WWFD F D NEEWSLETTERWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF THE DEAF DECEMBER 2011 World Federation of the Deaf would like to thank you for your cooperation and wishes you happy holidays, and all the best for the coming new year!

AN INTERNATIONAL NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION WITH1 A SPECIAL CONSULTATIVE STATUS IN THE UNITED NATIONS We welcome all news, articles, letters to the editor, and other contributions. We reserve the right of acceptance or rejection and the right to edit all submissions that we publish. Please send all correspondence to: World Federation of the Deaf PO Box 65 00401 Helsinki Finland E-mail: [email protected] CONTENTS Layout Anja Hurtamo

WFD, the World Federation of the Deaf, is an umbrella organisation providing a wide 3 PRESIDENT'S COLUMN range of support and advocacy services 5 NEWS FROM THE WFD for national Deaf associations. The World 6 INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF THE DEAF Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was estab- 10 WFD YOUTH SECTION lished in 1951 in Rome, Italy during the 12 INTERNATIONAL NEWS fi rst Deaf World Congress. As an interna- 16 NEWS FROM WFD MEMBERS AND PARTNERS tional non-governmental organisation, it has a special consultative status in the Unit- 23 ITEMS OF INTEREST ed Nations (UN) system, where it is repre- 24 BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS sented at the Economic and Social Coun- 25 WFD MERCHANDISE cil (ECOSOC); the Educational Scientifi c 26 COMING EVENTS and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); the International Labour Organization (ILO); and World Health Organization (WHO). It also has participatory status with the Council of Europe (CoE). WFD currently has 133 national associations of the Deaf as its members. WFD provides a platform for cooperation and information exchange among its members and partners. As an international organisation and through na- tional organisations, WFD is emphasizing on improving the human rights for Deaf persons, the status of national sign lan- guages, better education for Deaf people, Front cover: and improved access to information tech- Photos from 2011 nology and services.

2 PRESIDENT´SPRESIDENT´S CCOLUMNOLUMN Welcome to the WFD Newsletter. I am glad to be able I attended the International Congress of the to provide you with an overview of news of my last International Committee of Sports for the Deaf three months’ activity as WFD President. (ICSD) in Rome, Italy, as an invited guest of the ICSD President Craig Crowley. As two international The months of September and October were very busy organisations we are interested to develop a partnership for everyone around the world as we celebrated the to collaborate for the benefi t of deaf people who play International Week of Deaf People and National Weeks sports. This would help us to achieve more towards of Deaf People. This newsletter has many articles with United Nations Convention Rights of Persons with insight into events and celebrations around the world Disabilities (UN CRPD) Article 30 (Participation in where countries focussed on deaf people’s rights in cultural life, recreation leisure and sport) on the rights Sign Language, Accessibility, Education, Employment of deaf people to access sport. and Social Life. I was also busy in my home country Australia; I was invited to give a presentation at a During my visit in Rome, I had the pleasure of a lunch breakfast meeting hosted by the Western Australian meeting with the newly appointed President of Ente Association of the Deaf and also gave talks at Deaf Nazionale Sordi (ENS), Mr. Guiseppe Petrucci. We Schools in Perth and Melbourne. I gave a presentation discussed how the WFD and ENS can work together to at VicDeaf ’s Annual General Meeting in Melbourne to fi nalise the arrangements for the WFD History Archives. increase understanding of WFD’s work and our aims We are very much looking forward to completing this for many partnerships in the global work for deaf project together successfully. people and Deaf Communities. In November, the WFD Board met for its 99th Board Meeting in Al, Norway, hosted by the Al Folkehoyskole and the Norwegian Federation of the Deaf. This meeting was longer than usual because most of the WFD board members were newly elected at the last General Assembly in South Africa. We were very fortunate to have the WFD Honorary President Mr Markku Jokinen who gave a brilliant and exceptional workshop about the work that WFD has done at the international level with agencies such as the United Nations, the International Disability Alliance, UNICEF, UNESCO, ILO, WHO Photo: Colin Allen and with each national association of the deaf working Colin with Western Australian Association of the Deaf on the ground around the world. This workshop Board, Perth was not just for WFD Board members, but also for members of the WFD Youth Section as both the WFD Board and the WFD Youth Section (WFDYS) will work together on the priority issues for the next four years leading up to July 2015 when the XVII WFD World Congress will be held in Istanbul, Turkey.

Photo: Colin Allen

Drawing of the system in networking with different partners, Training Day, Ål, Norway

Photo: Ål Folkehoyskole WFD Board and WFDYS members at a Training Day, Ål, Norway 3 I am pleased to give you a summary of the outcomes The WFD Board also passed a motion to acknowledge from the board meeting: the ongoing support of the Finnish Association of the Deaf (FAD) which has managed our current staff 1. Reviewed the Action Plan which was adopted members and offi ce space since 2001. WFD will soon at the General Assembly. Board members and be the direct employer of the Secretariat staff, beginning the WFD Secretariat Team gave input to create in January 2012, but FAD remains ever-generous, the activities needed to achieve each key goal offering equipment and offi ce space for our Secretariat for each year until 2015. team members who will continue to operate from the headquarters in Helsinki, Finland. 2. Reviewed the current structure of the WFD Board and formed key working groups:- Soon each ordinary member of the World Federation of the Deaf will receive a copy of the Board Meeting • Legal Commission Committee Minutes. After the very successful WFD board meeting, WFD • Finance Committee and the European Union of the Deaf (EUD) jointly hosted a conference “Sign Languages as Endangered • Membership Application Review Committee Languages”, co-ordinated by the Al Folkehoyskole. The conference was funded by the Norwegian Foreign • Human Rights Working Group Ministry. Further information about the conference is available on the WFD website. • Fundraising Working Group After the board meeting and the WFD/EUD • Expert Working Group Conference, the WFD Board and WFDYS members were invited to the Oslo Deaf Association, a local Deaf Club of the Norwegian Federation of the Deaf. It was • World Congress Working Group a very enjoyable evening for both WFD Board and WFDYS members and we were surprised by a generous • WFD Conference Liaison Offi cer donation (1289 € (Euro) which they raised through the International Day of Deaf People in September. The • WFD/WASLI Task Force WFD Board appreciates and applauds the Oslo Deaf Association’s generous support of our international • WFD/ICSD Task Force work.

3. Decided the theme for the 2012 International 2012 will be an important year for those whose Week of Deaf People countries have ratifi ed the UN CRPD because some places on the committee that monitors the UN CRPD implementation will be available. The committee 4. Reviewed WFD Secretariat Organisational doesn’t have any deaf members at present, and we Structure hope that some deaf people will stand for nomination. In order to be nominated, interested deaf people will 5. Completed a Budget Review for 2012 need to work with their national federation of people with disabilities and their country’s government. We 6. Reviewed new membership applications encourage each national association to advocate making sure good deaf candidates are put forward. Our WFD 7. Discussed having a Deaf Flag Secretariat team will soon make direct contact with our country members whose governments have ratifi ed the 8. Discussed having a Sign Language Symbol UN CRPD. As you know, everyone on the WFD Board and the 9. Adopted Qatari Center of Social Cultural for WFDYS work as volunteers. My own full time job is the Deaf as WFD’s 133rd Ordinary Member with the Deaf Society of NSW as Director of Services. I would like to acknowledge the commitment of all our board members and WFDYS members, and their The WFD Board received the reports from both host dedication to serving the 70 million deaf people around organisations of the 2nd International Conference of the world and our 133 country members. the World Federation of the Deaf in Australia and XVII World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf WFD wishes you all safe holidays in Turkey. Both organisations have been organised their conference/congress well in advance. The Board over December and January, appreciated Mr Ecrument Tanriverdi, the President of wherever you are around the world. Turkish National Federation of the Deaf who came to the board meeting and gave a report to the board. Colin Allen, WFD President 4 NEWS FROM THE WFD 100th WFD Board Meeting

The100th WFD Board meeting will be held in Louisville, Kentucky in USA, hosted by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), USA from 29 June – 3 July 2012. NAD is arranging their 51st Biennial Conference, along Dr. Liisa Kauppinen, with the DeaFestival Kentucky from 3 – 7 July 2012. It Honorary President, is a big honour to have their event and also for WFD to No. 2 celebrate its 100th Board meeting.

Mr. Markku Jokinen, Honorary President, No. 3

Photo: Colin Allen WFD Board & WFDYS Members at a Training Day, Ål, Norway

132ND and 133rd Ordinary Member

It is WFD’s great news that WFD warmly welcomes two new Ordinary Members, National Association of the Hearing Impaired (ANDAT), Chad and The Qatari Center of Social Cultural for the Deaf, Qatar admitted as the 132nd and 133rd Ordinary Members. Dr. Knud WFD Honorary Presidents and Members Søndergaard, Honorary Board At the 18th General Assembly of the World Federation Member of the Deaf the delegates from 73 countries approved of the new WFD Honorary Presidents and Honorary Members, due to their dedicated work and to support the WFD General Secretariat’s work. Here are the names of the Honorary Presidents and Honorary Members:

Dr. Yerker Andersson, Mr. Tomas Hedberg, Honorary President, Honorary Board No. 1 Member

5 INTERNATIONALINTERNATIONAL WWEEKEEK OOFF TTHEHE DDEAFEAF

The last week of September is a time when communities support for the promotion of sport for the deaf "," Paul all over the world recognise the language, culture, and Biya! Deaf people are behind you. The main objective every day experience of people who are deaf and hard of these terms on the signs is: "Advocating for Equality of hearing. This is known as the International Week of deaf - hearing" the Deaf. Arrived in MINAS, all participants affi xed their Countries where celebrations were held were Argentina, signatures in the letter of complaint addressed to the Cameroon, Finland, Nepal, Portugal, Lithuania, Minister of Social Affairs, and letter was presented as Venezuela and many others. Here are some stories of September 26, 2011 through Jean-Pierre Pemha. from our members and partners how they celebrated International Week of the Deaf! At the end of the march, the cameraman of the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) gave a brief report on these events where the President of the National Association of the Deaf of Cameroon (ANSCAM) was CAMEROON being interviewed to answer questions from journalists on the objective of organizing these events. The year two thousand eleven, as of September 25, in Yaoundé, Cameroon's political capital, attended by Ultimately, the fi fty two with their deaf sign language fi fty-two (52) deaf people from almost every corner interpreter gather in a bar for a drink offered by the of the country, for the fi rst edition in Cameroon, has President of the National ANSCAM. celebrated the International Week of the Deaf at the initiative of the National Association of the Deaf Source: Cameroon National Association of the Deaf of Cameroon (ANSCAM). Under the global theme: "Accessibility, Freedom of expression and opinion, access to information and communication."

To this end, the deaf were left in a place called University Hospital of Yaoundé (CHUY) at about nine hours for a power walking, so the city was the starting point of that operation.

This group of fi fty-two deaf, there were forty-eight men, four women, four hearing as supporters of the Deaf, two doctors working for the deaf, a sign language interpreter and late deafness people, for a total of fi fty six participants who did the power walking.

For a total of fi fty-six persons protected by the police in road safety and the route of the march continues to the CHUY - Lycée Général Leclerc - Reunifi cation Photo: OM Cameroon Monument - SONEL Central - Palace of Justice - Ministry of Social Affairs (MINAS).

At around ten o'clock at the home of the Minister of LITHUANIA Social Affairs, close to the Reunifi cation Monument, for the submission of complaints, unfortunately it has not received the group as agreed in the letter that had Panevezys Cultural Center of the Deaf was established been addressed, a few days in advance for this purpose. in 1996. The main aim of the Center is to provide The deaf were not discouraged; they travelled on the purposeful leisure for deaf & international collaboration path to the destination of the end of power walking of the deaf. towards MINAS. Annually we started celebrating the International Deaf The signs were displayed and where it was written, Day after establishment of the Center. In Lithuania, "National Association of the Deaf of Cameroon", the Deaf Day began to celebrate in 1993 after the "International Week of the Deaf - September 25, Independence of Lithuania. 2011," "We can do everything except hear," "The Sign Language Cameroon: Instrument Development Deaf Each year the guests from Latvia, Czech Republic, of Cameroon "," Deaf people united, we banish the France, Jordan, America & etc. attend the World Deaf term "MOU-MOU '", "Paul Biya! Thank you for your Day Festival in Lithuania. 6 The World Federation of the Deaf has been working PORTUGAL already for 60 years. This year festival is very meaningful for the deaf in the world. We invited the deaf theatre The FPAS - Portuguese Federation of Associations actors from Hamburg (Germany) for this occasion. of the Deaf organized the "5th March of the deaf The theatre from Hamburg celebrated the sixty years community and 5th Familiarity National Deaf person", anniversary last year. Panevezys Cultural Center of which was held on Tuesday 25th September in Coimbra, the Deaf is 15 years old. We organized Lithuanian- in celebration of Deaf World Day. German International Art Program for the Deaf. German actress showed the performance “Airport” & humorous pantomime “Olimpiada”, the actor Andzej The route began at the Republic Square to Dr. Manuel Voronecki (origin from Panevezys, now he lives in Braga Park. The march was aimed at raising our civil Hamburg) showed his poetry for children in expressive society and the Portuguese citizens who always fi ght International Sign. Deaf children from Panevezys for the rights, language, culture and values of the deaf (Laisvidas Jakiunas & Ineta Cerneckyte) were imitative community. singing the song “I can't keep silent”. The international laureate illusionist Michail Chovanskich performed the Source: Portuguese Deaf Federation focus program with new tricks: cards, coins & scarf. The most impressive trick was the fan cards when a large hat suddenly appeared from the fan. The trick with the fan has only 3 illusionists in Europe. Our magician Michail face the challenge to participate in next year's World Deaf Magic Festival in Helsinki (Finland). There presented was a book exhibition “Sign Language of the Countries in the World”.

After the festival, the guests from Hamburg had an excursion to Panevezys Basic Boarding School for the Deaf & Hearing Impaired. They have visited the most beautiful places in Panevezys, a unique Hill of Crosses & the 200 species of vineyard in Joniskelis (it's the only vineyard in Lithuania).

The community of Panevezys Cultural Center of the Deaf celebrates the International Deaf Day each year, dealing with the Deaf problems in society. There is a signifi cant value of the international collaboration of the deaf, when deaf people from Lithuania have a possibility to get to know about deaf culture, history & sign language from all over the world.

Source: Panevezys Cultural Center of the Deaf, Lithuania

Photos: Panevezys Cultural Center of the Deaf Photos: OM Portugal

7 VENEZUELA (LSV), we assumed that the process should be raised from the Deaf Community, but with the participation The fi rst International Conference on the of researchers respecting the methods and scientifi c Standardization of Sign Language: Deaf Education procedures. Also users must provide information about and Culture (CIELS2011) organized by the Foundation processes unsorted characterization, description, and Research Center of Astronomy "Francisco J. Duarte the organization of language. "(CIDA) - agency of the Ministry of Popular Power for Science, Technology and Intermediate Industries With regard to education, clearly demonstrated the need - took place from September 29 to October 1 in the to install in the fi eld of education of the Deaf bilingual auditorium of the Medical Association of Mérida education model that involves unrestricted access to the State, whose business exceeded expectations, as the LSV and learning the Spanish language writing. progress made in the standardization of sign languages in general and the Venezuelan Sign Language (LSV) in On the other hand, learning the written language must particular. respond to the defi ciencies accumulated by the deaf in his language development, so that merits different The fi rst Congress was a meeting point between approaches, methodologies and approaches to a source academic, public sector representatives, educators outside the structure of language, which requires an and deaf people with hearing disabilities under which understanding scientifi c problem by listeners and achieved the goal of creating a scenario for the exchange teachers of the deaf continued participation in the of ideas between the various actors involved with the teaching of the LSV. Language Sign Venezolana (LSV) and bilingualism in the school environment. There was general consensus regarding the need for educational settings for deaf high school, and More than 300 people from 20 U.S. states between even in universities through the creation of learning associations, interpreters, special education teachers, communities involving fl uent speakers of the LSV and representatives of 25 institutions of higher education, interested in studying the culture of the deaf. more than 80 people who are deaf or hearing impaired and national and international speakers participated Over 300 people attended this important activity. in this event, where 30 papers developed to share experiences, exchange knowledge and unify signs of Regarding the need of increasing the lexical, the the deaf culture to strengthen the social inclusion of possibility of wedging, and neologisms for LSV, this sector of the population. proposed strategies to raise ongoing meetings of the deaf in various regions of the country, to reach agreements and conventions on the establishment, and Results of the Congress stabilization of the uses of new signs in regional and of particular respect. Among the fi ndings or conclusions of CIELS2011 highlighted the following: Signs shall be preserved and treated defi nitively between speakers of LSV in time according to their linguistic There was a general assessment of the participants on roots and functionality, we can not impose a term as the initiative, the quality of the event, the height of its the only or defi nitive, will be the community dynamics exhibitors and audience participation. The main topics that determines the preservation or development of the of the program were treated in depth. signs.

Regarding the issue of standardization and normalization of the Venezuelan Sign Language Source: Cira A. Moran, FEVENSOR

8 Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the WFD – Donate Now!! DONORS WFD celebrates this year its 60th anniversary; it was founded in Rome, Italy in 1951. This makes it the oldest umbrella organisation of persons with disabilities in the WFD wishes to thank to those WFD members world. Those who attended the XVI World Congress who have made a contribution to support the of the World Federation of the Deaf in Durban, South WFD. Africa, already had the opportunity to assist in some festivities, such as launching of the long awaited history Here are the names of the contributors: book “World Federation of the Deaf: A History, 2011” written by Dr. Jack Gannon, eating WFD cup cakes at the Welcome Cocktail of the World Congress and enjoying a cheerful Silent Shout performance of a Finnish rap artist Signmark. Markus Risenbeck

If you want to make a donation to 60-year-old WFD Norwegian Association of the Deaf and thus support WFD’s Human Rights work, please send your donation to WFD’s bank account Swiss Deaf Association o Account Name: World Federation of the Deaf Oslo Deaf Association o Bank: Nordea Bank, Helsinki Finland o IBAN: FI04 1555 3000 113 37 Trevor Johnston o Swift NDEAFIHH o WFD 60 years Al McEwin

Or ask about other payment ways by sending an email James Buncombe to phillipa.sandholm[at]kl-deaf.fi . Add to the reference of your payment: “WFD 60 years”. WFD will publish the names of all those people who have donated for the Nebjosa Vavra 60-years campaign in the November Newsletter (if you wish that your name won’t be mentioned please inform the WFD offi ce). Ecrument Tanriverdi

Are you celebrating your own birthday soon? Would Ambrose Murangira you like to encourage people to donate a small amount of money to the WFD instead of buying a gift to you? We have had similar campaigns and they have Fatima Berrahal been very successful. For instance Markku Jokinen, WFD Honorary President and Mr. Roland Hermann, President of the Swiss Deaf Association, have made Eduardo Burkhart signifi cant donations to the WFD thanks to their birthday campaigns.

Photo: Colin Allen

Oslo Deaf Association members with WFD Board members & WFDYS Members, Oslo, Norway 9 WORLDWORLD FFEDERATIONEDERATION OOFF TTHEHE DDEAFEAF YYOUTHOUTH SSECTIONECTION (WFDYS)(WFDYS)

World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS) UNESCO 7th Youth Forum board would like to introduce themselves to you. 5th WFDYS General Assembly chose a completely new Jenny Nilsson from WFDYS participated at the board for the upcoming four years period 2011-2015. UNESCO 7th Youth Forum. The forum was held from 17 to 20 October 2011 at UNESCO Headquarters in Jenny Nilsson from Sweden was selected as the president. Paris, France. The Forum brought together youth Robert Ssewagudde, Uganda is Vice-President. Eeva delegates, civil society participants, UN entities, Tupi, Finland was nominated as secretary. Board intergovernmental organizations, academics and the members are Ana Navas Serna, Spain, Braam Jordaan, private sector. Participants discussed, debated, and South Africa, EunJung Byun, South Korea and Jannicke exchanged ideas on the Forum’s timely themes. WFDYS Kvitvaer, Norway. participated as observer and had opportunity to join the debate in the thematic parallel debates, networking with We, WFDYS board, look forward to work together with other youth delegates and see the speeches of Ms Irina you WFD Ordinary Members aiming for better future Bokova, UNESCO Director General, Forest Whitaker, for deaf children and youth. Please do not hesitate to UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and Ms. Nicola contact us! Shepherd, UN Programme on Youth (UNDESA). [email protected] The forum was reporting on action following the 6th UNESCO Youth Forum by youth delegates from Canada, Indonesia, Yemen, Uganda and Ecuador where they pointed the importance of youth actions by young people and using the network from the Forum in the upcoming years. They also discussed the “legacy” of the International Year of Youth and the results of the High Level Meeting on Youth.

The main theme of this Forum was “How youth drive change” and the sub-themes were; citizens in action: youth in political and public life, countering youth exclusion, vulnerability and violence and breaking through employment barriers. WFDYS participated in a parallel debate on education, social transformation and sustainable development led by the UNESCO education sector where access to education was discussed. In this debate, we made a comment about the importance of education for youth with disabilities; for example only 3% of deaf people receive education in sign language and efforts must therefore be made that we would get our education in sign language.

The output of the Youth Forum is a Final Report drafted by youth participants containing key recommendations on the themes that will be presented to the representatives of Member States during the 36th UNESCO General Conference. One of the recommendations was about Photo: WFDYS education “We call upon Member States to eliminate all forms of discrimination, especially against the most WFD Youth Section Board: Braam Jordaan, Board vulnerable segments of society, and to promote human Member, South Africa, Robert Ssewaggudde, Vice- rights-based education”. The fi nal report of 7th Youth President, Uganda, Jenny Nilsson, President, Sweden, Forum can be downloaded from the UNESCO website. Eeva Tupi, Secretary, Finland, Jannicke Berge Kvitvaer, Board Member, Norway, Ana Navas, Board Member, WFDYS thinks that this was very interesting forum Spain & Eun Jung Byun, Board Member, South Korea and there were good opportunities to network with

10 youth delegates from the whole world and infl uence EUDY General Assembly 2012 the fi nal report by taking part in debates. The forum is important as a platform for us young people, and in her Jenny Nilsson and Jannicke Kvitvaer from WFDYS closing speech, Ms Irina Bokova, stressed importance were represented as invitees at European Union of of youth being involved in decision-making processes the Deaf Youth General Assembly, which was held in and therefore democracy would be powerful. Madrid, in October 22. -24. 2011.

WFDYS and EUDY have previously signed an agreement on cooperation, which means that both boards, WFDYS and EUDY, shall be invited to each other’s board meetings, camps and General Assemblies.

The general assembly in Madrid was a success with 22 countries represented all of EUDY Full Members. During the General Assembly, number of Full Members of EUDY expanded to 24 as Albania and Bulgaria were approved as new Full Members. Extraordinary General Assembly was held prior to the General Assembly where delegates approved changes on statutes. EUDY board is therefore now consisted of seven members instead of previous fi ve members.

Strategy Plan for period 2012-2014 and Action Plan for period 2012 were approved by the General Assembly. A new idea, EUDY summer school, was presented and it might be held already in summer 2012. Bosnia will be hosting the EUDY Youth Camp and General Assembly in 2012. Albania is arranging EUDY Junior Camp in 2013. Germany won the bid for hosting the EUDY Photo: Jenny Nilsson General Assembly in 2013. The EUDY board for 2012- UNESCO Youth Forum, Paris, France 2013 consists of president Philippa Merricks (The United Kingdom), members Dennis Hoogeveen (The Netherlands), Netta Keski-Levijoki (Finland), Delphine le Maire (Belgium), Alexandra Kotsaki (Greece), Alejandro Fernández Segura (Spain) and Davy Mariotti (Italy).

WFDYS Board wishes the new board of EUDY good luck working on achieving ambitious goals.

Photo: Jenny Nilsson Alejandro Fernandez Segura, Spain, Dennis Hoogeveen, The Netherlands, Philippa Merricks, (President), United Kingdom, Netta Keski-Levijoki, Finland, Delphine le Maire, Belgium, Alexandra Kotsaki, Greece & Davy Mariotti, Italy 11 INTERNATIONAL NEWS 3 December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2011 CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (CRPD) This year, the Day will be commemorated under a general theme with supporting sub-themes to draw attention to key areas that would work in synergy to mainstream disability in all development processes. 5 ARTICLES REFER DIRECTLY TO SIGN LANGUAGES The theme for 2011 is: “Together for a better AND THE DEAF: world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development”. For sub-themes and more information: www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1561. Article 2: Defi nitions Source: UN Enable Article 9: Accessibility (2 e) Article 21: Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information (b and e) 11 to 13 June 2012: Universal Design Conference Article 24: Education (3b, 3c 4) 2012 in Oslo Article 30: Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport (4) Universal design in public spaces is the main focus of the conference to be held in Oslo, Norway. The Delta Centre will organize the event and is the National Resource Centre for Participation and Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities in Norway. Topics to be addressed BY NOW are issues related to universal design in planning, legislation, politics, education, buildings, outdoor areas, information and communications technologies (ICT) • 107 ratifi ciations of the Convention and public transport. The conference website will open for abstract submissions on 1 July 2011. More • 153 signatories to the Convention information: www.ud2012.no.

Source: UN Enable

OPTIONAL PROTOCOL TO THE CONVENTION

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, 17 • 63 ratifi cations of the Optional Protocol October 2011

• 90 signatories to the Optional Protocol An inclusive Social Protection Floor should combat poverty among persons with disabilities

IDA demands that more efforts need to be made to RECENT SIGNATURES AND RATIFICATIONS: eradicate poverty and extreme poverty among persons with disabilities worldwide. The Social Protection Floor initiative can play a key role to achieve this objective. • Indonesia ratifi ed the Convention on 30-11-2011 It is widely accepted that persons with disabilities are more at risk of being in situations of poverty and • Cape Verde ratifi ed the Convention on extreme poverty, resulting from discrimination in many 10-10-2011 areas of life.

• Luxembourg ratifi ed the Convention on The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with 26-9-2011 Disabilities (CRPD), which outlaws all forms of discrimination on the ground of disability, includes • Luxembourg ratifi ed the Optional special attention to the issue of social protection and Protocol on 26-9-2011 insists that persons with disabilities need to be taken into account in all strategies to combat poverty. It also refers to the need for States to cover disability related costs in order to avoid the link between disability and poverty. 12

The lack of a human rights approach in the MDGs, ECOSOC Ministerial Declaration on Education including the goal to reduce poverty, has resulted in insuffi cient attention to persons with disabilities. This An ECOSOC Annual Ministerial Review on needs to be changed between now and 2015, and in internationally agreed commitments on education took particular, needs to be addressed in the new framework place in Geneva from 4-8 July 2011. The outcome to be established for the period beyond 2015. The ministerial declaration refers to the rights of persons upcoming High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness to be with disabilities, and to the need for improving data held in Busan should also lead to an increased attention collection on education. Please click on: http:// to the rights of persons with disabilities in international www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/wp-content/ co-operation efforts, as indicated in article 32 of the uploads/2011/08/Ecosoc-Ministerial-Declaration- CRPD. Aid cannot be effective if it is delivered without on-education-Draft-adopted-8-July-2011.docto see considering the rights of 15% of the world population. the ECOSOC Ministerial Declaration on Education and http://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/ IDA wants to highlight in particular the potential that wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IDA-Position-Paper- the future International Labour Organisation (ILO) The-right-to-education-14-June-11.doc to read IDA´s recommendation on a Social Protection Floor has to position paper on education. contribute fundamentally to the combat of poverty. “It is imperative that this important initiative includes Source: International Disability Alliance persons with disabilities as a key target group, and that it do so in a way that is consistent with their rights”, reminds IDA Chair Diane Richler.

The CRPD gives clear guidance to ensure that persons with disabilities and their representative organisations are partners in the design and implementation of all development processes, a participation that will make these processes not only more inclusive, but also more effective. The Human Rights Committee held its 102nd session from 11 – 29 July to review the reports of Ethiopia, For more information: Kazakhstan and Bulgaria. Click on: http://www2. ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrc/hrcs102.htm to read Website of the International Disability Alliance (IDA): the disability analysis of the Concluding Observations. www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org The Human Rights Committee also adopted Lists of IDA on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Issues on the Maldives, Turkmenistan, Iceland and InternationalDisabilityAllianceIDA Mozambique (in the absence of a report) which will soon be available on their website: http://www2.ohchr. Contact: Stefan Tromel [email protected] org/english/bodies/hrc/hrcs102.htm

International Day of Extreme Poverty: http://www. On the opening day of the session, the Human Rights un.org/depts/dhl/poverty/. Committee held a meeting with National Human Rights Institutions and NGOs to discuss ways of improving NGO and NHRI engagement with the Committee. A UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty: joint NGO paper was presented on behalf of 23 NGOs, http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Poverty/Pages/ including IDA, to the Committee. To read the paper, SRExtremePovertyIndex.aspx click on: http://www.internationaldisabilityalliance. org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/NGO-working- Source: International Disability Alliance paper-FINAL-1.doc

Belgium has recently presented its national report to the During this session, the Human Rights Committee CRPD Committee. For the moment, the report is only also adopted General Comment no 34 on freedom of available in French. At the 6th session of the CRPD expression, Article 19, ICCPR. The General Comment Committee, it was also announced that the State reports elaborates that freedom of expression protects all forms of Ecuador and Germany have been received. Spain, of expression and the means of their dissemination, Tunisia, Peru, China, Argentina, Hungary, Paraguay, including spoken, written and sign language (para 12). Austria, Australia, El Salvador, Sweden, Azerbaijan, To read it, click on: Costa Rica, Mexico and Republic of Korea were the fi rst countries in submitting their national reports to http://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/wp- the CRPD Committee. Please click the link to access content/uploads/2011/08/GC-34-Advance-Version. the http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/CRPD/ doc Pages/Sessions.aspx section where you can fi nd all reports presented so far to the CRPD Committee. Source: International Disability Alliance Source: International Disability Alliance 13 Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities the same session whether it will include accessibility for persons with disabilities in reconstruction, and On 9 August, the CRPD Committee made public Ireland will indicate its position on a recommendation two documents: the Fact sheet on the procedure for on its 2001 Act on Mental Health. Click on: http:// submitting communications to the CRPD Committee www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/wp-content/ under the Optional Protocol to the Convention, and the uploads/2011/10/UPR12-disability-analysis-reports. Guidelines for submission of communications to the doc for a disability analysis of the UPR reports, http:// Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/wp-content/ under the Optional Protocol to the Convention. The uploads/2011/10/IDA-recommendations-for- documents are available on the website of the Committee UPR12.doc for IDA recommendations and http:// under the heading “Petitions”. Click on: www.ohchr. www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/wp-content/ org/Documents/HRBodies/CRPD/CRPD-C-5-2_ uploads/2011/10/UPR12-disability-analysis-of-draft- en.doc to read the Factsheet and www.ohchr.org/ Working-Group-reports.doc for a disability analysis of Documents/HRBodies/CRPD/CRPD-C-5-3_en.doc the draft UPR Working Group reports. to read the Guidelines. IDA has also produced a Factsheet for DPOs on how to use the communications Source: International Disability Alliance procedure under the CRPD’s Optional Protocol which is available: www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/ United Nations General Assembly wp-content/uploads/2011/08/IDA-factsheet-on-OP- CRPD.August-2011.doc The sixty-sixth session of the United Nations General Source: International Disability Alliance Assembly began in New York in September. IDA has been following resolutions out of the Third Committee, which covers human rights and humanitarian issues, Universal Periodic Review to ensure that disability rights are included. There will be three disability-specifi c resolutions, along The twelfth session of the Universal Periodic Review with resolutions on ageing, women's rights, youth, took place in Geneva from 3 to 13 October 2011. and children's rights that we foresee will also address Countries being reviewed were Tajikistan, Tanzania, disability rights issues. For more information on the Antigua and Barbuda, Swaziland, Trinidad and Tobago, negotiations related to these resolutions, please click Thailand, Ireland, Togo, Syria, Venezuela, Iceland, on: http://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/wp- Zimbabwe, Lithuania, Uganda, Timor Leste, Moldova, content/uploads/2011/10/General-Assembly-66th- and Haiti. session_Resolution-Descriptions.doc

During this session which completed the fi rst cycle of Source: International Disability Alliance the UPR, there were some major gains towards universal ratifi cation of the CRPD. Countries which accepted to World Federation of the DeafBlind ratify the CRPD during the session include: Antigua and Barbuda, Iceland, Ireland, Swaziland, Timor-Leste, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe. Iceland and Venezuela also On October 12th 2011 -The World Federation of the accepted to ratify the Optional Protocol to the CRPD. DeafBlind WFDB, has acted as the International voice States under review also accepted comprehensive of persons with deafblindness for 10 years. WFDB recommendations on education, employment, children President Mr Lex Grandia receives International Award. with disabilities, deinstitutionalization, mobility, and accessibility. Lithuania and Uganda accepted On September 30th in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Mr. Lex recommendations (from Spain and Mexico, respectively) Grandia, the president of The World Federation to ensure the right of persons with disabilities to vote, of the DeafBlind (WFDB) received the Deafblind in line with the CRPD. Thailand made a voluntary International Distinguished Service Award from commitment to withdraw its interpretative declaration Deafblind International. Deafblind International is on article 18 of the CRPD. Venezuela made a voluntary the world association promoting services for deafblind commitment to promote the rights of persons with people. visual impairments including by mass use of Braille. Lex Grandia is the fi rst person with deafblindness to Countries that will indicate by the 19th session of receive this award. Mr. Grandia has been president of the Council in March 2012 whether they accept the World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB) for recommendations to ratify the CRPD or its OP the past 6 years and before that served for 4 years as include: Antigua and Barbuda (the OP), Ireland (the Secretary General of WFDB. OP), Moldova (the OP), Tajikistan (the CRPD and its OP), Thailand (the OP), Timor-Leste (the OP), Earlier Mr Grandia has chaired the European Deafblind Trinidad and Tobago (the CRPD and its OP), and Network and served on the Board of the European Zimbabwe (the OP). Syria will indicate by the March Disability Forum 1997-2001. Mr Grandia has been 2012 Council session whether it will accept Slovenia’s instrumental in including the rights of persons with recommendation to withdraw its reservation on the OP Deafblindness in the UN Convention on Rights of and other human rights treaties. Haiti will indicate by Persons with Disabilities. 14 WFDB is a member of the International Disability Over the past 10 years WFDB has welcomed 17 new Alliance, IDA, which represents the worlds estimated 1 member countries, bringing the total number of billion people with disabilities. national members to 63. Half of the national members come from developing countries. (Source: WHO World report on Disability, June 2011) As a member of the International Disability Alliance, 2007-08 Mr Grandia Chaired the International Disability WFDB has played a major role in drafting and Alliance and spoke on behalf of the Alliance at the negotiating the United Nations Convention on the UN Special event on the Convention on the Rights of Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UN CRPD. persons with Disabilities. WFDB works closely with other members of Mr Grandia has also represented the International International Disability Alliance in monitoring the Disability Alliance on several occasions in the Human process of interpretation and implementation of the Rights Council in Geneva. CRPD in countries which have ratifi ed CRPD and in supporting organisations in countries on the way to ratifi cation. The World Federation of the DeafBlind, WFDB is a worldwide NGO, a representative organisation of persons with deafblindness, established October 12, WFDB has carried out 4 training courses for African 2001 in Auckland, New Zealand. deafblind leaders and in 2009 the African Federation of Deafblind was established. WFDB is the legitimate voice of the deafblind population in the world. WFDB works closely with international partners such as Deafblind International, the world association promoting services for deafblind people and with WFDB holds special consultative status in the United international development organisations such as: Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and cooperates with several UN agencies and bodies. SHIA, Sweden, The aim of WFDB is: "to improve the quality of life Abilis, Finland, of deafblind people world wide, with the objective of CBM, Germany, achieving their equal rights and equal opportunities in all areas of society and to be a worldwide forum for Perkins International, USA, the exchange of knowledge and experiences in the area SENSE International, UK, of deafblindness and to increase international solidarity Federacion ONCE Latin America, Spain among deafblind people's organisations.” and Kentalis in the Netherlands. Deafblindness is a unique disability, different from deafness and blindness. Deafblindness is a low Contact prevalence disability. Estimates indicate the prevalence Lex Grandia, President, Snehvidevej 13, DK-9400 of persons who are born or become deafblind is 15 to 40 persons per 100,000 inhabitants. Most have Noerresundby, Denmark become deafblind during adolescence or adult life. It Phone (+45) 981920 99 is also estimated that 4 out of 5 children born with Cell phone: (+45) 2326 9152 deafblindness do not survive their fi fth birthday if they do not get the necessary medical attention. E-mail: [email protected] or wfdb@ wfdb. Achievements in the last 10 years: org Websites: www.wfdb.org WFDB has organised 3 successful world conferences www.deafblindinternational.org for and by persons with deafblindness: Auckland, New Zealand in 2001; Tampere, Finland in 2005; and Kampala, Uganda in 2009. Source: International Disability Alliance

15 NEWS WFD MEMBERS AND PARTNERS Health in deaf people- Findings of an international 82 % of the country respondents reported that deaf survey people face more diffi culties when trying to access health care compared to people with average hearing. After my appointment as WFD-expert on Mental Health I met Markku Jokinen in Helsinki and asked Only 20 % of the countries with low and medium him: “Please tell me, what do you expect from me most human developmental index reported, that sign language to contribute to the WFD?” His answer was: “Please interpreters could be available when deaf people need focus on health.” medical help. Very high income countries reported that interpreters are available in 80 %. Having being involved in general health care for deaf people since 20 years in setting up and running These results show great health disparities for deaf outpatient clinics, where deaf people can access signing people. On the one hand side higher burdens of health medical doctors, nurses and social workers without problems are reported. On the other hand side access diffi cult procedures, I am very aware of huge problems to health care is perceived as much more diffi cult in general healthcare, deaf people have to face. compared to the general population.

These outpatients clinics for deaf people in different Implications regions of Austria are parts of general hospitals and therefore many problems of deaf people can be solved 62 % of the countries, which participated in the in a one stop-way by using all the facilities a hospital survey, had ratifi ed the UN Convention on the Rights has to offer like x-ray, lab etc. Mental health services are of persons with disabilities. This is a legal basis for included in these general health care facilities. Deaf Associations to advocate for offi cial measures to realize paragraph 25 which highlights the right “to Coming back from Finland I could convince the enjoy the highest attainable standard of health without Director of the Hospital of St. John of God in Linz/ discrimination of the basis of disability by providing Austria, to support a project on Health together with the same range, quality and accessibility of health care the WFD fi nancially and could invite my college Alexa as for every other person and furthermore special Kuenburg, to join in as project coordinator. So in close service for special needs people with disabilities might exchange with the WFD the Health Resources Initiative have” (United Nations CRPD 2006). could be started. Joining forces of Deaf Associations with governmental This Health Resources Initiative is planned to consist authorities and non-governmental organizations could of different parts such as a survey on health issues achieve this. amongst deaf leaders of the WFD member states. A second step should be a survey amongst Deaf Further information about the Health Resources Communities. Furthermore a pool of good practice Initiative will be on the WFD website soon. should be established on the WFD website which would allow interested members to get in contact with If anyone has more interests on this health project practitioners in the fi eld and to stimulate and support please contact to Ms. Heidi-Maria Helenius – heidi- each other in the development of materials for health maria.helenius@kl-deaf.fi education and for implementing relevant projects with respect to healthcare of deaf people. Text and photo: Dr. Johannes Fellinger, M.D

Main results

A questionnaire was sent via e-mail to the representatives of the national associations of the WFD member states. 44 countries responded. As there were uncertainties of how many countries could receive the invitations we can assume that this might be half of the eligible sample size.

The majority of all country respondents (65 %) reported that deaf people have more problems with their health than people with average hearing. The most common Burden of mental health problems are symbolized by problems they mentioned were problems with mental rucksacks which everyone has to carry and seeks to fi nd relief health disorders and depression, but also problems with from. The rucksacks of deaf people are bigger (More mental chronic and infection diseases were reported several health problems, mainly common mental health problems) times. but the door is smaller which symbolizes worse accessibility for health (mental health) services. 16 Burden of mental health problems are symbolized by and Mrs. Hu Xiaoshu translated the event in Chinese rucksacks which everyone has to carry and seeks to fi nd Sign Language and in International Sign. relief from. After the warmly address of Mr. Kim Mun Chol, a The rucksacks of deaf people are bigger (More mental group of Pyongyang deaf youths performed Korean health problems, mainly common mental health traditional dancing to the participants of the 3rd problems) but the door is smaller which symbolizes Good Fellowship. The foreign participants were worse accessibility for health (mental health) services. very impressed by the dancing style and the facial expression of the deaf dancers and recognized them as almost professional. The reason for this high level is the active support rendered by a dancing teacher and choreographer from the Korean Association of the Arts of the Disabled (KAAD) to the deaf young people to promote their artistic talents. Like this the "Pyongyang Deaf Dancers" are gaining a reputation already.

This year the majority of the participants came from China and therefore we called China our main guest country of the 3rd Good Fellowship in 2011. We were Ms. Alexa Kuenburg Dr. Johannes Fellinge very happy that on this occasion, two staff persons of the Embassy of People’s Republic of China to the DPR Korea followed our invitation also and enjoyed the day together with us. Mr Zhao Xin, the offi cer of the Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang, shared his DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC feelings with Mr. Robert R. Grund, the Chairman of “TOGETHER-Hamhung”: „We are really impressed OF KOREA by the attitude, passion and eagerness for better life, better communication and collaboration among the deaf people. I am convinced that the life of deaf people will be understood and good care will be taken of what The 3rd Good Fellowship – Our 3rd international you've done to raise the social awareness gradually. The deaf Meeting Good Fellowship should be continued perpetually. As for the next Good Fellowship, we are willing to join in again. “ At the KFPD Taedonggang Culture House for the Disabled in Pyongyang / DPRK on August 25th 2011 As every year, TOGETHER-Hamhung brought little gifts for children. This time it was various types of balls with bells inside for blind children: 2 Futsal Since 2009, the German NGO TOGETHER- balls, 1 soccer ball, and 2 showdown balls bought Hamhung has organized an annual event called „GOOD from money donated by a Chinese business man from FELLOWSHIP“. The GOOD FELLOWSHIP is an Taiwan. Dr.Barbara Unterbeck, Vice-Chairman of the International Deaf Meeting in Pyongyang, the capital TOGETHER-Hamhung, expressed her hope to start of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. We have organizing a Good Fellowship for the Blind in the near organized this event for the third time in collaboration future. It will contribute to strengthen our cooperation with the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), the with the blind people in the DPRK and to connect the Korean Federation for the Protection of the Disabled blind work in DPRK to the World Blind Union. (KFPD), and the Korean International Travel Company (KITC). As in previous two years, we have felt the immense interest in the exchange of experiences and the and After the fi rst direct dialogue of KFPD and WFD in great need for it. And thus the time plan was ignored Pyongyang in summer 2010, and then in Durban in and the celebration of the 3rd Good Fellowship simply summer 2011, WFD and KFPD are willing to continue went on for two more hours. The farewell was very to support the GOOD FELLOWSHIP as a special emotional: all participants appreciated the great support event in the DPR of Korea enhancing the cultural from the WFD, KFPD and KITC for the organization exchange of deaf people from different countries. of our 3rd International Deaf Meeting in Pyongyang Also the 3rd such event on 25th August this year has and for the strengthening of the position of the deaf contributed to this goal. in the global society. Finally they embraced each other before leaving the Good Fellowship. Mr. Kim Mun Chol, the Vice-President of the Central Committee of the KFPD expressed his pleasure to welcome deaf people from six countries, namely China, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Austria, and Australia to the 3rd Good Fellowship. Mrs. Liu Keyan from China Text: KFPD 17 people who are deaf, particularly children who are deaf, is simply false and misleading,” said Ms Darwin. “She does not speak for us.” “It is unthinkable that this type of comment would be made publicly,” said Mr Allen, “Particularly as we begin to celebrate the deaf community, its language and culture with National Week of Deaf People beginning next week.” Karen Lloyd AM, Executive Offi cer of Deaf Australia, the national peak body representing Deaf people’s interests in Australia, said today, “We are deeply offended at Ms Doran’s comments. She clearly does not understand Deaf people and culture at all. “I invite Ms Doran to attend our NWDP events to learn more about the reality of the Deaf community and the normal, full and meaningful lives they lead.” WFD and Deaf Australia respect parents’ choices but their position is fi rmly that deaf children have the right to use sign language as well as English and to have their deaf identity actively accepted and respected. “Parents should not have to choose between either speech or sign language,” said Ms Lloyd, “They should have access to both speech and sign language for their child and be supported to make the best possible choices for their child’s needs.” WFD and Deaf Australia will release more information as it becomes available.

Source: Deaf Australia

BANGLADESH Photos: Robert Grund

1. Bangladesh National Federation of Deaf (BNFD) was registered in 1964. The organization is also affi liated with World Federation of Deaf, Helsinki, Finland. This AUSTRALIA is the main organization in the country to formulate, approve plan and execute the decision for educational policy and other welfare activities for deaf... Although Deaf People Demand Apology From Telstra there are many small NGOs working for the Physical Businesswoman of the Year and mentally handicapped people of the country. It is estimated that Bangladesh has 6 million deaf out of 160 Deaf Australia / - Deaf Australia and the World million people. Federation of the Deaf (WFD) have called for a public apology from Telstra Queensland Businesswoman of 2. This organization is run under a Constitution the Year, Ms Dimity Dornan, for her comments about approved by Social Welfare Dept. of the Peoples deafness in her award acceptance speech on Tuesday as Republic of Bangladesh. The Election for Executive published in the Sydney Morning Herald. Ms Dornan, a Committee members is held after every 3 years with speech therapist who founded the Hear and Say Centre the vote of general members. A total of 21 members in Brisbane, is quoted as saying, “Deafness is at the are elected. One President (non deaf), two Vice same stage as polio … it is a scourge in our world.” Her Presidents (deaf) and one Vice President non deaf, clinics discourage the use of sign language, the offi cial General Secretary and one Jt Secretary both are deaf; language of deaf people in Australia. She is well known Treasurer non deaf and 2/3rd of the members elected for making this type of comment and has previously are deaf. To be a Candidate one should be either Life said that deafness is “neurological emergency” that must member or a deaf and a member of the organization. be eliminated. WFD President, Sydneysider Colin Allen Last election was held in March 2009 since than this and Deaf Australia President Ann Darwin have called Executive Committee Members are functioning. Always on Ms. Dornan to publicly apologize to the 70 million very renowned personnel are elected as President. deaf people they say she has insulted world wide. The WFD and Deaf Australia have held discussions with 3. The HQs of BNFD and High School, and a deaf human rights experts to set up a course of action. Ms. hostel are located in the heart of the capital, Dhaka city Dornan’s words make a mockery of real deaf people’s on a Half Acre of prime land. It has a building on 1/5th lives and their experiences. Her claim to represent all acre of land to house BNFD HQs and the Hostel. In 18 1/4th acre of land the High School is located under Notifi cations. In those following issues to get priorities a tin roof accommodation. Needed good amount of in addition to many more: fund to construct a School building. a. Special ID card for the Handicap to be provided. 4. This has following organizations and institutions under BNFD: b. Govt should provide more teachers in a class in the deaf schools as per International a. One Secondary School Certifi cate (High standard. School) at the BNFD Head Quarters Premise at Dhaka (Capital) c. To declare 7 February each year as Sign Language day. b. A Hostel for 300 deaf students at BNFD HQs d. To upgrade present High School to HSC. (Pre c. It has 28 Primary/Junior Schools and university level) Vocational training centers to teach Sign language give Primary education and e. To undertake the Construction of a big vocational training to the Deaf. Building at the 1/4th acre of land To establish quality training institutions for Activities & Achievements of BNFD Deaf students. But fi nancing will remain main obstacle. 5. In the HQs of BNFD following training/activities in regular basis being conducted: f. To carry out census of all the handicapped people category wise a. Sign language courses on regular basis are run for teachers, guardian and deaf members. Problems of BNFD b. Number of Books being published on sign 9. This organization does not have any source of language in Bangla (mother tongue). These are income other than two dozens of small shops around being upgraded and simplifi ed with discussion the perimeter of the building. No fund received from with deaf members with utmost importance. govt. The income is meager and can not look after all the institution under this mother organization. c. Sign language courses for Trainers (Instructors) for refreshing their knowledge 10. BNFD needed immediate funding for printing are being conducted. Normally these 1000x7(volumes) of Bangla Sign Language. Books for instructors are employed at the district distribution amongst the deaf and institutions. Also and rural areas. for copying of CDs. To buy Tables, Chairs, Bookshelf, furniture’s etc for the Hostel and Schools. d. Vocational training under trained instructors is given in Tailoring; Painting Electrical/ Text: Gyasuddin A. Chowdhury, President BNFD mechanical trades man classes. e. Computer Training Centre has been HONG KONG established this year The former WFD President was invited by the Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies (CSLDS) of The 6.1500 Signs for deaf have been fi nalized through Chinese University of Hong Kong to visit Hong Kong various workshops; spending month at BNFD HQs. on 16-17 May, 2011. On the fi rst morning, the President, These 1500 signs will cover whole lot of signs for the together with Prof. Marc Marschark of NTID and deaf. A total of seven books will be printed. A CD the Centre’s representatives, visited The Hong Kong on Sign language being produced and will be made Society for the Deaf. They observed the special child available for deaf, although fund constrain remains a care centre and met with the director of the Society. In major hurdle. the afternoon, the President visited the Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies. Prof. Gladys Tang, the 7. Arrangement for employment of these trained Centre’s director, presented the projects run by CSLDS personnel is made on time to time. and invited all Deaf and hearing colleagues to exchange views with the President concerning Deaf developments Future Plan: and training in Sign Linguistics and Deaf Education in Asia. The Deaf trainees from the Asia-Pacifi c Sign Linguistics Research and Training Program (The APSL 8. To pursue the govt to enact/pass the law for the Program), expressed their heartfelt gratitude to The welfare of the Deaf which has been fi nalized through Nippon Foundation for fi nancing the APSL Program. Seminars and meetings along with Govt.and private In the evening, after attending a reception hosted by the organizations which are lying with the govt for Gazette 19 Finnish Consulate, the President visited the Hong Kong In the afternoon, the President visited the Lutheran Association of the Deaf and interacted with members School for the Deaf, observed classes and talked to the of the Advisory and Executive Committees as well as Principal and teachers of the school. The highlight of members of the association. his visit was a presentation given by the President to members of the Working Group on the Promotion of On 17 May, the President visited the Jockey Club Sign Sign Language, Rehabilitation Advisory Committee. Bilingualism and Co-enrolment in Deaf Education The topic was “Legalization of sign language”. Programme (JC-SLCO) implemented at Kowloon Bay The presentation was also attended by staff of the St. John the Baptist Primary School. The President had Education Bureau, Social Welfare Department, Labour an information exchange with the School Principal, and Welfare Bureau of the HKSAR, members of Deaf program staff and both Deaf and hearing teachers. He associations/societies as well as representatives of also had a chance to interact with the Deaf and hearing CSLDS. students of the JC-SLCO classes.

Photos: OM Hong Kong

20 NEW ZEALAND stations have started utilizing sign language insets with the help of non-government organizations, this practice is unfortunately not carried out by their Deaf Aotearoa / - A new DVD in New Zealand Sign mother stations." Lawmakers also cited data from Language will help Deaf people in New Zealand learn the Center that demonstrated a need for interpreters ways to cope with grief and loss in their natural language. during investigative and judicial proceedings due to The resource, Change, Loss and Grief was launched the high incidence of criminal cases that involve deaf on October 12th as part of Mental Health Awareness persons. The authors of the bill also stated that it is Week (10 - 16 October) celebrations. The resource is the responsibility of the State to provide interpreters the result of work supported by Deaf Aotearoa and the during any government proceedings including police Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. This is the investigations and court or public hearings. fi rst time the two organizations have worked together to produce a DVD in sign language and Deaf Aotearoa hopes to develop similar resources in the future. Deaf Full Story: Deaf People March to Demand Sign Aotearoa Chief Executive Rachel Noble says the need Language in Courts, TV News, Disability News Asia, for the DVD was driven by individuals close to the Deaf Sept. 15, 2011, available at community members in Christchurch.“This project has been a voluntary one, which has had the support and http://www.gmanews.tv/story/232189/deaf-people- buy-in from a number of different organisations and march-to-demand-sign-language-in-courts-tv-news individuals. There was a great need for a resource of this kind after a series of tragic events and it is even Gerry Baldo, Bill Seeking Presence of Court Interpreters more pertinent now following the devastating effects for Deaf Pushed, Sept. 13, 2011, available at of February’s earthquake in Christchurch and the resulting loss of life,” says Ms Noble. “The DVD is http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110913met1. designed to help the Deaf community understand in html their natural language the processes of grief and how if can affect people.” Change, Loss and Grief is fi lmed in NZSL with English subtitles. It features members Source: International Disability Alliance of the Deaf community sharing their experiences of loss and change. Expert advice is provided by retired Deaf Counsellor Richard Townshend and Mental Health Educator Ainslee Coates. The DVD was created SWEDEN by Creative Arts Director Jill Penn and fi lm-makers Meshell Edgecombe and Sue Penman. To get a copy of The Swedish Asylum Project Becomes Permanent the DVD visit www.deaf. org.nz. The Västanvik Folk High School has a European Union Source: World Without Hearing project that receives both deaf asylum seekers and deaf people who have a residence permit. Their operation will be permanent from April, 1, 2012, and onward.

"We are very happy", says Björn Albihn, project PHILLIPINES manager.

Deaf Filipinos March to Support Caption and Sign The purpose of the project is to treat deaf asylum Language Mandate Bills seekers better, and to give them, who are permitted to stay in Sweden, a better introduction to the Swedish On September 12th, approximately 150 deaf people society. They can, among other things, learn Swedish marched to the House of Representatives in the sign language. The project started on April, 1, 2009. Philippines to push for the passage of two bills It will end on March, 31, 2012. Starting on April, 1, mandating the use of sign language in court (HB4631) the operation will be permanent since the Swedish and on televised news programs (HB 4121). Many Migration Board funds it. They have procurement, and of the people who marched were members of the the Västanvik Folk High School has the assignment. Philippine Deaf Resource Center. The Center gathered Both the school and the Swedish National Association over 100,000 signatures calling for the enactment of of the Deaf (SDR) had since 2009 a goal: the operation the bills. The Center expressed in a letter to the House shall become permanent. Speaker, Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., that the "120,000 documented deaf ... Filipinos will defi nitely benefi t "We have learned rather early during the project period from such practices, making it possible for [the deaf] to that our model works. We could gradually convince the [comprehend] timely and relevant information." Migration Board that it was a good way to work", says Björn Albihn. Currently, major news programs in the capital city, Manila, do not use subtitles or sign language insets. How will we notice that your operation is According to the Center, "although some regional permanent? 21 ”There will not be any particular difference. Our USA business will be operated normally. The only difference is that the Migration Board will fund it.” The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is Since the start in 2009, the project has had 24 pleased to announce that as a result of its ongoing participants in total. The most are from Eritrea, Iraq, advocacy with the United States Department of and Somalia. Transportation (DOT) more than twenty deaf and hard of hearing truck drivers who submitted applications The Västanvik School offers education in SFI for an exemption from the DOT hearing requirements (Swedish for Immigrants), and TFI (Sign Language for through the NAD in July 2011 are now being considered Immigrants). The asylum seekers can study TFI and for full Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) including civics, get an introduction to the deaf community, and CDL A and B to drive vehicles with and without wellness. With residence permits, they can have SFI airbrakes. The DOT through its regulations has long and TFI, and work-oriented studies, combined with required inpiduals seeking CDLs to satisfy Physical work practices, and more. Qualifi cation Standards before becoming eligible to receive a CDL. These Physical Qualifi cation Standards ”We have the entire chain – from that, we teach include a requirement that unfairly barred deaf and asylum seekers Swedish sign language so they can hard of hearing people from driving commercial motor communicate with the Migration Board, so that when vehicles in interstate commerce. Although the NAD they have received a residence permit, they can move has long fought for equal access and opportunities for into our SFI-education and get support to enter the deaf truckers, this is the fi rst time the United States labor market”, says Björn Albihn. Department of Transportation has agreed to consider waiving its hearing requirements for deaf drivers. The So far Björn Albihn knows the operation is unique exemption applicants included deaf and hard of hearing in the world. men and women from all over the United States. The exemption applicants hope to win the right to obtain Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) to drive trucks ”I would like to have the opportunity to provide nationwide. If you would like to apply for an exemption more information about this in the EU and to see what from the DOT hearing requirements, it is not too late countries can start similar operations.” and the NAD is here to help. This program is offered by the NAD free of charge to deaf and hard of hearing SDR's chairman, Ragnar Veer, says that SDR is drivers. The NAD will submit applications to DOT on very pleased that the operation becomes permanent. behalf of all qualifi ed drivers for full and equal CDLs to According to him, deaf asylum seekers can have greater drive vehicles with and without airbrakes! Deaf truckers legal certainty and security. This means that deaf who would like to apply for an exemption from the applicants can obtain a fairer asylum process at the DOT hearing requirement should contact the NAD. Migration Board after they have learned Swedish sign Each driver will be asked to complete an application, language, and deaf people who have come to Västanvik and provide a copy of their state driving record and can have a good ground to stand on. state driver’s license.

Text: Niclas Martinsson Source: World Without Hearing

22 ITEMS OF INTEREST Go Round, is a special e-mail project for schools for the faculty and staff from Latin America. “Gallaudet’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing around the world in which global stature comes with a responsibility to promote students (age 6 to 18+) have the opportunity to write to and advocate higher education for deaf and hard each other in English by e-mail. of hearing people worldwide,” said Hurwitz. “This partnership marks a step toward providing deaf and hard of hearing people in Latin American countries access to higher education.” The Gallaudet International Center of Panama will provide access to higher education for INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS: students who are deaf or hard of hearing as well as prepare students from Latin America to transfer to This website offers you tips and support in setting up Gallaudet University. The initial MOU is in place for your own 'Go Round' project. You will also be able to fi ve years and subject to renewal. The programs to be fi nd your partner school, English teaching materials initiated through this agreement include but are not and other information FREE of charge. This website limited to: is designed to support any teachers who are interested in this project! - Establishing an English Language Institute at the Gallaudet University International Center of Panama The 'Go Round' project offers your students: for deaf and hard of hearing students from Panama and Latin America - Development of the English language. - Encouraging leaders of the deaf community from - Knowledge of differences between cultures. Panama and Latin American countries to work with Gallaudet University International Center of Panama - The means to meet Deaf and Hard of Hearing as leaders and advisors for the center. students from other countries. - Creating a project development team in charge of conducting need assessments, identifying stakeholders and drafting a plan for the establishment of the 35 SCHOOLS Gallaudet University International Center of Panama.

Go Round is already in contact with 35 schools from - Establishing a sign language interpreters training Australia, Austria, England, Germany, Finland, Italy, program for Panama and the Latin America region Jamaica, Japan, Lebanon, Namibia, Norway, Sweden, using their indigenous sign language Scotland, Sri Lanka, the Netherlands and USA. - Establishing a transfer degree program with a selected Feel free to register as a partner school so that other partner universities in Panama. schools can get in contact with your school. - Coordinating special short-term academic programs For instructions in International Sign (IS) go to: www. for students from Panama at Gallaudet and for letsgoround.com Gallaudet University students in Panama. - Coordinating a visiting faculty program to further Website: www.letsgoround.com educational and research outcomes.

- Coordinating a visiting students program to offer admission from Gallaudet University to qualifi ed Gallaudet University students to enroll/participate in the university.

Gallaudet University has announced it is establishing Gallaudet's Video Services has produced a two-minute a new international center in Panama to promote the webstory of the signing ceremony: www.gallaudet .edu advancement of higher education, teaching, learning, /MOU with Panama.xml. research and services for deaf and hard of hearing students and professionals from Panama and Latin America. The center will be located in Panama City, Panama. The Honorable Ambassador for the Republic of Panama Mario Jaramillo joined Gallaudet University Source: World Without Hearing President T. Alan Hurwitz in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at a ceremony on the Gallaudet campus. Jaramillo and Hurwitz were also joined by Representative Diego Lombana from the Panamanian Parliament, Dr. Etilvia Arjona, a representative from the U.S. Embassy in Panama, and Gallaudet students, 23 BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS

24 COUNTRY NAME-SIGN A popular book published for WFD (2003) - Collection of data: Japan Institute for Sign Language Studies and Tomas Hedberg, Swedish National Association of the Deaf. The Country Name-Sign books are available in the WFD General Secretariat. If you would like to order a copy, please do contact by email: [email protected] and then we will send you an invoice for payment of the order. DEAF PEOPLE & HUMAN RIGHTS A report written by Ms Hilde Haualand, researcher and Mr Colin Allen, project coordinator and report assistant. The “Deaf People and Human Rights” report is based on a survey that is, up until now, the largest knowledge database on the situation of Deaf people. The lives of Deaf people in 93 countries, most of which are developing countries, are addressed. The Swedish National Association of the Deaf and the World Federation of the Deaf initiated the WFD MERCHANDISE survey, with funding from the Swedish Agency for International Development Co-operation (Sida) If you are interested in ordering items from WFD, such and the Swedish Organisations of Disabled Persons as DVD – Suggested International Signs for use at International Aid Association (Shia). the WFD General Assembly, T-shirts (golf, woman The report is available on the WFD Website in and ordinary), WFD Pins, water bottles, watches, English and International Sign. You can also order a pens and caps, you can make an order through email, DVD of the report in International Sign for postage which is [email protected] Here is the price list of fee (11 €). the items: If you wish to receive the DVD, please contact WFD General Secretariat Offi ce at orders@ wfdeaf.org. COUNTRY NAME-SIGN BOOK – 10 €

DVD – SUGGESTED INTERNATIONAL SIGNS FOR USE AT THE WFD GENERAL ASSEMBLY – 15 €

DVD - DEAF PEOPLE AND HUMAN RIGHTS - 11 €

ORDINARY T-SHIRT (BLUE OR WHITE) WFD LOGO ON THE FRONT – 5 €

T-SHIRT ART DESIGN (WHITE ONLY) - 10,00 € NEW!!!

BAG WITH ART DESIGN - 5,00 € NEW!!!

WFD PEN - 2 € NEW!!!

WFD KEY NECKLET - 3 € NEW!!!

NOTEPAD - 3,00€ NEW!!!

WFD PIN – 2 €

WFD CAP – 2,50 € 25 COMING EVENTS

14th World Deaf Magicians Festival

Date: 22-29 April 2012 Place: Helsinki, Finland Contact: Ms. Elina Pokki, Coordinator 14th World Deaf Magicians Festival Organizing Committee Finnish Association of the Deaf E-mail: elina.pokki@kl-deaf.fi SMS: +358 50 322 4067 / only text messages Website: http://www.kl-deaf.fi /Page/fi 69306f- 5120-4382-b7f9-32a5cfa33a4f.aspx

The Second Hong Kong International Deaf Film Festival Date: 24-26 February 2012 Place: Hong Kong Theme: Let the Deaf's Dreams Blossom with Films E-mail: [email protected] Tel: +852 2327 2497 Fax: +852 2327 7445 SMS: +852 9204 6324 MSN: [email protected] Website: www.hkidff.com

26 1st International Congress on Family-centred III Sign Language Translation and Interpretation Early Intervention fot Children who are Deaf and Research Conference Hard of Hearing Date: 15-17 August 2012 Date: 30 May - 1 June 2012 Place: Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil Place: Bad Ischl, Austria E-mail: [email protected] Contact: Hospital of St. John of God Tel.: +55 48 3028 2004 Institut of Neurology and of Senses Website: http://www.congressotils.cce.ufsc. and Languages br/2012/ Seilerstätte 2, 4021 Linz, Austria E-mail: [email protected] European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters Tel.: +43 (0) 732-7897-23706 Conference Fax: +43 (0) 732-7897-23798 Theme: Sign Language Interpreter Training: Website: www.fcei2012.org An Integrated Approach Date: 7-9 September 2012 3rd Business Convention and Expo of the Deaf Place: Vienna, Austria Theme: Grow Your Business Contact: [email protected] (Subject: efsli Seminar) Date: 20-24 June 2012 Website: http://www.uni-graz.at/itat/ Place: Hilton Disney World Resort 1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard L, 2012 Business Boot Camp of the Deaf Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA Theme: Boost Your Profi ts Website: www.deafbusiness.org Date: 25-27 October 2012 Our facebook page is waiting for you at: Place: San Diego, California, USA www.facebook.com/pages/Business-Convention-and- Website: www.deafbusiness.org Expo-of-the-Deaf/174799545897270 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ pages/Business-Convention-and- Universal Learning Design conference Expo-of-the-Deaf/174799545897270 Date: 11-13 July 2012 Place: Linz, Austria Deaf World Cruise 2013* along with *Miss Deaf Tel.: +420 549 49 1119 International Events* Fax: +420 549 49 1120 Departure: Rome, Italy E-mail: [email protected] Arrival: Athens, Greece Website: www.uld-conference.org Date: July 2013 More small exotic tours will also be offered prior very Deaf Business Exhibition special Deaf World Cruise Date: 22-24 July, 2012 Contact: Michael Ubowski Place: London, United Kingdom E-mail: [email protected] Organiser: Nazia Bidi By mail: Deaf Cruise Contact: The Executive Centre 14700 North Lloyd Wright Boulevard 344-354 Gray's Inn Road #157, PMB #379 Scottsdale, Arizona London, WCIX 8BD 85260 UNITED KINGDOM Phone: +1 866 922 3090 Tel.: +44 207 164 2140 Fax: +1 480 657 0744 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.DeafWorldCruise.com Website: www.deafbizexpo2012.com 2nd International Conference of the WFD 8th Deaf History International Conference Theme: Equality for Deaf People Theme: Telling Deaf Lives: Biographies Date: 16-18 October 2013 Autobiographies Place: Sydney, Australia Date: 24-29 July 2012 E-mail: [email protected] Place: Toronto, Canada Website: www.wfdsydney2013.com/ Website: www.dhiconference2012.ca XVI World Congress of the World Federation of Changing Perceptions, Increasing Effectiveness, the Deaf Embracing Advocacy Date: To be announced later Date: 26-28 July 2012 Place: Istanbul, Turkey Place: 81 Kim Keat Road, Singapore #12-00 NKF Centre, 328836 Singapore Contact: Academy of Medicine, Singapore Telephone: +65 6593 7800, +65 6593 7868 Fax: +65 6593 7860 If you know about an upcoming conference or regional E-mail: [email protected] or international interest, be sure to send us information Website: 203.127.83.176/hosting/APCD2012/ about it for our Calendar of Coming Events in WFD index.html newsletter and also in the website. 27 28