DWA's Seminars & Conferences

South Asian Workshop on Capacity Building of DPOs
BRAC Center Inn Dhaka, Bangladesh 3-5 June 2007-06-10
In September 2005, Government of Pakistan and Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability jointly by Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) arranged a seminar on Capacity Building of Self-Help Organizations of Disabled (CBSHOD) in Islamabad.

My hardworking in disability movement in the country bring me an opportunity to attend an international workshop abroad. For which am thankful to Mr. Ghulam Nabi Nizamnai, who nominated me to attend this workshop with him. He not only nominated me but also encouraged and guided me at every step as it was my first experience to go aboard and I was bit nervous.

From 3 to 5 June, a south Asian workshop on Capacity building of DPOs arranged by Action on Disability and Development (ADD) at BRAC Center Inn Dhaka where I along with Mr. Ghulam Nabi Nizamnai, represented Pakistan.

It was my first time for me to attend such workshop abroad which make me more passionate for disability development and give me great opportunity to learn from the leaders. Here I'd like to pay thanks to all the management of workshop especially to Mr. Musharraf Hussain - country director, for their kindness.

In two days we discuss various topic of capacity development of DPOs, Mr. Anish Barua, Mr. Keven Moti and Mr. Topong gave us lectures with presentation, on last day Mr. David Curtis recap all the topics and gave summaries in very efficient manner. In fact it was very learning opportunity for me and I believe it'll help me in future for capacity building of DWA and peer organizations in rural area of sindh.

Here once again I'd like to pay thanks to everyone who helped me during the workshop. A SAD NEWS Mr. Topong regional development officer of Disabled People International (DPI) and executive member of Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD), a great leader of Disability movement, a person who made leaders and guided them passed away on 7thJune. It was the shocking news for me on return to country. I met him on Dhaka Airport when he was leaving for Bangkok, I still remember his comments about form "this boy will go so high in disability movement". There are many leaders and there will be more but none would able to fill the gap of Mr. Topong. He devoted himself of disability movement and till his death he was actively working despite of his weak health. My heart is crying and I am feeling as disability movement become orphan toady. I and all the member of DWA pay tribute to Mr. Topong and promise to carry on his work of disability development especially independent living movement.

Capicity Building of Self Help Orgaizations (CBSHOD):

In September 2005, Government of Pakistan and Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability jointly by Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) arranged a seminar on Capacity Building of Self-Help Organizations of Disabled (CBSHOD) in Islamabad.
This was the first of its kind seminar in Pakistan and such a big international evening in the history of disability movement in Pakistan. Prime minister Mr. Shukat Aziz give honor to disabled persons and was the chief guest along with Minster Social Welfare and Sepcail Eduction Mrs. Zobaida Jala at inauguration ceremony. Various VVIPs such as chairman senate Mr. Mian Muhmmad Sumoro, Minster Ejazul Haq, and others.

During seminar international leaders in disability movement from all around the region read their papers, arranged workshop, and group discussion. Ms. Judy from World Bank specially attend this seminar.

Blind, Deaf physically challenged and other active member of disabled community from all over Pakistan learn a lot from this great event.

President Mr. Javed Rais, and one other member had a honor to attend this seminar to build and expend the capacity of DWA. This seminar help us a lot in building a network with our peer in different regions of Pakistan.

First Int’l seminar on Retinitis Pigmentosa & Allied Retinal Dystrophies:

Miss Saim Rais a dedicated leader and supporter of DWA attended “First Int’l seminar on Retinitis Pigmentosa & Allied Retinal Dystrophies” in Islamabad. The aim was to gain knowledge related to Visually Impaired Persons (VIPs), so DWA would be more active for VIPs also.

DWA is not only legally registered with Social Welfare Department but also tax exempted from Income Tax department, Government of Sindh. This prove DWA is well established organization and trustable.

Besides this we also receive different certificate, awards time to time. Followings are some scan images of certificates.

Report of Regional Conference on Building Bye-Laws / Manual For Making Buildings & Facilities Accessible To People With Disabilities.

Regional Conference on Building Bye-Laws / Manual For Making Buildings & Facilities Accessible To People With Disabilities held on 10 June 2006, at Hotel Regent Plaza Karachi, organized by Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Social Welfare & Special Education, Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE) Islamabad and Pakistan Environmental Planning & Architectural Consultants (PEPAC) Islamabad. Sindh Disability Forum collaborated in the organizing conference Mr. Javed Raees and Muhammad Akram Coordinated on behalf of SDF. Mr. Raees also coordinated with media. After recitation of Holy Quran, Mr Imran Shoukat (PEPAC) Coordinator of Conference told about purpose of conference that under the Federal Governments instruction PEPAC is designing standards for construction of physical infra-structure. Such conferences held in Islamabad, Peshawar and Lahore, now they are in Karachi and last meeting will be held in Quetta. Then a joint meeting will be held on National level. After finalization of standards rules those will be submitted in National Legislative Assembly for constitution of law. Mr. Ghulam Nabi Nizamani Vice Chair Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) Asia Pacific presented presentation on “Disability and Society”. He covered all aspects of disability including Charity base to Right base approach, International treaties on disability, Disaster and Disability, Mental health, Women with disabilities, youth with disabilities, Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) and Independent Living (IL). Mr. Rashid Makhdum (PEPAC) presented presentation on “ Creation of Barrier Free Environment”, Building Bye-laws & Design Guidelines. He said Bye laws are to provide mandatory requirements and design guidelines to provide an accessible physical environment, meeting the needs of people with disabilities for their independence, convenience and and safety in all public buildings and areas. In his presentation he showed pictures of the building those made accessible including melody food park Islamabad.

Chief Guest Mr. Wasem Akhtar Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh for Local Government and Kachi Abadis said today he gate lot of knowledge about disability issue. He said from the presentation of Mr. Nizamani he is too much impressed and proud that such people are our assets. He said he will issue instructions to all elected representatives in local Government to include disability issue in their agenda. He emphasized on all high profile official including Governor and Chief Minister Sindh they may include Person with Disabilities in high profile programs and ceremonies. He said they have instructions from president of Pakistan on disaster management and he will include Person with Disabilities in decision making.

In second session individual presentations presented by all categories of disabilities including deaf, visual impairs, physical impairs, representative of Mentally challenged and women with disabilities. Mr Imran paid thanks of SDF, especially of Mr. Javed Raees, Muhammad Akran, kausar Salmani, Ghulam Nabi Nizamani and all others who supported this conference. Elected representatives (Nazims) of Gulberg, Site, Kiamari towns and Dr Tanveer Ahmed (HANDS) especially participated in the conference.