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<p class="MsoNormal">Dear OPD members,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Warm greetings from the Pacific Disability Forum.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We’re pleased to share with you the newly launched <b>Policy Brief on Assistive Technology (AT) and Employment</b>, jointly released by the ILO and ATscale during the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP18) to the CRPD
on Monday, 9 June 2025.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This timely publication outlines the crucial role of assistive technology in promoting employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries. It addresses the challenges faced by both AT users and employers
and highlights practical solutions and actions that stakeholders can take to enhance inclusion and access in the workplace.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We encourage you to read the brief and share it widely among your networks.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Link to policy:</b><span style="color:black"> <span lang="EN-US">
<a href="https://atscalepartnership.org/why-assistive-technology-matters" target="_blank">https://atscalepartnership.org/why-assistive-technology-matters</a>
</span></span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Let us continue to advocate for inclusive employment and ensure assistive technology is prioritized across all sectors.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kind regards.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial Black",sans-serif;color:#156082;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Shweta Vandana | Public Relations and Communications Officer<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Microsoft Sans Serif",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Pacific Disability Forum</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Microsoft Sans Serif",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Microsoft Sans Serif",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Ground Floor, Kadavu House, Victoria Parade
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Microsoft Sans Serif",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">|
</span><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Microsoft Sans Serif",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">GPO Box 18458, Suva, Fiji |</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Microsoft Sans Serif",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Microsoft Sans Serif",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Tel: +679 331 2008 | Mob: +679 899 0134 |
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Microsoft Sans Serif",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Email:
<a href="mailto:shweta.vandana@pacificdisability.org"><span style="color:#0563C1">shweta.vandana@pacificdisability.org</span></a> |
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Microsoft Sans Serif",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">Website</span><span lang="EN-NZ" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Microsoft Sans Serif",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU">:
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Microsoft Sans Serif",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU"><a href="http://www.pacificdisability.org/"><span lang="EN-NZ" style="color:black">www.pacificdisability.org</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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