Search # to go to Page Seach * to go to Sections ANNUAL REPORT 2020 The Foundation of Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (APCD Foundation) #Page 2 To Empower and Strengthen the Capacity of Person with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific Region Promoting International Commitments •United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) •Incheon Strategy To “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific •United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #Page 3 Foreword Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) is a regional center on disability and development. It promotes various international instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). APCD was endorsed by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) as a regional cooperative base for its Biwako Millennium Framework for an inclusive society in the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 2003-2012, and its Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real”, 2013-2022. In 2020, we were confronted with the COVID-19 global pandemic. However, APCD collaborated with governments, non-government, community and business organizations at the domestic and international levels. APCD utilized, mobilized, and maximized our resources to implement projects with key partners through virtual platforms and face-to-face cooperation. The achievements are shared in this report. This APCD Annual Report 2020 has been prepared to promote key international instruments through the relevant approaches: Community-based Inclusive Development (CBID), Disability Inclusive Business (DIB), Disability Inclusive Sports (DIS) and Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) during the period of 2020. On behalf of APCD, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to all our partners for your continued support towards our common future goal: the empowerment of persons with disabilities in an inclusive and barrier-free society in Thailand and all the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. Dr. Tej Bunnag President Foundation of Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability Bangkok. #Page 4-5 BACKGROUND The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) is a regional center for disability and development in Asia and the Pacific. APCD was established in Bangkok by Thai cabinet resolution on 31th July 2001 as a legacy of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993-2002, with the joint collaboration of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), the Royal Thai Government, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Government of Japan. APCD was endorsed by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) as a regional cooperative base for Biwako Millennium Framework for an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for people with disabilities in the Asian and Pacific, 2003-2012. ESCAP also identified APCD as the regional center on disability and development for the Incheon Strategy to Make the Right Real, 2013-2022. APCD is currently managed by the Foundation of Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD Foundation) which was implemented under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn since 16th April 2007. The cabinet also approved APCD to be the under supervision of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) on 7th August 2007. During the past 20 years, APCD trained more than 7,000 persons with disabilities and stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region through different training courses. Furthermore, APCD has strongly committed to cooperate with more than 30 countries for the organizing of disability and development programs and activities. MISSION To build the capacities of persons with disabilities and Disabled People Organizations (DPOs) as ‘Agents of change’ especially focusing on Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) and Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) VISION A barrier-free, rights-based, and inclusive society for persons with disabilities through the empowerment of persons with disabilities and disabled people’s organizations (DPOs) in the Asia-Pacific region. APCD commits to promote United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific, and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). MAIN ACTIVITIES Capacity Building and Training Training or capacity building activities for persons with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and staff who are working with persons with disabilities is our main mission. We believe that persons with disabilities and relevant persons who were trained through the program of capacity development will be ‘Agent of Change’ in their community and society. Meanwhile, the effective trainings will empower persons with disabilities and stakeholder to have knowledge, skills, and positive attitude to work in disability and community development. Networking Networking and collaborations is the significant mission of APCD. We believe that the key success factor to move disability and development programs is to create a win-win situation and to share resource among each other. APCD is the Secretariat of various networks in the region. It strengthens sustainable networking towards the future. Information, Knowledge Management and Publications Information Knowledge Management and Publication is one of our missions to ensure effective communication, codifying knowledge and experiences to share expertise through various channels, especially social media. #Page 6 Disability-Inclusive Business APCD also promotes Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) as a strategy in the sustainable development of quality of life of persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the concept of Inclusive Entrepreneurship (IE) is the next step to be implemented. 60+ Plus Skills Development Training Skill Development Trainings for Thai Persons with Disabilities on “Employability in Food Business” were implemented by APCD Foundation under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The training courses aim to build capacity and raise full participation of persons with disabilities in the society. The program promotes self-esteem and sustainable jobs for persons with disabilities. APCD Foundation will open 60+ Plus Kitchen by Charoen Pokphand Group (CP). The Kitchen by CP aims to build capacity for persons with disabilities in the food and restaurant business. APCD currently operates 60+ Plus Bakery& Chocolate Café at APCD Office in Rajvithi Home for Girls area, and newly opened a branch at Government House of Thailand. The pride of our trainees with disabilities is to make delicious baked and chocolate goods to serve our customers with dedication in working toward acknowledgement and acceptance from society. • 60+Plus Bakery by Yamazaki 60+ Plus Bakery by Yamazaki was initiated by collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand, Embassy of Japan in Thailand, Thai-Yamazaki Co., Ltd., and APCD. The special of this Café is trainees with diverse disabilities participated in the capacity-building programs, bakery production and sales. It is to develop persons with disabilities skills and abilities in food business so-called sustainable employability and implement Sustainable Development Goal1, End poverty in all its forms everywhere. #Page 7 • 60+ Plus Chocolate by Mark Rin 60+ Plus Chocolatier by MarkRin is initiated by APCD in collaboration with MarkRin Chocolate Co., Ltd. The project aims to provide on-the-job training of person with disabilities in the food industry. Premium chocolate products made by persons with disabilities are from fragrant cacao beans grown by Thai farmers. • 60+ Plus by CP APCD in collaboration with the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) implements Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) through 60+ Plus Kitchen. The Objective is to promote more employment opportunities for persons with disabilities through capacity building and development of the Public-Private Partnership concept in the food business sector. Collaborations APCD collaborates with all partners and stakeholders who have mutual strategies, mission and vision. We focus on disability and development through various projects and activities in the context of Community based inclusive development (CBID), Disability Inclusive Sports (DIS), Disability Inclusive Business (DIB) and Disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR). #Page 8 CRPD Article 27: Work and Employment INCHEON STRATEGY GOAL 1: Reduce poverty and enhance work and employment prospects SDGs GOAL 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere GOAL 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all #Page 9 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café @ Government House was officially opened by His Excellency General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister on 7 August 2020, Bangkok. #Page 10 APCD provided training to staff of Peerapat Technology Public Company Limited on “Understanding Persons with Disabilities” on 20 January 2020, Bangkok. APCD conducted training to the Yamazaki Company Employees on “Understanding Persons with Disabilities” on 17 February 2020, Bangkok. APCD’s 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café received a donation to support the renovation of 60+ Plus Branch @Government House from Mr. Viboon Rerksirathai, Governor of The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) on 24 February 2020, Bangkok. #Page 11 APCD conducted internal capacity development on “Knowledge and Experiences on Disability Inclusive Business (DIB)” on 29 May 2020, Bangkok. The session was delivered by Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD. APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café received a donation to support the renovation of 60+ Plus Branch @Government House from Mr Sumathe Surapanpitak, Chairman of the Board, J.S. Vision Ltd. on 4 June 2020, Bangkok. #Page 12 Mrs. Supatcha Sutthiphol, Director General of the Department of Children and Youth (DCY) visited APCD 60+PLUS Kitchen Construction Site on 16 June 2020, Bangkok. APCD joined the Opening Ceremony of “Café Amazon for Chance” at the Securities and Exchange Commission on 30 June 2020, Bangkok. Mr. Masami Akiyama,The Thai Yamazaki President, together with APCD management team visited a branch of 60+ Plus Bakery &Chocolate Café at Government House on 17 July 2020, Bangkok. #Page 13 Executives from J.S. Vision Ltd. visited the branch of 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café at the Government House on 17 July 2020, Bangkok. Ms. Gloyta Nathalang, Senior Vice President, Branding and Corporate Communications of Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited promoted job opportunities via a donation of aprons and face masks for Thai trainees with disabilities at the Government House on 3 August 2020, Bangkok. #Page 14 The St. Regis Bangkok Charity Gala 2020 was organized to raise donations for APCD Foundation for activities related to disability capacity development. The donation was made by Mr. William E. Heinecke, Founder and President of Minor Group to Dr. Tej Bunnag, President of APCD Foundation, on 10 August 2020, Bangkok. #Page 15 APCD showcased the Chocolate Premium exhibition booth at “Fresh Farm 2020”, the Promenade Lifestyle Mall on 27 August–7 September 2020, Bangkok. APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café was broadcast on a T.V. Program of Thairath T.V. Digital (Talon-Chim by Khun Chai) on 28 August 2020, Bangkok. Saranrom Radio (radio program of Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs) recorded a program of APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café on 2 September 2020, Bangkok. Khon Thai Tai Rom Ra Chan (Thai people honoring the King) TV Programme recorded a documentary at APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café @ Government House on 29 September 2020, Bangkok. #Page 15 “Pen-Gun Aeng” (Friendly Talks for All) TV Program Channel of National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) interviewed APCD Executive Director at 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café at Government House on 30 September 2020, Bangkok. APCD joined the 2nd ASEAN Web Forum on Disability-Inclusion and ASEAN Economic Integration: Challenges and Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities organized by ASEAN Secretariat on 5 October 2020. APCD attended the meeting on “Network of Experts on Inclusive Entrepreneurship of ASEAN”, organized by the Government of Vietnam on 22 October 2020, Bangkok. #Page 16 “Pen-Gun Aeng” (Friendly Talks for All) TV Program Channel of National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) interviewed APCD Executive Director at 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café at Government House on 30 September 2020, Bangkok. APCD joined the 2nd ASEAN Web Forum on Disability-Inclusion and ASEAN Economic Integration: Challenges and Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities organized by ASEAN Secretariat on 5 October 2020. APCD attended the meeting on “Network of Experts on Inclusive Entrepreneurship of ASEAN”, organized by the Government of Vietnam on 22 October 2020, Bangkok #Page 17 APCD speaker presented Experiences of Disability Inclusive Business (DIB) at a workshop on skill development for teachers of students with disabilities, organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on 1 November 2020, Bangkok. APCD conducted Introductory Training Course for Business Partners on “Basic Understandings on How to Interact with Persons with Disabilities” was organized by APCD on 11 November 2020, Bangkok. #Page 18 Mr. Claus Rasmussen, Board Management of Pandora Production Co., Ltd., Vice President, Human Resource & Communication, and Mr. Jeerasage Puranasamriddhi, Chief Supply Officer & Managing Director to Pandora Production Thailand (PPT), and staff of PPT conducted a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Activity by holding a Bakery Workshop with APCD staff with disabilities of 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café on 27 November 2020, Bangkok. #Page 19 Mr. Pascal Laroche, Country Chair & General Manager, TOTAL Oil (Thailand) Co. Ltd., gave a donation to APCD for skills development training on 2 December 2020, Bangkok. Mr. Sagol Muangsiri, Vice Minister of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand visited Disability Inclusive Business (DIB) Projects at APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café, Rajvithi Branch on 12 November 2020, Bangkok. APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café Project received a donation of recycled caps and aprons from representatives of Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited for Skill Development Training on 27 November 2020, Bangkok. #Page 20 CRPD Article 29: Participation in political and public life INCHEON STRATEGY GOAL 2: Promote participation in political processes and in decision-making SDGs GOAL 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels #Page 21 APCD Executive Director and Management Team paid a courtesy call to H.E. Mr. Chuti Krairiksh, Minister of Social Development and Human Security on 2 February 2020, Bangkok. H.E. Mr. Chuti Krairiksh, Minister of Social Development and Human Security, and the Director General of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP) visited APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café on 6 March 2020, Bangkok. APCD Representatives attended “A Consultation between the Representative of Thailand to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) 2020” on 21 September 2020, Bangkok. Mr. Kaveh Zahedi, Deputy Executive Secretary, Sustainability Development Department at United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) visited APCD 60 + Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café, Government House Branch on 8 October 2020, Bangkok. #Page 22 CRPD Article 9: Accessibility INCHEON STRATEGY GOAL 3: Enhance access to the physical environment, public transportation, knowledge, information and communication SDGs GOAL 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all GOAL 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation #Page 23 APCD launched a Thai version for Information display on APCD Website on 1 September 2020. #Page 24 Study visit of students and lecturers from the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Thammasat University on 11 September 2020, Bangkok. APCD conducted a training session for key groups of “Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA-Public Organization) at Community-Based Tourism Network (Eastern) Assembly” on 16-18 September 2020, Chonburi. APCD was appointed as member of a working group committee and referee team to select youths with disabilities to be representatives of Thailand for the project “Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities 2021” on 25 September 2020, Bangkok. #Page 25  Visitors from Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA-Public Organization) visited APCD for Universal Design (UD) and Disability-friendly Environment study on 15 October 2020, Bangkok. Ms. Siriporn Praserdchat, APCD panelist, gave a presentation on the topic of “Smart City” at Thailand Smart City Week 2020 organized by Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) on 21 October 2020, Bangkok. #Page 26  Representatives from APCD participated in a press conference of “Empowering Disability to Thriving in Digital Era” organized by Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) on 10 November 2020, Bangkok. APCD conducted an in-house workshop on “Making Google Forms and Using other Useful IT Platforms” by the Information and Knowledge Management (IKM) team on 26 November 2020, Bangkok. #Page 27  CRPD Article 28: Adequate standard of living and social protection INCHEON STRATEGY GOAL 4: Strengthen social protection SDGs GOAL 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere GOAL 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries #Page 28  APCD Representative joined Dao Ruang Group (Self-Advocate Group of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities) workshop on future plans on 16 February 2020, Bangkok. APCD 60+ Plus Bakery & Chocolate Café launched a project called “Bridge of Merit” by connecting donors and vulnerable groups during COVID-19. The Project delivered bakery products to persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 outbreak at Priest Hospital in Bangkok, Phrapradaeng Home for Thai Persons with Disabilities in Samut Prakarn, and Pakkred Home for Homeless in Nonthaburion on 5, 12 and 19 June 2020. #Page 29  APCD attended an online meeting on Public Hearing of Medical and Rehabilitation Devices Services for Persons with Disabilities conducted by Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute, Nonthaburi Province on 1 July 2020. House of Hope Foundation dispatched its staff to APCD for good practice exchanges on Community-based Inclusive Development (CBID) and Disability Inclusive Business (DIB) on 4 August 2020, Bangkok. Meeting of Dao Ruang Group (Self-Advocate Group of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Thailand) on follow-up activity of half-year plan on 9 August 2020, Bangkok. #Page 30  APCD conducted an internal capacity development session on “Sharing basic information on Psychosocial Disabilities & how to interact with them”. The session was delivered by representatives of the Association for the Mentally Ill of Thailand on 2 October 2020, Bangkok. APCD attended a regional conversation on Building Back Better: Social Protection: A Right for All, or a Privilege for a Few, and Launch of Social Outlook for Asia and the Pacific 2020 organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific on 15 October 2020. APCD delivered an online session on Community-based Inclusive Development (CBID) for students from Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) on 27 October 2020. #Page 31  APCD representative was a speaker at the International Webinar with the topic “Social Work Practices on Disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic Era: Learning from ASEAN Countries” organized by Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang on 4 November 2020. #Page 32  CRPD Article 7: Children with Disabilities Article 30: Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure, and sport INCHEON STRATEGY Goal 5: Expand early intervention and education of children with disabilities SDGs GOAL 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all #Page 33 APCD organized a project follow-up of Disability Inclusive Sports (DIS) in the ASEAN Countries on 25-29 January 2020, Manila, the Philippines. Bakery Workshop for Students with disabilities from Thai-Japanese Association School (TJAS) on 14 February 2020, Bangkok.  #Page 34 APCD co-organized Dog Therapy Programme for persons with psychosocial disabilities on the Theme “Love Is All Around” in collaboration with the Association for the Mentally Ill of Thailand and Bertram (1958) Co. Ltd. on 15 February 2020, Bangkok. APCD conducted in-house capacity development on“Revolution on Inclusive Education for All in Thailand”. The session was presented by Dr. Tamala Boonyakarn, Srinakharinwirot University on 28 February 2020, Bangkok. #Page 35 APCD participated in online meeting with Japanese Resource Persons on preparatory implementation of Community Empowerment Project: “Empowering Parent Groups of Children with Special Needs to Cope during COVID-19 in ASEAN Countries”. The project will produce a manual for children and adolescents with disabilities. These online meetings were arranged from August - December 2020. APCD attended and provided inputs at “Forum on Moving Education for Quality of Life of Children with Special Needs” organized by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation on 6 October 2020, Bangkok. APCD attended an online meeting on preparatory project implementation on Personnel Capacity Development for Inclusive Education of the Republic of Maldives, hosted by Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) on 9 November 2020. #Page 36 CRPD Article 5: Equality and non-discrimination Article 6: Women with disabilities INCHEON STRATEGY GOAL 6: Ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment SDGs GOAL 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls #Page 37 APCD attended the Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Providing Rights-Based and Gender Responsive Services for Women and Young People with Disabilities organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Alliances Organization 14 -16 January 2020, Bangkok. APCD representative joined an online meeting of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), UN Women Asia-Pacific Regional Office/ESCAP on the topic “The impacts of the COVID-19 crisis and related responses” on 15 April 2020. APCD representatives joined ASEAN Forum on COVID-19 Response: Gender and Ageing Focus, organized by ASEAN Secretariat, HelpAge International and TSAO Foundation on 29 June 2020. #Page 38 APCD conducted Online Internal Capacity Development on “Basic Understandings on Gender-based Violence (GBV) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer (LGBTIQ)”. The session was run by Ms. Maria Holtsberg, Regional Advisor, Humanitarian Action and Disaster Risk Reduction, UN Women, on 24 July 2020. A workshop on Paralegal Capacity Development Program for Thai Deaf Community granted by Asia Foundation in cooperation with APCD as Venue Contributor 27-28 August 2020, Bangkok. APCD representative joined the Webinar #1: Overview of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Disability Guidelines, organized by Disability Inclusion in Gender & GBV Humanitarian Interventions in the Asia Region - Webinar Series on 3 September 2020. #Page 39 CRPD Article 11: Situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies INCHEON STRATEGY GOAL 7: Ensure disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction and management SDGs GOAL 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts #Page 40 APCD joined as resource persons for 3 batches of workshop on Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), 18-21, 24-27 February and 1-4 March 2020, Bangkok. #Page 41 APCD conducted internal Capacity Development on “Basic Understanding on Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR)” was facilitated by Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Department Manager, on 26 June 2020, Bangkok. Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and APCD joined the preparatory meeting on the Third Country Training Program (TCTP) “Strengthening Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction in the ASEAN Region” 2020 - 2022 Preparation on 6 August and 8 October 2020, Bangkok. #Page 42 APCD as a panelist in Online Forum: “From Words to Action: What More Should Be Done to Ensure Resilience for All in Asia and the Pacific” organized by Stockholm Environment Institute Asia on 22 October 2020. APCD representative with autism was invited to deliver her echo-voice in Humanitarian fields on 4th December 2020, Bangkok. #Page 43 CRPD Article 31: Statistics and data collection INCHEON STRATEGY GOAL 8: Improve the reliability and comparability of disability data SDGs GOAL 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development #Page 44 Achievements of Autism Mapping Project in the ASEAN Region At the initiative of the ASEAN Secretariat and the support from Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), the project was implemented by APCD in collaboration with Senior Official Meetings of Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD) and ASEAN Autism Network (AAN). The Autism Mapping project implemented in collaboration with stakeholders produced clearer outcomes, systematic data collection and analysis related to Persons with Autism in ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. It created Policy Recommendations to empower Persons with Autism at National and Regional level in ASEAN Region and recommended to organize annual ASEAN autism awareness events. APCD mission to Myanmar for Final Evaluation under Autism Mapping Project in the ASEAN Region, 13-16 January 2020, Mandalay, Myanmar Published documents on the outcome of “Autism Mapping Project in the ASEAN Region” were available to download on APCD Website #Page 45 CRPD Article 32: International cooperation Article 33: National implementation and monitoring INCHEON STRATEGY GOAL 9: Accelerate the ratification and implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and harmonization of national legislation with the Convention SDGs GOAL 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels #Page 46 Dr. Srinivas Tata, the Director of Social Development Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), and his team discussed with APCD Executive Director the potential collaboration on disability and development in Asia-Pacific region on 20 August 2020, Bangkok. APCD attended “Sixth session of the Working Group on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2013-2022” organized by the Social Development Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) 24-25 September 2020. #Page 47 CRPD Article 32: International cooperation INCHEON STRATEGY GOAL 10: Advance subregional, regional and interregional cooperation SDGs GOAL 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development #Page 48 Towards the Next Decade of ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) AAN Chairmanship handover ceremony, Chairmanship was handovered from Dr. Adriana Ginanjar, Indonesia, to Mr. Cason Tzse Chun Ong, Malaysia. The Secretariat was handovered from Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) to London School Centre for Autism Awareness (LSCAA). It was conducted in 5th ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) Congress hosted by National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) in cooperation with AAN, APCD, and LSCAA on 14 December 2020. #Page 49 The publication “ASEAN Autism Network Celebrating 10 Great Years” as commemoration of the 10th–anniversary network of parents support group of autism community was launched on APCD Website. #Page 51 ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) was formally accredited and endorsed by ASEAN Secretariat to be the Entity Associated with ASEAN on 15 July 2020. #Page 52 Representatives from APCD were invited as reference group in Evaluation of UNICEF’s Rights. APCD bid farewell to Ms. Siti Nur Diyana Mohd Alipah, the intern from Nagasaki University, Japan on 24 January 2020, Bangkok. APCD representatives joined an online meeting with the representatives from Sarthak Educational Trust, India for potential collaboration on 18 May, 12 June and 17 July 2020. #Page 53 APCD joined the “Meeting on Evaluation of ASEAN Decade of Persons with Disabilities 2011-2020 and Mobilization in the Next Phase” organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP) on 31 July 2020, Nonthaburi. APCD welcomed Ms. Kristy Sinclair-Lombardo, Bachelor Degree Student of Community Services, TAFE, New South Wales (NSW), Australia as an online internship program for 6 months on 13 November 2020. Mr. Morita Takahiro, new Chief Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Thailand Office, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director on 17 November 2020, Bangkok. #Page 54 APCD was invited to share an empowerment message for an online session of “Mary Glowrey-Liliane Brekelmans Disability Award 2020” organized by Catholic Health Association of India on 15 December 2020. #Page 55 Community-based Rehabilitation Asia-Pacific Network (CBR AP Network) APCD has been the Secretariat of Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) Asia-Pacific (AP) Network since 2009. The first Asia-Pacific CBR Congress was held in Bangkok, February 2009. One outcome of the Congress was the initiation of the CBR AP Network. The latest role of APCD regarding this network was to develop a collaboration with the Government of Mongolia, CBR AP Network and stakeholders to organize the 4th Asia-Pacific Community-Based Inclusive Development Congress 2019 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on 1-4 July 2019. There were 683 participants from 43 countries who participated in this congress. These numbers included 165 overseas participants and 518 domestic participants. Another outcome of the Congress was that the Royal Government of Cambodia will host the 5th Asia-Pacific Community-based Inclusive Development Congress in 2023. APCD will also hand over and transfer the secretariat tasks to the next host. Currently, the CBR AP Network is on Review Process, reviewing the re-activation and re-structuring mechanism, coordination, communication systems, as well as re-engagement of the participation of network members. #Page 56 ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) is a network of parent support groups of 10 ASEAN Member States namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand. A core concept of the network is ‘Family Comes First’. ASEAN Autism Network which was facilitated and established by APCD in 2010, was recognised as a strong and active network in which APCD played secretariat role. AAN was formally endorsed and accredited as Entity Associated with ASEAN on 15 July 2020.The network is currently moving towards sustainability, self-reliance, and being an autonomous network. In the 5th AAN Congress via online platform on December 2020, hosted by National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), AAN Chairmanship was handed over from Indonesia to Malaysia. The AAN Secretariat office was handed over from APCD, Bangkok to London School Centre for Autism Awareness (LSCAA), Jakarta, Indonesia under ASEAN Autism Network Foundation as Legal Registered Foundation in Indonesia. ASEAN Autism Network was started from an informal network to a formal entity with outstanding results after a decade of APCD and its networking and collaborations to build up a network for future strength, sustainability and self-reliance. The network is further working as an important platform for Children with Autism and their parents. #Page 57 Asia-Pacific Federation of the Hard of Hearing and Deafened (APFHD) Asia-Pacific Federation of the Hard of Hearing and Deafened (APFHD) is a regional network of formal and non-formal organizations of hard of hearing and deafened people in Asia and Pacific region. The Federation was facilitated and initiated in 2012 by APCD. Currently, Federation members consist of representatives who are hard of hearing and deafened from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Vietnam. The Federation is actively working on an international and global level such as at the World Hearing Day (WHD) 2019 event. #Page 58 United Intellectual Disabilities (ID) Network in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region Sub-Region was established on 4-5 September 2013, in a workshop on “Self-Advocates with Intellectual Disabilities in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region” organized by Dao Ruang Group (Self-Advocate Group of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Thailand), the Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability of Thailand, and Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand, the Inclusion Japan and Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). The Workshop was attended by 98 participants representing persons with intellectual disabilities and their family members in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region, specifically Rose Group of Cambodia, Talent Group of Lao PDR, Future Star Group of Myanmar, My Future Group of Vietnam, and Dao Ruang Group. The Network mission focus is on development of self-help groups and advocates for the rights of persons with intellectual disabilities, with regular meetings both on national and sub-regional level. #Page 59 Publications of APCD are available on the APCD website #Back cover Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability 255 Rajvithi Rd., Rajthevi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand Tel: +66-(0)-2354-7505 | Fax: +66-(0)-2354-7507 Email: info@apcdfoundation.org | Website: www.apcdfoundation.org