13WBU
WEBINAR ON IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS)
IN KENYA14WBU-ICEVI WEBINAR - PROMOTING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN TIME
OF COVID-1915RESOURCES16GLOBAL EDUCATION MONITORING REPORT
202016IDA REPORT ON INCLUSIVE EDUCATION LAUNCHED17IASC GUIDELINES,
INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN HUMANITARIAN ACTION,
201918GLOBAL VISION IMPAIRMENT FACTS18REMINDER: CONTACT
INFORMATION19THE WBU
REGIONS19AFRICA20ASIA20ASIA-PACIFIC20EUROPE20LATIN AMERICA20NORTH
AMERICA/THE CARIBBEAN20WBU TABLE OFFICERS20REGIONAL PRESIDENTS20WBU
STAFF20OUR SPONSORS21Our Platinum Sponsors21Our Diamond
Sponsors21Our Gold Sponsors21Other Projects Funders and
Supporters21Donations in Kind22
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN
We welcome articles from the regions and from members who wish
to share their good news with the rest of the world. Our next
deadline for content is October 7th, 2020. We accept submissions in
English, French, and Spanish in electronic format. Please note that
we retain the right to edit submissions due to space limitations.
Send your news to: [email protected]
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear members of the World Blind Union,
The world has changed in a very short time, and the impact of
the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the lives of blind and
partially sighted people will be with us for a very long time.
Through our member organizations, tremendous efforts have been made
to insure blind and partially sighted people are not left behind as
governments struggle to meet the world health emergency. Far too
often, the needs of blind and partially sighted people are
forgotten in the midst of a crisis, be it the consequence of a
natural disaster or civil unrest. Sadly, now we have to add a
worldwide pandemic to the list. As with all of our work, it is up
to us to make our voices heard and advocate for our needs. In
addition to advocacy to include the needs of blind and partially
sighted people in national policy, our member organizations have
helped support blind people through the delivery of practical
day-to-day information, such as webinars for blind parents who are
adjusting to having their children out of school and sighted
parents who are suddenly responsible for supporting the education
of their blind children. There are no easy answers, but together we
will continue to advocate for full and equal representation of
blind people in every aspect of life.
As you know, our 2020 General Assembly has been postponed until
May 2021. The International Organizing Committee is meeting
regularly to evaluate the global situation and will provide updates
as more information becomes available.
On the membership front, I have very good news. The Blind
Association of Korea (the organization of the blind in the
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) has been approved for
membership in the World Blind Union. We have also added a member
from the North America/Caribbean Region: the National Society of
and for the Blind from St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Adding
members is an important step in extending our reach to blind people
everywhere.
Our collective work on behalf of blind and partially sighted
people is supported through member dues and sponsorships. We wish
to acknowledge the generous support of our core sponsors,
particularly during this time of unprecedented challenge.
I wish to thank each and every one of you for your work on
behalf of blind and partially sighted people. Together we have made
powerful and lasting change, but the work continues. Our energy and
spirit are strong, and in spite of all we face, never forget that
your efforts have and will continue to change what it means to be
blind.
Thank you for all you do.
Dr. Fredric K. Schroeder, President, WBU
COVID-19 GLOBAL UPDATESTHE EXPERIENCE OF PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES WITH COVID-19
A research study carried out by the Stakeholder Group of Persons
with Disabilities indicates that myriad barriers exist for persons
with disabilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including
additional and new ones. The most common barriers that emerged
include: (1) lack of access to COVID-19-related information for all
persons with disabilities, (2) barriers in receiving social
protection measures and employment (formal and informal, losing
employment first, and accessibility barriers in the virtual working
environment) and (3) lack of disability inclusion in COVID-19
response efforts at all governmental levels, creating significant
disconnections between national and local actions.
The report finds that most persons with disabilities around the
world have been adversely affected by the pandemic in one way or
another with additional or new barriers, including new barriers in
the re-opening phase. As countries continue the management of
COVID-19 as a public health issue, while also transitioning to open
up economies and societies, removal of existing barriers and
building back better are critical for future implementation of the
Sustainable Development Goals.
A summary of recommendations discussed include to:
· Collaborate with and build on the International Disability
Alliance and the International Disability and Development
Consortium campaign and advocacy efforts to include persons with
disabilities in COVID-19 response efforts.
· Advocate for accessibility for all persons with disabilities
in all COVID-19-related matters and increase disability awareness
by widely disseminating testimonials of persons with disabilities;
and
· Develop a disability inclusion guide based on lessons learned
from the pandemic for governments and local authorities.
Download full report at IDA website
SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND NOT READY TO REOPEN
Media Release, June 2020
Blind SA (South Africa) established a Task Team to review the
draft Guidelines for the reopening of the Schools for the Blind
developed by the Department of Basic Education. The Task Team
included Principals from Schools for the Blind, representatives
from ICEVI, OMASA and Blind SA. The Task Team submitted comments
and recommendations on the draft guidelines produced by the
Department of Basic Education.
It was pointed out that the special needs and reasonable
accommodation of blind and partially sighted learners cannot be
grouped with the same requirements of other Special Schools or
alternatively with ordinary schools such as the issues of social
distancing since touch is a major feature for blind and partially
sighted learners. The students are also required to move around the
school premises and hostels and are assisted by other learners and
staff at these schools.
The students also use their fingers for reading braille and
using braille writing machines or to feel an object. Therefore,
there is a greater need to sanitise equipment and surfaces more
regularly.
Another major concern is the poor infrastructure at these
schools especially with inadequate facilities at the hostel. The
students will not be able to practice social distancing since the
hostels are full and, in many instances, there is overcrowding in
the hostels. Mealtimes will also pose challenges with students
assembling in the dining room for their meals. Read full Release in
our COVID-19 webpage
BACK TO SCHOOL – CORONA EDITION
On 6 March 2020, Cameroon confirmed its first COVID-19 case. As
the virus spread and the number of confirmed cases increased, the
government decided to close all schools. More than two months after
suspension of classes due to the coronavirus, final year students
in primary school and secondary school returned to school in early
June 2020.
In Promhandicam, a CBM local partner in Yaoundé, Cameroon,
classes have resumed for final year students sitting in for Common
Entrance Examinations and First School Leaving Certificate exams.
The school is taking dispositions to keep the students and staff
safe from COVID. Read more at CBM website
CNIB FOUNDATION OFFERS FREE EDUCATIONAL MANUAL
The ABC’s of iOS: a VoiceOver Manual for Toddlers and
Beyond!
As students and families adjust to remote learning during
COVID-19, the CNIB Foundation has released a free version of its
iOS training manual for children with sight loss. The ABC's of iOS:
A VoiceOver Manual for Toddlers and Beyond! ensures educators and
family members have the tools to teach a child who is blind or
partially sighted how to use iOS with VoiceOver.
"Technology can level the playing field for people who are blind
or partially sighted – but only when it's accessible, available and
affordable," says Suzanne Decary-van den Broek, Executive Director,
CNIB Foundation Ontario South (GTA). "Developed in collaboration
with Diane Brauner, Educational Accessibility Consultant, the CNIB
Foundation created this resource to ensure children with sight loss
have the necessary knowledge and training to develop the skills to
capitalize on its potential."
The manual was developed alongside children with sight loss,
educators, specialists, and family members across the Greater
Toronto Area and the United States.
"The iPad is an incredible educational tool, but, more often
than not, children with sight loss are not introduced to modern
technology until much later than their sighted peers," said Diane
Brauner, Educational Accessibility Consultant. "By introducing
technology to children at an earlier age – and providing them with
the skills and training to operate it – we're empowering children
to thrive developmentally and academically."
The free manual provides parents and educators with the
age-appropriate information they need to teach a child how to
interact with an iPad using VoiceOver. To put the latest knowledge
at children's fingertips, it incorporates accessible apps with
educational content. The manual addresses VoiceOver skills for
children, ages 3-8, who are, or may become, braille readers, dual
media, or auditory readers.
"The ABC's of iOS manual provides me with a systematic method to
teach my child how to use VoiceOver on an iPad. Janna has learned
how to use iOS apps such as iBraille Challenge and Reading
Adventure Time with a refreshable braille display connected to her
iPad via Bluetooth," says Mabel Chow. "Thanks to the iOS manual and
these accessible apps, Janna's reading comprehension and braille
reading skills have improved significantly."
Educators and family members will learn how to:
· encourage children with sight loss to explore and interact
appropriately with an iPad.
· introduce and teach age-appropriate VoiceOver gestures,
Bluetooth keyboard commands and refreshable braille display
commands.
· incorporate teaching strategies which address the unique needs
of children with sight loss.
· nurture children with sight loss to become confident and
independent with iPad skills.
· provide information about accessible apps and activities for
educational purposes.
For more information or to download The ABC’s of iOS: a
VoiceOver Manual for Toddlers and Beyond!, visit shop.cnib.ca
COVID-19: EBU EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR INTERVIEWED ON BBC
The Executive Director of the European Blind Union (EBU) Mr.
Lars Bosselmann was interviewed on the BBC In Touch radio programme
along with other contributors, on the theme of social distancing
and leaving lockdown. Other contributors include Kirsten Hearn, a
blind listener, Peter Brass, a board member of the German
Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted, and Professor Robert
Dingwall, a sociologist with a public health specialism based at
Nottingham Trent University. Listen to the interview. Meanwhile,
Lars was also interviewed by RNIB Connect Radio about the EBU
Covid-19 response and their collaborative work across the
continent. Listen to the interview.
COVID-19 END-DISCRIMINATION CAMPAIGN
The International Disability Alliance (IDA) and the
International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) have
launched a Covid19 End-Discrimination campaign to call to raise
awareness of examples of the discrimination that persons with
disabilities experience in accessing services and call on the
global community on the critical and urgent need to deliver
disability inclusive COVID-19 responses at global, national and
local levels.
The one billion persons with disabilities are among the most
excluded groups in our society. The World Health Organisation and
various other UN agencies are reporting that people with
disabilities are being disproportionately affected by COVID-19. WBU
is part of this ongoing campaign. Read more at IDA website
UN POLICY BRIEF ON A DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE RESPONSE TO
COVID-19
The global crisis of COVID-19 is deepening pre-existing
inequalities, exposing the extent of exclusion and highlighting
that work on disability inclusion is imperative. People with
disabilities—one billion people— are one of the most excluded
groups in our society and are among the hardest hit in this crisis
in terms of fatalities.
This Policy Brief by the UN Sustainable Development Group
(UNSDG) highlights the impact of COVID19 on persons with
disabilities and in doing so, outlines key actions and
recommendations to make the response and recovery inclusive of
persons with disabilities. While the brief contains specific
recommendations focusing on key sectors, it identifies four
overarching areas of action that are applicable for all.
1. Ensure mainstreaming of disability in all COVID-19 response
and recovery together with targeted actions.
2. Ensure accessibility of information, facilities, services and
programmes in the COVID-19 response and recovery.
3. Ensure meaningful consultation with and active participation
of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations
in all stages of the COVID-19 response and recovery
4. Establish accountability mechanisms to ensure disability
inclusion in the COVID-19 response.
Download the full policy brief at UNSDG website
JOINT STATEMENT: LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
IN RELATION TO COVID-19
May 05, 2020
1. With the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) accessibility became a
human rights principle, adopting a specific norm that obliges
States Parties to take pertinent measures to ensure access to
persons with disabilities, on equal terms with others, to the
physical environment, transport, information and communications,
including information and communication systems and technologies,
and other services and facilities open to the public or for public
use, both in urban and rural areas, so that persons with
disabilities can live independently and participate fully in all
aspects of life.
2. Universal accessibility is undoubtedly the most mainstreamed
legal structure in human rights for the 21st century. It is based
on "universal design", which is the design of products,
environments, programs and services that can be used by all
persons, as much as possible, without the need for adaptation or
specialized design.
3.The 2030 Agenda establishes as a Sustainable Development Goal
to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and
sustainable, highlighting the goals related to accessible
transport, green areas and accessible public spaces, to “not leave
anybody behind” (goal 11.2 and goal 11.7, respectively).
4.The COVID-19 pandemic and its disproportionately negative
effects on persons with disabilities and older persons have also
highlighted persistent deficiencies in accessibility in cities and
rural settings.
Read full statement
UPDATES FROM WBUWBU CEO'S SPEECH ON COMMEMORATION OF THE 75TH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE UN
May 29, 2020
The World Blind Union CEO, who is also the Permanent
Representative of the Stakeholder Group of Persons with
Disabilities, Mr. Jose Viera, delivered the following speech
addressing the Zero-Draft of the declaration for the commemoration
of the 75th anniversary of the UN.
Today we are building on two sections of the declaration in
order to strengthen it:
(1) how COVID-19 has particularly hit the most “vulnerable
groups,” including persons with disabilities and
(2) how we will leave no one behind to ensure and uphold
everyone’s human rights and fundamental freedoms.
In pre-pandemic life, governments often ignored or inadvertently
left behind persons with disabilities in national and international
development plans, however, there has been improvement since the
adoption and subsequent implementation of the SDGs. Yet, due to the
pandemic, once again we are moving backward, in which the most
marginalized people are being left behind.
Learning from the unprecedented challenges in the last few
months, we must build back better for a more equal, resilient,
sustainable, and inclusive world. This means that all marginalized
groups, such as persons with disabilities – and particularly those
from underrepresented groups – in rural and urban areas, including
persons with deafblindness, and persons with psychosocial and
intellectual disabilities, as well as children, women, older
persons and indigenous persons with disabilities – must have equal
opportunities. We must turn to the SDGs to guide the rebuilding of
our societies in which all are equal, included, and thriving.
The key to rebuilding is to follow the evidence and data. The
COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that while it is universally
known that persons with disabilities, along with older persons, are
at increased risk, they by and large, have not been included in the
COVID-19-related data collection efforts. This must stop, as
rebuilding cannot happen without evidence and data. This keeps in
line with CRPD Article 31 that requires States Parties to collect
data on persons with disabilities and the commitment from 193
countries to collect data on persons with disabilities and to
disaggregate data by disability by adopting the 2030 Agenda and the
global indicator framework.
We need DPOs and the disability movement to be meaningfully
included in data collection and analysis, and furthermore,
statisticians, policy makers, DPOs, and allies need to learn from
each other, use available data to address challenges and gaps in
policies to realize international commitments and obligations by
using existing tools and solutions for evidence-based policy
making.
Regarding the declaration paragraph on leave no one behind, we
would like to make the following suggestions:
We ask that the paragraph goes beyond the recognition of most
marginalized communities, and also calls for action to empower the
most vulnerable, with particular attention to the post-COVID19
reality.
We recommend adding a reference that calls for urgent data
collection on the situation of the most marginalized groups, such
as persons with disabilities to inform policy action on the basis
of data.
In closing, the inclusion and the participation of persons with
disabilities and their representative organizations in all phases
of implementation is critical, not only to ensure that they are not
left behind, but also because only they are the true experts when
it comes to their complete inclusion in society. Through
consultations and by partnering with persons with disabilities,
governments will receive technical assistance, capacity building
and access to data, which are essential to achieving inclusion and
realizing the overarching principle of leaving no one behind.
WBU SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
The World Blind Union is calling on eligible candidates to apply
for available scholarships offered by the WBU. Preference is given
to blind and partially sighted applicants from low income
countries. Read more information on our website. Applicants for all
scholarships require a Letter of Application outlining how the
scholarship will be used including a budget and a 500-word essay
describing the course of study, program or self-employment project.
A Support letter from a recognized organization of or for the blind
within country where applicant resides or a WBU representative is
also required.
The following scholarships are currently available:
1. Barbara Marjeram Braille Literacy Scholarship for blind women
and girls in developing countries
Established in 2008 the Barbara Marjeram Scholarship selection
committee awards one or more scholarships annually to blind and
visually impaired girls and women between the ages of 14 – 30 years
living in a developing country. Applicants are expected to possess
Braille reading and writing skills or be willing to pursue a course
to learn Braille.
Scholarships range from $300 - $500 US each with up to six or
more awards each year to students enrolled in a recognized
education program in their country or enrolled in a recognized
distance learning program. Award recipients may also be eligible
for a further one time grant for a self-employment project.
2. Gerald Dirks Scholarship for Advancement of Braille
Literacy
Established in 2013 the Gerald Dirks Scholarship Selection
Committee awards one or more scholarships annually, up to $1000 US
each, to eligible blind or visually impaired women and men between
the ages of 18 – 35 years from a developing country, with
preference given to the African Union. Applicants are expected to
possess Braille reading and writing skills. Candidates should have
pre-requisite education or training to qualify either as a teacher
of blind pupils; train as a teaching assistant working alongside a
qualified teacher in the classroom or be involved in a creative
braille literacy project.
3. The Mary Hochhausen Prize for Music and Literacy
Established in 2014 by the Hochhausen family to honour the
memory of Mary Hochhausen the Prize is presented annually by the
end of June. Focus is directed to young blind women and men between
the ages of 18 – 35 years who have a specific interest in and
demonstrated talent for music living in a developing country.
Preference will be given to candidates living in the African
Union.
Two or more prizes may be awarded in any one year up to a value
of $2000 US each related to learning braille/braille music
notation. Funds are also available for creating a school music
program or similar project. Applicants are expected to possess
Braille reading and writing skills; and have a demonstrated musical
talent with an interest to further their education and/or work
toward a career in music. For more information, visit the WBU
scholarships webpage
WBU WEBINAR ON IMPLEMENTATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
(SDGS) IN KENYA
The World Blind Union jointly with the Kenya Union of the Blind
(KUB) is pleased to invite you to a webinar to discuss a national
report documenting Kenya’s Implementation of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) in Compliance with the UN Convention on
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities(CRPD).
The report, produced with the support of the International
Disability Alliance (IDA), examines the extent to which Kenya’s
activities aimed at achieving the goals and targets set out in the
SDGs include and consider people with disabilities and that they
comply with its commitments under the UNCRPD. This is in line with
WBU’s priority of engaging with members, Disabled People’s
Organisations, international development organizations and other
stakeholders to protect and promote the human rights of blind and
partially sighted persons and to ensure they are fully included in
the national development agenda.
The webinar will be held on August 6 at 9 AM EST (1.00 PM GMT,
4.00 PM East Africa Time). Panelists will include representatives
from the KUB, African Union of the Blind (AFUB), IDA and WBU.
Please Register at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m2CGWcm7Qs-EeOaTFMgIEQ
You can download the full report at the WBU website
Please help us in spreading the word. Forward this invite to
your networks and share on your social media.
WBU-ICEVI WEBINAR - PROMOTING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN TIME OF
COVID-19
The World Blind Union (WBU) and the International Council for
Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) conducted a on
29 July 2020 on "Promoting Inclusive Education in the time of
COVID-19". It was an opportunity to share inclusive education
advocacy tools and best practices based on the International
Disability Alliance (IDA) Inclusive Education Global Report and the
linkage with UNESCO’s 2020 Global Education Monitoring Report (GEM
Report). Discussions focused on COVID-19 challenges in education
and the Reports’ Relevance and Perspectives for the Education of
Learners with Visual Impairments.
Panellists included the WBU President Dr. Fred Schroeder, ICEVI
President Dr. Frances Gentle, the ICEVI Chief Executive Officer Dr.
M.N.G. Mani, ICEVI First-Vice President, Dr Praveena Sukhraj-Ely,
President of ICEVI West Asia Dr Bushan Punani, President of ICEVI
Latin America Cristina Sanz and Ms Dorodi Sharma, the Inclusive
Development Officer, IDA. Download the Webinar Recording (Audio)
and Transcript at WBU website
RESOURCES
GLOBAL EDUCATION MONITORING REPORT 2020
CBM International supports the launch of the Global Education
Monitoring (GEM) Report 2020 on inclusion and education – all means
all.
The GEM Report by UNESCO aims to monitor progress towards the
education targets in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
framework for action. Each report focuses on different aspects of
SDG 4 “to ensure inclusive, equitable quality education and promote
lifelong learning opportunities for all”. This year’s report is
titled Inclusion and Education – All means all. It seeks to
influence all those involved in education - policymakers and
investors, aid agencies, foundations, UN organizations, NGOs,
teachers, researchers, the media and students.
An overarching message is that learner diversity is a strength
to be celebrated and that, indeed, all means all! The report
includes a number of key messages and recommendations for the next
10 years, and those linked to the following are of particularly
importance:
· Access (emphasising accessibility, the provision of reasonable
accommodation, universal design for learning, formative
assessments),
· Teacher support (having a diverse education workforce, teacher
training, understanding of inclusive education, appropriate
teacher/child ratios)
· Data for targeted action and progress monitoring
· Cross-sectoral approaches (investing in early identification
and early childhood development, the provision of assistive devices
and rehabilitation services, the provision of social security and
protection, use of a twin track approach, collaboration with NGOs
and the civil society)
· ‘Voice’ representation (stakeholder engagement, community,
organisations of person with disabilities, parents groups, learners
themselves) Read more
IDA REPORT ON INCLUSIVE EDUCATION LAUNCHED
“Building a truly inclusive education system is the only way to
achieve SDG 4 for all children”
The International Disability Alliance (IDA) Inclusive Education
Global Report has been developed as part of IDA’s Inclusive
Education Flagship initiative, a component of the Disability
Catalyst Programme funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for
International Development (DFID). Led by the IDA Inclusive
Education Task Team and informed by the experience of national
Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), this global
report on inclusive education presents the work and views of the
International Disability Alliance (IDA) on how to achieve
Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) – ensure inclusive and
equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning
opportunities for all – in compliance with the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD),
especially respecting its Article 24 on the rights of all learners
with disabilities.
It includes recommendations of good practices that can be
supported by good policies and legislation, leading to truly
inclusive education systems. The report lays down the minimum
conditions required for inclusion of all children and youth –
including children and youth with disabilities in education. It
puts forward measures required to build an inclusive education
system geared towards providing quality education to all children
and youth equitably. At the end, the report provides
recommendations to governments and civil society that IDA deems
essential and urgent for the implementation of inclusive education
for all learners, including children and youth with
disabilities.
The report aims to inform education sector stakeholders on the
priorities agreed by the disability rights movement, and to equip
disability activists and their allies with essential messages and
recommendations to unify and strengthen advocacy towards effective
and accelerated reforms of the education sector. Read more
IASC GUIDELINES, INCLUSION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN
HUMANITARIAN ACTION, 2019
The IASC (the Inter-Agency Standing Committee) guidelines set
out essential actions that humanitarian actors must take in order
to effectively identify and respond to the needs and rights of
persons with disabilities who are most at risk of being left behind
in humanitarian settings. The recommended actions in each chapter
place persons with disabilities at the centre of humanitarian
action, both as actors and as members of affected populations. They
are specific to persons with disabilities and to the context of
humanitarian action and build on existing and more general
standards and guidelines.
These are the first humanitarian guidelines to be developed with
and by persons with disabilities and their representative
organizations in association with traditional humanitarian
stakeholders. Based on the outcomes of a comprehensive global and
regional multi-stakeholder consultation process, they are designed
to promote the implementation of quality humanitarian programmes in
all contexts and across all regions, and to establish and increase
both the inclusion of persons with disabilities and their
meaningful participation in all decisions that concern them. Read
more
GLOBAL VISION IMPAIRMENT FACTS
Did you know that:
· 253 million people are blind or visually impaired, meaning
they have moderate or severe distance vision impairment or
blindness
· At least 2.2 billion people have a vision impairment that may
or may not be addressed. This include those with moderate and
severe distance vision impairment, those with mild distance vision
impairment and near vision impairment. (* According to WHO, the
inclusion of near vision impairment in the 2019 World Report on
Vision was justified due to the significant impact or unaddressed
near vision impairment on quality of life and the considerable
financial burden it poses due to global productivity losses.)
· Of those, at least 1 billion people have a vision impairment
that could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed
· Globally, the leading causes of vision impairment are
uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts.
· The majority of people with vision impairment are over the age
of 50 years.
· In terms of regional differences, the prevalence of distance
vision impairment in low- and middle-income regions is estimated to
be four times higher than in high-income regions.
· With regards to near vision, rates of unaddressed near vision
impairment are estimated to be greater than 80% in western, eastern
and central sub-Saharan Africa, while comparative rates in
high-income regions of North America, Australasia, Western Europe,
and of Asia-Pacific are reported to be lower than 10%.
Read more on the WHO Website. Also you can download full WHO
World Report on Vision on the WHO website
Listen to IAPB Webinar about WHO's work building on the
recommendations of the World Report on Vision, held on 16 July
2020
REMINDER: CONTACT INFORMATION
Friendly reminder to members: Please check your contact
information on our website to ensure that it is up to date at:
Member Regions and Organizations:
http://www.worldblindunion.org/English/about-wbu/membership/Pages/Member-Regions-and-Organizations.aspx
Should you change your contact information any time please
update us. You can contact Ianina at [email protected]
THE WBU REGIONS
Our regions are the bridge between the international level of
work and the local level. Policies and treaties constructed at
global levels are then carried out by our members in their own
countries. Most of the regions have their own websites where they
post updates on their work, member activities, and upcoming events
in their area.
WBU e-Bulletin July 202028
AFRICA
http://www.afub-uafa.org
ASIA
Website is currently unavailable
ASIA-PACIFIC
http://wbuap.org/index/
EUROPE
http://www.euroblind.org
LATIN AMERICA
http://ulacdigital.org
NORTH AMERICA/THE CARIBBEAN
Website is currently unavailable
WBU TABLE OFFICERS
Dr. Fredric K. Schroeder, President
[email protected]
Mr. Fernando Riaño
1st Vice President
[email protected]
Ms Donatilla Kanimba
2nd Vice President
[email protected]
Ms. Martine Abel-Williamson Treasurer
[email protected]
Mr. A. K. Mittal
Secretary General
[email protected]
Mr. Arnt Holte
Immediate Past President
[email protected]
REGIONAL PRESIDENTS
AFRICA (AFUB)
Mr. Ishumael Zhou (Since Oct 2019)[email protected]
ASIA (ABU)
Mr. Santosh Kumar Rungta [email protected]
ASIA PACIFIC (WBU-AP)
Ms. Michiko Tabata
[email protected]
EUROPE (EBU)
Mr. Rodolfo Cattani (Since Oct
[email protected]
LATIN AMERICA (ULAC)
Mr. Volmir Raimondi
[email protected]
NORTH AMERICA/CARIBBEAN (WBU-NA/C)
Mr. Charles Mossop
[email protected]
WBU STAFF
Mr. Jose Viera
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
Ms. Terry Mutuku Communications Officer
[email protected]
Ms. Jessica Kashia Jacobie
Human Rights [email protected]
Ms. Ianina Rodriguez Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Mr. Benjamin Dard Global Accessibility Advisor
[email protected]
Mr.Hannes Lagrelius, Program Officer, Accessibility in Smart
Cities [email protected]
OUR SPONSORS
Members listed below provide funds beyond their membership fees
to support the work of the World Blind Union. We are grateful to
these members and organizations for their valued contributions.
Our Platinum Sponsors
· CBM International
· Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
Foundation
· National Federation of the Blind (NFB), USA
· Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles (ONCE)
· Sightsavers International
· Vision Australia
· Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc
Our Diamond Sponsors
· Lighthouse San Francisco
· Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted
(NABP)
Our Gold Sponsors
· National Industries for the Blind (NIB)
· Danish Association of the Blind (DAB)
· German Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted
(DBSV)
Other Projects Funders and Supporters
· CBM International
· DFID through IDA
· The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
(SIDA)
Donations in Kind
Contribution from Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark and
Finland) toward supporting table officers’ participation from
developing countries.
*****
The World Blind Union is registered in Canada as a charitable
organization in order to raise funds for our work. Donations from
individuals or groups are always appreciated and can be made via
the “Donate Now” button on our website.
