Disability and PIFS

1. UNESCO Workshop on Inclusive EducationApia, Samoa23-25 November 2005Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s engagement with disability

2. Disability and PIFS • The Vanuatu PM brought the issue to the attention of Leaders at the 2002 Forum • It was discussed fully at the 2003 Forum and various recommendations made, including endorsing the Biwako Millenium Framework

3. And… • The 2002 Forum Ministers of Education meeting discussed education of children with disabilities and made several recommendations that were added to the Forum Basic Education Action Plan

4. Report on Pacific Regional Workshop on Disabilityheld in Nadi, Fiji, 1-4 August 2005

5. Objectives of the workshop • Review progress in the implementation of the Biwako Millennium Framework and the recommendations relating to education for children with disabilities arising from the Forum Basic Education Action Plan and the 2003 Pacific Island Forum Leaders meeting. • Discuss the draft Convention On The Protection And Promotion Of The Rights And Dignity Of Persons With Disabilitiesand its implementation. • Develop policy and programme capacity within governments and national NGOs • Assess employment opportunities and rehabilitation issues. • Strengthen government and NSA partnerships at the national level

6. Who was there? • Representatives from governments and disability NGOs from 13 Forum Island Countries • A first for the Pacific

7. 23 agreed areas on a range of topics- some relevant ones: • Affirmation of the “rights-based” approach to disability • Disability is both a cause and an effect of poverty in the Pacific as elsewhere. Poverty is mitigated by the protection of fundamental human rights and social inclusion.

8. Inequalities can be reduced when people with disabilities are empowered to take part in all levels of decision making • Partnerships between governments and Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPOs), and other relevant non-state actors including churches are essential for policy development and the sustainable delivery of services.

9. Disability inclusive approaches are the preferred option to ensure that disability issues are mainstreamed into all areas, including education and employment. However, it is acknowledged that there are times where a “twin track approach” is necessary when disability needs to be seen as a stand-alone issue when people with disabilities need specialised assistance.

10. The importance of education cannot be overstated, as it is a fundamental human right incorporated in various international commitments. It provides for lifeskills and creates sustainable lifestyle opportunities. Inclusive education, early intervention, and teacher education were recognised as priorities. It was further recognised that the education of children and adults with disabilities and there need to be policy, plans and budgetary allocations for the education of children with disabilities. While inclusive education is ideal, there are cases which require specialised education. The Forum Basic Education Action Plan (FBEAP) provides a further regional mandate for progressing this issue.

11. Some other areas covered: • The right to work • Legislation and policy development • Importance of national focal points • Data and research • Women with disabilities • Potential of ICT • Possible regional Ministerial meeting on disability

12. A likely outcome • The establishment of a regional disability coordination position at the Forum Secretariat • This should move the disability agenda forward in the Pacific

13. The Forum Secretariat has also… • Negotiated with USP to start a degree level (BEd) programme in special education as part of implementing the Forum Basic Education Action Plan • This should commence in 2007 and will be for in-service teachers, both on campus and through distance education

14. And in conclusion…. • Please remember that regionalism is an advantage not a burden!