FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA
President Mori meets with Members of the FSM Forum for Persons with Disabilities
Press Release #1010-05
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
October 4, 2010
Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Public Information Office): October 4, 2010 – On the morning of September 30, last week, President Mori met with two members of the FSM Forum for Persons with Disabilities, Joakim Peter, President of the Chuuk Disabled Persons Community Network and Director of the COM Campus Chuuk, and Nelbert Perez, President of the Pohnpei Consumer Organization, to discuss the outcomes of the first meeting of the Forum held in Chuuk in late August.
The first ever FSM Disability Forum (the Forum) was held from on August 23-26, in Chuuk. Members of the disabled persons’
organizations from all four FSM states, government stakeholders, and regional partners from the Pacific Islands’ Forum Secretariat, Pacific Disability Forum, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and Disability Right Funds attended the four-day meetings.
The Forum set forth several key recommendations in resolutions calling for action towards improvement of awareness, advocacy, and action aimed at recognizing the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities in the nation.
Based on UN findings, it is estimated that 10% of the nation’s population are living with the challenges of disabling conditions and barriers that prevent them from fully participating in society and benefiting from basic social and economic programs. Among the recommendations made by the Forum, some set forth specific strategic action plans towards the implementation of the FSM Disability Policy, which was adopted through a resolution by Congress earlier this year.
The Forum identified as one of its major goals the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability, by the Federated States of Micronesia. The Forum also called for the creation of a national disability council to coordinate activities related to disability issues.
President Mori said he was grateful that Peter and Perez came forth to meet with him. He believes the national and state governments of FSM are sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities, but affirmed it was crucial to have a body in place which can ensure the FSM National Policy on Disability is adhered to, as well as seek to abide to the international measures provided for under the UN Convention.
President Mori said he was glad the FSM Forum for Persons with Disabilities had come together to take the lead in this area.
“Any of us can become disabled at any point in our life,” reminded Mori; “we not only have a duty to respect the rights of disabled persons with compassion, but we also have a duty to promote accessibility to everyday life for them.”
The FSM Forum for Persons with Disabilities includes as members, representatives from the following departments and organizations: FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, FSM Special Education, Director of the Chuuk Campus of the College of Micronesia, the Chuuk Parents of Special Children Association, Chuuk Special Education, Chuuk Department of Health, the Chuuk Special Education Advisory Council, the Pohnpei Consumers’ Organization, the Yap Parents Partnership Network, the Yap Productive Citizens with Disability, the Yap Advisory Panel and the Kosrae Special Parents Network.
PACIFIC DISABILITY FORUM
Four of the APIDS Directors were privileged to attend the Pacific Disability Forum meeting(PDF)in Vanuatu in April 2009. Representatives from 7 partners organsiations also attended, and we began discussions with a new partner DPO in the Federated States of Micronesia(FSM). We were also informed that there is an active DPO in Nauru, and have initiated email correspondence with them.
At the Forum, Deborah presented a paper on the strengths based approach. Many people asked for either a copy of the paper or Internet references. Here it is! Click here to download this file
Teewata from Kirabati and Welsihter from FSM enjoying breakfast at the PDF meeting in Vanuatu
DISABLED PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION OF SOLOMON ISLANDS
Disabled Peoples’ Association of Solomon Islands (DPASI) was established in 2003 as a non profit organization to support the rights and needs of people with disabilities throughout the Solomon Islands. DPASI evolved from previous organization Disabled Peoples Rehabilitation Association (DPRA) which was established in the early 1990s.
The DPASI executive and committee are operated solely by people with disabilities. They represent various provinces of the Solomon Islands and the organization is based in Honiara.
The objects of the association (as defined in the DPASI Constitution- 2003) are:
a) To promote the welfare and well –being of people with disabilities by arranging activities and services to enhance their rehabilitation
b) To promote public awareness and support for over-coming problems encountered by people with disability, with the aim of obtaining equal rights and opportunities
c) To advocate and present the needs of people with disabilities to agencies and authorities that can influence legislation
d) To encourage the establishment, empowerment and self-determination of Provinces or the association and affiliates in any part of Solomon Islands wherever such Provinces may assist disabled persons.
FIJI DISABLED PEOPLES ASSOCIATION
FDPA is a National Cross-Disability, Disabled Peoples Organization which works towards promoting equal rights for persons with disabilities in Fiji.
The FDPA Mission Statement is:
to facilitate, realize, support and promote the equalization of opportunities for the full participation of people with disabilities. This will occur by strengthening FDPA through its branches and affiliates to an effective, cross-disabilities, gender-sensitive, service-orientated, national organization and collaborating with Government, National, Regional and International agencies for the efficient delivery of services, effective advocacy programmes and promotion of an inclusive society.
Angeline Chand receiving the first APIDS grant to FDPA.
TE TOA MATOA
TE TOA MATOA means a strong giant. We consider ourselves, persons with disabilities, giants with strong minds, wills and strengths to live our lives to the optimum. Although, we were born disabled or became disabled in the course of our lives, we will not let our disabilities to be a limiting/inhibiting or a deciding factor to achieve great accomplishments either on a personal or community level. In unity, if there is a will to reach that goal, there are no limits.
The name TE TOA MATOA projects a positive image too to fellow persons with disabilities as a source of encouragement and motivation to utilize what they have such as knowledge, skills and talents in order to have a fulfilling and independent lives.
Te Toa Matoa is the Kiribati Association of Persons with Disabilities. It is also intending to apply to become a member of Disabled Peoples’ international, which is people with disabilities of the world acting together for their mutual advancement. It is an organisation operating for the benefit of all people with disabilities. Te Toa Matoa speaks for itself, uniting together all people with disabilities to endure their access to a fully integrated lifestyle in the community and their right to attain their potential. Te Toa Matoa affirms the statements contained in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The objectives of Te Toa Matoa are:
To be the Cross-disability consumer organisation for al I-Kiribati with disabilities and actively represent their views.
To ensure that I-Kiribati with disabilities enjoy the rights set out in the United Nation Charters and the Charter of Rights of Disabled peoples’ International.
To alleviate the poverty and suffering experience by people with disabilities here in Kiribati by whatever financial and other means possible.
To advise Government at all levels for the implementation of policies and programs to assist people with disabilities, and advise and assist Government in that implementation.
To give information and provide advice to people with disabilities and their families, regarding Government, Community and Private disability services which would assist them to overcome the negative effects of disability on their lives.
To consult on matters of policy and share information with people with disabilities and their organizations.
To ensure that people with disabilities have proper and adequate representation perspective. This research should include research into the prevention of disability.
To seek the right of considered comment on all government policies.
To represent I-Kiribati with disabilities in all forums of Disabled Peoples’ International and at all other international forums which may affect the lives of all peoples’ with disabilities.
VANUATU DISABLED PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION
www.dpaav.org/
Disability Promotion & Advocacy Association (DPA) is a voluntary self-help organization established on 4 April 1999 to advocate for rights and promote abilities of people with disabilities throughout Vanuatu.
Becoming aware of the 1st Asia Pacific Decade for Persons with Disabilities 1993-2002, the first decision of the Interim Committee mandated to establish this organization agreed to work toward the following aims:
a) To advocate for rights and promote abilities of persons with disability throughout Vanuatu;
b) To lobby the national government for the establishment of a National Disability Council which shall be a permanent body with adequate infrastructural support with representation from government agencies, non-governmental organization including representation from persons with disability and organizations working with and for people with disabilities;
c) To ensure that the Mandate for Actions during the Asia Pacific Decade of Persons with Disability 1993-2002 are implemented;
d)To raise awareness that people with disability have the same as rights as any one else, no more, no less.
e) To liaise, promote and support persons with disability, caregivers, family members, communities, non-governmental organizations and governmental agencies to recognize and promote these objectives;
f) To promote and support the establishment of branches in each province to promote the above aims;
g) To provide training and other skills for people with disability in order to promote their organizations to participate fully in all levels of society.
NEWS FROM VANUATU
On March 27th DPA Vanuatu launched their strategic plan. Well done to you all at DPA. A copy is available for you.
Click here to download this file
DPA is also developing a website. It is currently under construction, but make this link one of your favourites: www.dpaav.org/
TIMOR LESTE DPO - Ra’es Hadomi Timor Oan
The Timor Leste DPO formed in 2006 in Dili, Timor Leste. The formation of the group has been supported practically by two NGOs in Timor Leste (TLMI and ASSERT). The DPO has approximately 20 members who meet together monthly. The group has elected a leader, Mr Joazito dos Santos, who is employed by TLMI to facilitate the development of the DPO.
Members of Kra’as Hadomi Timor Oan at a workshop
TONGA DPO
Naunau ‘o e ‘Alamaite Tonga Association Incorporated (NATA)
NATA is a non-government, not for profit, association formed by a group of people with disability who have come together to speak out for themselves and help empower people of differing abilities in the Kingdom of Tonga.
NATA believes that people with disabilities are the best people to make decisions about disability issues.
Find out more about NATA at www.wayfunky.com/onefunky/nata
President Mori meets with Members of the FSM Forum for Persons with Disabilities
Press Release #1010-05
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
October 4, 2010
Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Public Information Office): October 4, 2010 – On the morning of September 30, last week, President Mori met with two members of the FSM Forum for Persons with Disabilities, Joakim Peter, President of the Chuuk Disabled Persons Community Network and Director of the COM Campus Chuuk, and Nelbert Perez, President of the Pohnpei Consumer Organization, to discuss the outcomes of the first meeting of the Forum held in Chuuk in late August.
The first ever FSM Disability Forum (the Forum) was held from on August 23-26, in Chuuk. Members of the disabled persons’
organizations from all four FSM states, government stakeholders, and regional partners from the Pacific Islands’ Forum Secretariat, Pacific Disability Forum, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and Disability Right Funds attended the four-day meetings.
The Forum set forth several key recommendations in resolutions calling for action towards improvement of awareness, advocacy, and action aimed at recognizing the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities in the nation.
Based on UN findings, it is estimated that 10% of the nation’s population are living with the challenges of disabling conditions and barriers that prevent them from fully participating in society and benefiting from basic social and economic programs. Among the recommendations made by the Forum, some set forth specific strategic action plans towards the implementation of the FSM Disability Policy, which was adopted through a resolution by Congress earlier this year.
The Forum identified as one of its major goals the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability, by the Federated States of Micronesia. The Forum also called for the creation of a national disability council to coordinate activities related to disability issues.
President Mori said he was grateful that Peter and Perez came forth to meet with him. He believes the national and state governments of FSM are sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities, but affirmed it was crucial to have a body in place which can ensure the FSM National Policy on Disability is adhered to, as well as seek to abide to the international measures provided for under the UN Convention.
President Mori said he was glad the FSM Forum for Persons with Disabilities had come together to take the lead in this area.
“Any of us can become disabled at any point in our life,” reminded Mori; “we not only have a duty to respect the rights of disabled persons with compassion, but we also have a duty to promote accessibility to everyday life for them.”
The FSM Forum for Persons with Disabilities includes as members, representatives from the following departments and organizations: FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs, FSM Special Education, Director of the Chuuk Campus of the College of Micronesia, the Chuuk Parents of Special Children Association, Chuuk Special Education, Chuuk Department of Health, the Chuuk Special Education Advisory Council, the Pohnpei Consumers’ Organization, the Yap Parents Partnership Network, the Yap Productive Citizens with Disability, the Yap Advisory Panel and the Kosrae Special Parents Network.
PACIFIC DISABILITY FORUM
Four of the APIDS Directors were privileged to attend the Pacific Disability Forum meeting(PDF)in Vanuatu in April 2009. Representatives from 7 partners organsiations also attended, and we began discussions with a new partner DPO in the Federated States of Micronesia(FSM). We were also informed that there is an active DPO in Nauru, and have initiated email correspondence with them.
At the Forum, Deborah presented a paper on the strengths based approach. Many people asked for either a copy of the paper or Internet references. Here it is! Click here to download this file
Teewata from Kirabati and Welsihter from FSM enjoying breakfast at the PDF meeting in Vanuatu
DISABLED PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION OF SOLOMON ISLANDS
Disabled Peoples’ Association of Solomon Islands (DPASI) was established in 2003 as a non profit organization to support the rights and needs of people with disabilities throughout the Solomon Islands. DPASI evolved from previous organization Disabled Peoples Rehabilitation Association (DPRA) which was established in the early 1990s.
The DPASI executive and committee are operated solely by people with disabilities. They represent various provinces of the Solomon Islands and the organization is based in Honiara.
The objects of the association (as defined in the DPASI Constitution- 2003) are:
a) To promote the welfare and well –being of people with disabilities by arranging activities and services to enhance their rehabilitation
b) To promote public awareness and support for over-coming problems encountered by people with disability, with the aim of obtaining equal rights and opportunities
c) To advocate and present the needs of people with disabilities to agencies and authorities that can influence legislation
d) To encourage the establishment, empowerment and self-determination of Provinces or the association and affiliates in any part of Solomon Islands wherever such Provinces may assist disabled persons.
FIJI DISABLED PEOPLES ASSOCIATION
FDPA is a National Cross-Disability, Disabled Peoples Organization which works towards promoting equal rights for persons with disabilities in Fiji.
The FDPA Mission Statement is:
to facilitate, realize, support and promote the equalization of opportunities for the full participation of people with disabilities. This will occur by strengthening FDPA through its branches and affiliates to an effective, cross-disabilities, gender-sensitive, service-orientated, national organization and collaborating with Government, National, Regional and International agencies for the efficient delivery of services, effective advocacy programmes and promotion of an inclusive society.
Angeline Chand receiving the first APIDS grant to FDPA.
TE TOA MATOA
TE TOA MATOA means a strong giant. We consider ourselves, persons with disabilities, giants with strong minds, wills and strengths to live our lives to the optimum. Although, we were born disabled or became disabled in the course of our lives, we will not let our disabilities to be a limiting/inhibiting or a deciding factor to achieve great accomplishments either on a personal or community level. In unity, if there is a will to reach that goal, there are no limits.
The name TE TOA MATOA projects a positive image too to fellow persons with disabilities as a source of encouragement and motivation to utilize what they have such as knowledge, skills and talents in order to have a fulfilling and independent lives.
Te Toa Matoa is the Kiribati Association of Persons with Disabilities. It is also intending to apply to become a member of Disabled Peoples’ international, which is people with disabilities of the world acting together for their mutual advancement. It is an organisation operating for the benefit of all people with disabilities. Te Toa Matoa speaks for itself, uniting together all people with disabilities to endure their access to a fully integrated lifestyle in the community and their right to attain their potential. Te Toa Matoa affirms the statements contained in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The objectives of Te Toa Matoa are:
To be the Cross-disability consumer organisation for al I-Kiribati with disabilities and actively represent their views.
To ensure that I-Kiribati with disabilities enjoy the rights set out in the United Nation Charters and the Charter of Rights of Disabled peoples’ International.
To alleviate the poverty and suffering experience by people with disabilities here in Kiribati by whatever financial and other means possible.
To advise Government at all levels for the implementation of policies and programs to assist people with disabilities, and advise and assist Government in that implementation.
To give information and provide advice to people with disabilities and their families, regarding Government, Community and Private disability services which would assist them to overcome the negative effects of disability on their lives.
To consult on matters of policy and share information with people with disabilities and their organizations.
To ensure that people with disabilities have proper and adequate representation perspective. This research should include research into the prevention of disability.
To seek the right of considered comment on all government policies.
To represent I-Kiribati with disabilities in all forums of Disabled Peoples’ International and at all other international forums which may affect the lives of all peoples’ with disabilities.
VANUATU DISABLED PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION
www.dpaav.org/
Disability Promotion & Advocacy Association (DPA) is a voluntary self-help organization established on 4 April 1999 to advocate for rights and promote abilities of people with disabilities throughout Vanuatu.
Becoming aware of the 1st Asia Pacific Decade for Persons with Disabilities 1993-2002, the first decision of the Interim Committee mandated to establish this organization agreed to work toward the following aims:
a) To advocate for rights and promote abilities of persons with disability throughout Vanuatu;
b) To lobby the national government for the establishment of a National Disability Council which shall be a permanent body with adequate infrastructural support with representation from government agencies, non-governmental organization including representation from persons with disability and organizations working with and for people with disabilities;
c) To ensure that the Mandate for Actions during the Asia Pacific Decade of Persons with Disability 1993-2002 are implemented;
d)To raise awareness that people with disability have the same as rights as any one else, no more, no less.
e) To liaise, promote and support persons with disability, caregivers, family members, communities, non-governmental organizations and governmental agencies to recognize and promote these objectives;
f) To promote and support the establishment of branches in each province to promote the above aims;
g) To provide training and other skills for people with disability in order to promote their organizations to participate fully in all levels of society.
NEWS FROM VANUATU
On March 27th DPA Vanuatu launched their strategic plan. Well done to you all at DPA. A copy is available for you.
Click here to download this file
DPA is also developing a website. It is currently under construction, but make this link one of your favourites: www.dpaav.org/
TIMOR LESTE DPO - Ra’es Hadomi Timor Oan
The Timor Leste DPO formed in 2006 in Dili, Timor Leste. The formation of the group has been supported practically by two NGOs in Timor Leste (TLMI and ASSERT). The DPO has approximately 20 members who meet together monthly. The group has elected a leader, Mr Joazito dos Santos, who is employed by TLMI to facilitate the development of the DPO.
Members of Kra’as Hadomi Timor Oan at a workshop
TONGA DPO
Naunau ‘o e ‘Alamaite Tonga Association Incorporated (NATA)
NATA is a non-government, not for profit, association formed by a group of people with disability who have come together to speak out for themselves and help empower people of differing abilities in the Kingdom of Tonga.
NATA believes that people with disabilities are the best people to make decisions about disability issues.
Find out more about NATA at www.wayfunky.com/onefunky/nata