[PDFlist] PDF Weekly Update - 5 November, 2018

Mon Nov 5 17:37:05 MST 2018

Thank you Solo for the update.

Happy Diwali to you and team.

Blessed afternoon.
Mere

On Tue, Nov 6, 2018 at 12:57 PM Soloveni Vitoso <infor at pacificdisability.org>
wrote:

> *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.
>
> *****************
>
> *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.
>
> *****************
>
> *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.
>
> *****************
>
> *Nuanua ole Alofa voices heard in SIDS*
>
> (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.”
>
> *********************
>
> *Study to Seek Affordable Transport Model for People with Disability*
> ------------------------------
>
> 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.
>
>    -
>
> ------------------------------
>
> [image: 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.
>
> ********************
>
> *Child protection and taking care of our vulnerable ones*
>
> 07 October 2018
>
> [image: 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.
>
> **********************
>
> *Calls for change in treatment*
>
> NOA BIUDOLE
>
> 20 October, 2018, 12:23 pm
>
> [image:
> 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.”
>
> **********************
>
> 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
>
> Email: *infor at pacificdisability.org <infor at pacificdisability.org>*
>
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-- 

*Mere RodenEmployer Liaison Officer, Employment Task Force*
Include Disability - Employ This Ability Program (IDEA)
GPO Box 15178, Suva
3 Brown Street, Toorak (Suva) Fiji Islands
E: employers.idea at gmail.com Mobile: 867 9522    Ph: +679 3307 908

Include Disability - Employ This Ability Program is managed by leading
Disabled Persons Organisations on behalf of AusAID.
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