NETWORKING AMONG AGENCIES 2 ND DbI ASIAN CONFERENCE 31ST JANUARY, 2006. DHAKA, BANGLADESH .

1. NETWORKING AMONG AGENCIES 2ND DbI ASIAN CONFERENCE31ST JANUARY, 2006.DHAKA, BANGLADESH. PRESENTATION BY NANDINI RAWAL SECRETARY INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR EDUCATION OF PEOPLE WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & PROJECT DIRECTOR BLIND PEOPLE’S ASSOCIATION

2. WINDS OF CHANGE THE WORLD HAS BECOME SMALLER THANKS TO TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATION

3. CHANGING DISABILITY SCENARIO NO LONGER BEHIND CLOSED DOORS VERY OPEN AND PROFESSIONAL FROM CHARITY TO RIGHTS

4. NET WORKING • The key word that enables people to • reach out through cooperation – • whether electronic, technical or • human. •  - Network is defined by the Dictionary • as “A Group of People who exchange • information, contacts and experience • for professional or social purposes”.

5. SOCIAL ANIMALS • We are social and gregarious • We need people around us • Our existence is based on interdependence • We need symbiotic relationships

6. STAKEHOLDERS IN OUR NETWORK • deafblind persons • their families, carers, and communities • professionals working with and for deafblind

7. STAKEHOLDERS IN OUR NETWORK • Funding agencies • Local administration, • Local, State and National Government; • International NGOs • Other funding agencies such as Corporate bodies, • Service Clubs

8. STEREO TYPES • We have developed our ideas and perceptions about the different stakeholders • Stereo types from NGO point of view • People in NGOs think they are flexible, • open, • dynamic and committed • NGO staff thinks Government is rigid, • powerful, not very effective • INGOs are rich, powerful and • ladders for NGO staff • Families of deafblind are ill informed

9. NGOS THINK OF INGOS AS SANTA CLAUS READY TO DISTRIBUTE PRESENTS

10. STEREO TYPES • Stereo types from Government point of view • People in NGOs are go getters, bad in keeping records, • Not very accountable • High flying

11. STEREO TYPES • Stereo types from INGO point of view • Beneficiary organisation • Totally dependent on INGO • Lacking in technical soundness

12. STEREO TYPES Stereo types from Parents point of view • Awed by NGOs and INGOs • Have unrealistic expectations from INGO • Think that INGOs are miracle workers

13. ENDLESS DEBATE • This debate can continue for ever • Our job is to rise above and build upon the strengths and competencies • Appreciate differences • Complement one another through exchange of ideas

14. BLEAK STATISTICS • While we argue, the stark reality remains • < 10% of persons with deafblindness in this part of the world have access to services • Our duty is to build a system by which we increase our coverage

15. PRINCIPLES OF GOOD NETWORKING AND PARTNERSHIP PRACTICE • The All partners should know what is • involved • All partners should be informed and • continually updated • Transparency in practice • Openness of heart and mind • Adherence to principles

16. PRINCIPLES OF GOOD NETWORKING AND PARTNERSHIP PRACTICE • Cultural Appropriateness should be • understood !!!!

17. Single Disability Prevention SERVICE AREAS OF INGOs & NGOs Multiple Disabilities IBR Integrated Education CBR

18. NETWORK OF INGOs Priority area of funding Geographical area for funding Networking Criteria for funding Tenure of funding etc.

19. Need of a Network between NGOs geographical areas priority areas – . specific mission Better planning

20. What is “good” development? • results in increase in awareness of rights • results in empowerment of persons with disabilities and their families • Ignites a chain of social and attitudinal change • Creates local capacity • Creates programmes that are sustainable • Helps to influence government policy • Creation of equitable opportunities

21. What is “bad” development? • Creation of pockets of haves & have nots • Unrealistic expectations amongst stakeholders • Creates projects that are not sustainable • Creates dissonance amongst family members • Creates highly paid staff • Creates a gap between funded staff and NGOs own staff

22. Basis of Partnerships • Based on mutual trust and respect • Slavish attitude of NGOs should be removed • INGOs must not be patronising • INGOs must not think of themselves as benefactors • Use of local talent knowledge and skills

23. Exit Strategy • INGOs should leave the tendency of holding on or possessing • Exit strategy should be planned • Collaboration should be clearly spelt out – monetary, technical, physical • Exit should not result in paralysis or stoppage of programme

24. Empowerment of Local People • Awareness creation • Sustained and intensive training • Access to information • Access to rehabilitation services • Ultimate sustainability

25. Change in Mentality • NGOs should not link programme to funds • INGOs should insist on sustainability commitment • Sliding scale funding • Full freedom to NGO

26. Contribution to National Development • Through policy formulation • By influencing current trends • Preparing rehabilitation professionals for implementation of above

27. Benefits of Network • cost-effectiveness • would foster excellence • would help builds capacities • would promote equality and access

28. Benefits of Network • would help services to grow

29. Benefits of Network would reduce duplication and hence save money

30. NEVER DOUBT THAT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL,COMMITTED CITIZENS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD;INDEED IT’S THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS” Margaret Mead.

32. CHANGING TIMES • The 21st Century is here • Technology has made the world smaller • We are now in a global village • There is change everywhere