Inclusion International Newsletter: March 2017 No Images? Click here Inclusion News: March 2017Welcome to the March issue of Inclusion News In this issue we will share stories about the work of our network across issues such as Employment and the role of families and you will read about how our members in every region are making their voices heard. In Africa our regional network is coming together to promote inclusive education; in the Americas we are working with the cross disability movement to advance reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals; in Asia Pacific our Council members are working with UNESCAP to be sure people with intellectual disabilities are heard. Across the all regions our members are building up the voices of self-advocates and strengthening our shared voice as a network. In the coming months, we will be launching policy discussions on issues identified by our members. Watch our website for information about how to contribute to these. Catalyst for Inclusive Education: Regional Response team orientation and trainingInclusion International is harnessing our energy as catalysts and supporting our members to make progress on inclusive education. This February members of our Catalyst for Inclusive Education Regional Response Team met in London, UK, for orientation and training. Building on the assets and expertise at the country level the Regional Response team will link Inclusion International member demand to the Catalyst, connecting members with technical expertise and resources in their work advancing inclusive education. Currently, Regional Response team members are working with the Inclusion International staff team to develop introductory tools and materials for Catalyst and to identify country-level support opportunities Are you trying to advance inclusive education in your country or region? Do you have successful strategies to share? Do you need access to expertise and information that can help you make progress? Connect with Catalyst for Inclusive Education by contacting Tara Levandier at tara.levandier@inclusion-international.org Shaping the Global Understanding of the role of FamiliesThe voice of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families was the main focus of the seminar on the role of families. Our participation helped members to understand the role of families and the supports they need to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. Building on the issues identified in our discussion paper, representatives called on member states to provide families with:
Inclusion International's impact on the Sustainable Development Goals Over the coming months the UN is hosting a series of important meetings on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In March, we will have representatives at key meetings in Bangkok (Asia-Pacific Sustainable Development Forum) and Colombia (Expert Meeting of Major Groups and other Stakeholders). Our participation will help governments understand how to include people with intellectual disabilities and their families in the implementation of the SDGs. The SDGs are important because they will influence government action for the next 15 years and determine investments in areas like poverty eradication and inclusive education. Our members have the expertise to make sure that persons with intellectual disabilities are not left behind in the SDGs If you are involved in your national review or attending one of the regional preparatory meetings , please let us know (anna.macquarrie@inclusion-international.org). CBM has prepared a useful plain language version of the SDGs available in Spanish and English. Inclusion Africa Regional meeting A regional meeting with support from NFU and OSIEA, was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from February 8–10, 2017. Over 40 families and self-advocates from 13 countries participated in the meeting. The first day of the meeting was dedicated to a thematic event on inclusive education which was informed from a baseline survey conducted by Inclusion Africa in collaboration with a lead consultant Ms. Elizabeth Kamundia. On the 9th of February Inclusion Africa held its General Assembly. Highlights from the general assembly were:
Making Inclusive Employment a Reality Inclusive employment is consistently highlighted by our members as a critical aspect of living and being included in the community. We have been engaging in discussions and events that profile the perspective and expertise of people with intellectual disabilities and their families to generate awareness and support for inclusive labour market practices and to learn from others about their efforts. Most recently, our President, Klaus Lachwitz delivered an opening address on inclusive employment at the EDF Conference on Employment in Malta. He also chaired a conference session at the Zero Project, Employment and Vocational Education and Training, in Austria, where a number of our members and partners were recognized for their innovation in the field of employment, vocational education and training. In March, Klaus, along with Jason Hardman from Mencap (our UK member) presented a session at The Right to Work for Persons with Disabilities, in Germany. Collectively our efforts are helping to make inclusive employment a reality. U.N.ESCAP working group session David Corner, Self-advocate Council Member of Inclusion International representing Asia Pacific attended the working group session. Plena Inclusión seminar on Lobbying for Inclusive EducationInclusion International was invited to participate at the seminar organised by its member in Spain, Plena Inclusion. Institutions are an Unjust Deprivation of Liberty Inclusion International has contributed to Protecting Children against Torture in Detention with an article on institutions as a deprivation of liberty. Upcoming events
|