Our international network is mobilizing
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This week, we've heard from self-advocacy organisations on the challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities. Some of our member organisations presented their strategies responding to the coronavirus crisis; sharing their knowledge, experiences and reccommendations.
Our global members said the biggest challenges to self-advocates were:
- Access to COVID19 information
- Access to technology
- Access to support
- The strain on people's mental health
- The huge risks exposed to people living in institutions
To face these challenges and support people with intellectual disabilities, our members are leading advocacy initiatives to challenge their governments and ensure the inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities in national and provincial strategies.
Our self-advocacy organisation members are also providing direct support by staying connected to each other, reaching the most vulnerable groups by whichever means of communication necessary.
Inclusion International are collecting and sharing the accessible resources our members are developing to
help inspire or inform other countries so that they may be adapted and reach as many people as possible.
At the same time, Inclusion International and Down Syndrome International's (DSI) network of members are drafting international guidelines for inclusive participation through a programme called Listen, Include, Respect. These guidelines will serve as a reference to hold governments and agencies accountable for the inclusivity of their policies and practices. Follow us for updates as we begin consultations because we will want your input.
This week's webinar, Self-advocacy organisations’ strategies and responses, allowed us to hear from our members in Canada, the USA, Hong Kong and across Europe.
Tia Nelis, USA, presented TASH and SABE's work. TASH's advocacy work aims to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are included in crisis legislation and help to support workers get the personal protective equipment they need. SABE have created an accessible version of the preventive measures and organise regular virtual meetings with self-advocates to stay connected.
Tak Hung Simon Chow, Chosen Power Hong Kong, explained that people with intellectual disabilities are not being included in the Hong Kong government’s response to COVID19. To make their voice heard: Chosen Power organised a demonstration, partnered with other Non-Governmental Organisations, and developed easy-read materials including a prevention booklet which has now been adapted into 9 languages.
Kory Earle, People First Canada, shared the isolation felt by individuals who have lost a vital source of contact after not being able to pay their phone bills, creating additional challenges to their mental health. People First Canada have created a plain language explainer and launched a crisis phoneline to respond to questions and concerns. They have also been very concerned about the increased risk to residents in large group homes, raising this with the Canadian government.
Senada Halilčević, the Croatian Association of Self-advocacy, presented the situation in Croatia after an earthquake has intensified the impact of the coronavirus crisis, especially for people with intellectual disabilities. Most families of people with intellectual disabilities cannot access or understand the online services. Her organisation have developed Easy Read materials and publish videos exploring methods to cope.
Soufiane el Amrani, Inclusion Europe, described the regular online meetings they run to inform self-advocates in the region and shared their easy-to-read guide on prevention measures (translated into many languages). Sandra Marques, EPSA, called attention to the fact that many self-advocates cannot meet with their supporters in person during this time.
The International Disability Alliance (IDA) and the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) are calling for public health information and communications around COVID19 to be fully accessible!
If you are an organisation or individual member of Inclusion International and would like to have your news or events featured in our bi-monthly newsletter, please email us at info@inclusion-international.org.
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