Update on national launches of the World report on disability
2012 started as 2011 ended, with national policy discussions to raise awareness about the findings of the World report on disability and promote implementation of the recommendations.
18 January, in Dublin, Ireland, the National Disability Authority launched the report, with Minister Kathleen Lynch opening the event. A series of workshops explored the relevance of the different chapters of the report to Ireland, and to Ireland's international development work. The previous evening, CBM Ireland hosted a meeting at the Dail, where Irish parliamentarians heard about the report and discussed the role of disability in development efforts.
25 January, in Gatineau, Quebec, the 2nd Government Disability conference included a workshop on the World report on disability, with participation from Ms Diane Richler (International Disability Alliance) and Ms Penny Hartin (World Blind Union), alongside Tom Shakespeare (WHO). The attention then moved to Toronto, where the International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation at the University of Toronto hosted a seminar with 150 participants. Mr David Lepofsky, barrister and disability advocate, joined WHO in discussing the report, and disability issues in Ontario and Canada as a whole.
On 9 February, in Istanbul, Turkey, the World report on disability was launched by HE Fatma Sahin Minister of Family and Social Policy, together with a panel of representatives from government ministries, the disability community, and the city of Istanbul. The following day, the World Bank hosted a conference which covered themes such as accessibility and data collection. Approximately 500 people attended each of these events, which highlights the importance that the Republic of Turkey places on meeting their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
February will also see presentations of the report and policy discussions in Bratislava, Slovakia and Sao Paolo, Brazil, and further events are planned.