[PDFlist] PDF Weekly Update - 5 November, 2018

[Soloveni Vitoso]

PDF Weekly Update - 5 November, 2018
A Diwali Wish
Every persons with disabilities should be given the chance to grab life and the many opportunities available.
Despite the many huge mountains to climb on, persons with disabilities continue to face barriers and have endless challenges on trying to belong in society, in our communities and to be valued so they can live a full life, enjoy friendships and have their dreams and aspirations supported.

PDF has over the years created change in policies and legislations within Pacific Island Countries to ensure that our rights are respected and its full awareness filter down to societies and communities. It will continue to work with partners, stakeholders, NGOs and government to ensure inclusion for all at all levels.
PDFs' plea is to please join us and become part of the change to create a disability friendly society. Be a ripple for change so we can be united and send the ripples far and wide.

In a time of many festivities, particularly where the Hindu community celebrate 'Festival of Light' if you are celebrating, please light a diva and pledge to become part of the change to increase disability awareness and understanding.

Our Diwali Wish is to try to ensure that the light of every person with disabilities shine brightly and they should not be denied opportunities and choices because of their disability. They have dreams and goals so please stand up with them to shine a positive light by breaking down the stigmas and barriers together as a community, or as a society. Please share our Diwali wish so we can ensure a brighter future of possibilities for persons with disabilities and their families.
Wishing all families a Happy Diwali full of blessings - PDF!
In our weekly update for this week, PDF board gears up for two days strategic planning for 2020 - 2025; PDF prepared for third Pacific Community - based Relabilitation (CBR) Forum; Nuanua ole Alofa voices heard in SIDS; Study to Seek Affordable Transport Model for People with Disability; Child protection and taking care of our vulnerable ones and Calls for change in treatment.
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PDF Board Gears up for two days Strategic Planning for 2020 - 2025
The PDF Board will be meeting in person next week on Monday and Tuesday to start the ground work for the PDF Strategic Plan 2020 - 2025.
It would be an opportunity for the PDF Board to think strategically at first, then apply that thought to a process. The strategic management process will be best implemented when everyone within the board and staff understands the strategy. The strategic management process is more than just a set of rules to follow. It is a philosophical approach to ways forward.
Within the two days, the five stages of the process which are goal-setting, analysis, strategy formation, strategy implementation and strategy monitoring will be thrashed out by the PDF Board.
The meeting will be held at Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi, Fiji on the 12th - 13th November, 2018
Stay tuned for more updates next week as it happens.
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PDF Prepared for Third Pacific Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) Forum
PDF is ready and well prepared to host the Third Pacific Community - based Rehabilitation (CBR) Forum which will also be held at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi Fiji next week in concurrent with the PDF Board Strategic Planning Meeting.
Community - based-Rehabilitation encompasses delivery of rehabilitation services but is broader and strongly focuses on empowerment of people with disabilities, inclusion in community life, and access to education, health and livelihoods.
The WHO, ILO and UNESCO - CBR Guidelines were launched in 2010, these extensive guidelines are a practical tool to support services aiming to better include people with a disability. The Guidelines are focused on different service sectors, including education, livelihoods, social, empowerment and health.
In June 2012 the first Pacific CBR Forum occurred in Nadi, Fiji. This forum introduced participants to the new CBR guidelines and helped in the development of the Pacific CBR Action Plan and formation of a Pacific CBR Working group and network.
The forum was jointly convened by Pacific Disability Forum (PDF), Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) and World Health Organisation with considerable financial support from AusAID. The Pacific Disability Forum worked together with PIFS and WHO in this workshop and CBR activities in the region.
Participants represent multiple sectors engaged in disability, in particular government reps (from lead ministries for disability/health or other), disability service organisations (commonly NGOs) and Disabled Persons Organisations.
The second Pacific CBR Forum also occurred in Nadi, Fiji in 2015 as a follow-up to country-based activities that had taken place since the first Pacific CBR Forum.  WHO worked with PDF and PIFS on this Forum.
This third Pacific CBR Forum will be conducted in a similar manner, bringing Pacific islands countries together to share experiences on CBR to support greater inclusion of people with disability in mainstream development agendas.
The meeting will be held at Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi, Fiji on the 14th - 16th November, 2018
Stay tuned for more updates next week as it happens.
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Nuanua ole Alofa voices heard in SIDS
[cid:image011.jpg at 01D475CC.9B74D390](L-R Nuanua ole Alofa's Office Manager Mataafa Faatino Utumapu, Communication Officer Luisa Saupo & Chief Executive of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Madame Chair of the Conference, Peseta Noumea Simi.)
(GOVT. PRESS SECRETARIAT); The voices of the thousands of persons with disabilities in Samoa and from across the Small Island Development States Region was audibly heard at the TATTE Conference room in Apia calling for inclusiveness during the SIDS Samoa Pathway Mid-term Review Forum in Samoa this week.
Nuanua ole Alofa's  Office Manager Mataafa Faatino  Utumapu and Communication's Officer in one of sessions public commended all member states, development partners Civil society and private sector for their efforts thus far to achieve the Samoa pathway and Global and Regional commitments.
But in saying that, Mataafa also drew the attention of member states to the following issues. The concept of inclusive developments continued to be mentioned in most discussion however, the measures taken to make this concept a reality for persons with disabilities which makes up 15 % of the global population was not reflected.
For instance, in data collection for quality education in the rural areas.
What has been done to support children at homes?
How are persons with disabilities supported to access decent work?
How are member countries promoting access to health care facilities, services and programs by persons with disabilities?
This means the principles of no one left behind will never be achieved.
"While the voices of civil society is critical in transforming developments to achieve   the future we want, we must not forget that within civil society, there is far too many levels, so in reality, this will only be a tick in the box if the voices of those who are not always at the table in other words persons with disabilities and other minority groups are not considered," said Nuanua ole Alofa's Office Manager in her presentation.
"As we discuss a way forward, how can this forum be an opportunity to ensure more visibility for persons with disabilities  and other  underrepresented groups not just in paper  but in reality of the  implementation and resource mobilisation.
"With all these being said, persons with disabilities call on all member states to take appropriate measures including adopting the principles of disability inclusive developments in all efforts to achieve sustainable development goals.
Disability inclusive developments is a worthwhile investment for instance, the concept of universally designed goods, services, programs, policies, to name a few  will benefit everyone from time to time.
"Disability inclusive developments also mean effectively consulting with and involving persons with disabilities in the design, implementation and monitoring of developments which impact on their lives. Article 4.3 of the international convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, ratified by most countries including Samoa."
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Study to Seek Affordable Transport Model for People with Disability
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Making it easier for people with disability to travel will be the focus of new research into the transport challenges posed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

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[disability housing]Thursday, 1st November 2018
at 8:25 am
Luke Michael<https://probonoaustralia.com.au/author/luke-michael/>, Journalist
Top of Form
Leading West Australian disability service providers Rocky Bay, Ability Centre and Nulsen received $75,000 from the WA Disability Sector Transition Funds to undertake research into sustainable transport models for NDIS participants.
The introduction of the NDIS has meant providers no longer receive government subsidies to maintain a fleet of vehicles.
Many providers were now considering charging a per-kilometre fee, which may not be covered by their NDIS plans.
Rocky Bay's director of strategy, Trevis Lawton, told Pro Bono News that providers recognised the difficulties posed by transport, and were determined to find ways to make it easier for people with disability to travel.
"We will be hiring a transport planning consultant to provide us with some sustainable models of providing effective transport for people with disabilities," Lawton said.
"It could be ridesharing, it could be taxi services, it could be a bus service. We will consider all possibilities."
Rocky Bay CEO Michael Tait said the providing sustainable, safe and appropriate transport options for people with disability under the NDIS had so far proved challenging.
"Our clientele are often severely restricted in accessing public transport due to their high levels of disability complexity and require capital intensive modified vans, and our transport options must put their needs first," Tait said
"Through this research, our aim is to provide long-term benefits to all disability service providers and people living with disabilities... by identifying a sustainable method of delivering transport services within the sector under the new NDIS funding arrangements."
The current NDIS transport funding model is focused on a Monday to Friday daytime timetable in order to be sustainable for clients, reducing the hours of service available to people with disability.
Tait said providers needed to be able to deliver services to vulnerable people who otherwise found it difficult to move outside their homes when and where they wanted to.
"A [successful transport model] would also reduce isolation and prevent some existing services from being discontinued into the future due to unsustainability," he said.
"The research will form the bedrock of a larger initiative, ensuring that any future investment in disability transport is undertaken on the basis of having a well-considered and workable model."
While the model would be focused on the Perth metropolitan area, Lawton said he hoped it would also be transferable to any major city in Australia.
But, he said, funding was limited. If this meant no workable model could be found, Lawton said the providers would go to the National Disability Insurance Agency and work with them to find a solution.
"The [NDIA] genuinely want to provide a workable solution in whatever area, not just transport," he said.
"So I believe if we say 'we have a problem here' then they will engage with us and work to provide a solution."
Findings from the research are expected by the end of March 2019.
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Child protection and taking care of our vulnerable ones
07 October 2018
[Alexander Rheeney]Alexander Rheeney
It is perhaps not a coincidence that a non-government organisation recently held a workshop on child protection, as Samoa begins the countdown to White Sunday celebrations this weekend.
The Wellbeing and Community Solutions (WCS) ran a workshop to introduce "child protection case management" systems. The case management model, which was introduced to the workshop participants, uses a person-centered and holistic approach to support people with disabilities, as well as children and young people who are at risk of harm.
The new case management model is to enable everyone to be aware that the project offers a proper system, which comprises seven elements in documenting and creating a proper report - which can be used by agencies or a service provider or in court proceedings as well as provide the best practice in terms of dealing with issues related to not only child protection, but also people living with disabilities.
WCS technical advisor, Fuimaono Gabrielle Onesemo, said the objective of the project - in collaboration with various partners - is to protect children and young people from abuse and neglect through early case management intervention work.
"It also aims to improve outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and families through integrated and coordinated service delivery (some applies to children and adults with disabilities).
"And also through its elements, it will collaboratively work to promote general and clinical assessment, identification of gaps and duplication in service delivery and more efficient use of resources.
"Additionally, it will provide analysis in the report which will help an individual in obtaining the right services and to effectively engage the family, local community and organisations, which includes taking into account access and equity issues," he said.
The workshop, which was convened at the Tanoa Hotel conference room, attracted participants from various walks of life. They included Australia-Pacific Technical Coalition (APTC), Senese, Fiamalamalama School, and youth and church groups.
We take our hats off to NGOs such as the WCS, for taking up the cause and becoming champions of the community's vulnerable groups. There is no doubt that people with disability, children and youth will be the biggest beneficiaries of all that was imparted at the workshop - over the long-term period. Credit should also go to the Civil Society Support Programme (CSSP) for funding the training workshop.
Sadly the phrase "child protection", for me, immediately conjures up images of the youngsters that we all see everyday hanging around the major supermarkets in Apia, carrying their baskets of popcorn, boxes of matches or earbuds packets and hoping that a good Samaritan would spare one tala. The ages of these children strike me, as some of them look as young as four or five years old and should be in school or in the company of their parents, rather than peddling their goods and remain vulnerable.
A fortnight ago Samoa was given a pretty good report card by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the 2018 Human Development Index (HDI).
"Fiji, Palau, Samoa, and Tonga remain in the High Human Development category of the latest Human Development Index (HDI) and are joined by the Republic of Marshall Islands which is included in the index for the first time. At the other end of the spectrum, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea are rated as Low Human Development on the HDI's measurement of national achievements in health, education and income," stated the UNDP report.
As I have intimated in an earlier editorial, give credit where credit is due so kudos to Prime Minister Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi and his Government on doing such a wonderful job.
But there are cracks appearing in the delivery of essential goods and services in Samoa and giving all Samoan citizens every opportunity to economically empower themselves. Seeing the children gather around the major retail outlets in Apia, with their baskets of snacks and other items, tells me that there are families in Samoa that are literally living by the day. They do not care about the big picture issues such as trade agreements, climate change, Chinese aid, and Australian development grants etc. (which are critically important to the development of this nation). They just want to have the ability to put food on their tables and live a happy life.
All in all it is time for leaders and technocrats to make a link between the public policy documents that they are creating in the halls of power and the lives of ordinary people on the streets in the rural communities.
With White Sunday a couple of days away and all that it represents for our children and the blessings that they give us. Let us spare a thought for the children, who gather around the main retail outlets in Apia, and give when we can. Let us hope too that those, who were given the mandate to change their lives for the better, take those steps to make it happen. Have a fabulous working week Samoa and God bless.
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Calls for change in treatment
NOA BIUDOLE
20 October, 2018, 12:23 pm
[https://www.fijitimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Special-sch-athletics.jpg] "WE have to see the children and not the disability," said Nadi Special School teacher and head of the Nadi team Ulaiasi Ravugatini.
Ravugatini with 48 students and 11 teachers have been part of the 2018 Fiji Council of Special Educators (FCOSIE) games which ended yesterday at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.
"There is still the stigma amongst members of society where they distant themselves from these children and it effects them when all they want is to be treated like everybody else. In this day and age it is an area that our leadership should look to, in regards to children who are mentally and physically challenged."
Twenty-two schools from Fiji's major divisions were part of the two-day meet.
"This is an event that all children in special schools around the nation look forward too.
"It is an event that the students have all been excited about where they can come and show their individual talents of which there has been plenty seen in the last two days."
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Have a blessed week!

Thanks,

Solo

Soloveni Vitoso
Public Relations & Communication Officer

Pacific Disability Forum
Ground Floor | Kadavu House
Victoria Parade | Suva
Fiji

Phone: (+679) 3312008  |  (+679) 3307530
Mobile: (+679) 8912656
Fax: (+679) 3310469
Skype: Soloveni.vitoso
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