ROUND TABLE MEETING ON THE INTEGRATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE IN AGRICULTURAL AND AGRO-INDUSTRY SYSTEMS
13–15 May 1997
Bangkok, Thailand
A. INTERNATIONAL | |
BANGLADESH | Mrs. Fahmeeda Wahab |
Development Adviser | |
Canadian High Commission | |
House No. 16/A, Road No. 48 | |
Gulshan Dhaka 1212 | |
Tel: 880-2 607071-7 | |
Fax: 880-2 886585 | |
E-mail: [email protected] | |
CAMBODIA | Mr. Marc Bonnet |
Programme Director | |
Handicap International | |
P.O. Box No. 838 | |
Phnom Penh | |
Tel: (855-23) 427300/427208 | |
Fax: (855-23) 426270 | |
Mobile: 855-15920914 | |
E-mail: [email protected] | |
JAPAN | Mr. Eiichi Takada |
President | |
Japanese Federation of the Deaf | |
SK Building, 130 Yamabuki-cho | |
Shinjuku-ku | |
Tokyo 162 | |
Tel: 81-3-3268-8847 | |
Fax: 81-3-3267-3445 | |
SRI LANKA | Mr. Cyril Siriwardane |
Subject Matter Specialist on Motor Disability | |
11/3 Post Office Road | |
Homagama | |
Tel: 94-1-855188 | |
Fax: 94-1-447674 (c/o Mrs. Kalyani Ranasinghe) or 95-1-689287 REHAB LANKA | |
VIETNAM | Mr. Bui Ngoc Quynh |
Expert of Social Welfare | |
Department of Social Protection | |
Ministry of Labour Invalid and Social Welfare (MOLISA) | |
2 Dinh le Street | |
Hanoi | |
Tel: 84-4 8269514 | |
Fax: 84-4 8254728 | |
E-mail: [email protected] | |
B. NATIONAL | |
THAILAND | Mr. Prayat Punong-ong |
President of Christian Foundation for the Blind | |
214 Moo 6 Pracharak Road, Muang, P.O. Box 88 | |
Khon Kaen 40000 | |
Tel: (043) 242098, 239499 | |
Fax: (043) 243448 | |
Mr. Jaruwat Mongkoltanatas | |
Senior Agricultural Engineer | |
Dr. Thanya Kiatiwat | |
Head | |
Crop Production Engineering Research Group | |
Agricultural Engineering Division | |
Department of Agriculture | |
Bangkhen | |
Bangkok 10900 | |
Tel: (662)9405583 | |
Fax: (662) 5790225 | |
Mrs. Johanne Hanko | |
Consultant | |
352 Mooban Panya, Pattanakarn Road | |
Pravet, Bangkok 10250 | |
Tel: (662) 300 2307 | |
Mobile: 01 935 4056 | |
Fax: (662) 4395467 | |
E-mail: [email protected] | |
C. RESOURCE PERSONS AND OBSERVERS | |
CAMBODIA | Mr. Sumsombo |
Coordinator Social Economical Programme | |
Handicap International Representative | |
P.O. Box 838 | |
Phnom Penh | |
Tel: (855-23) 427300/427298 | |
Fax: (855-23) 426270 | |
Mobile: 855-15920914 | |
JAPAN | Ms. Michie Shigihara |
Sign Language Interpreter | |
Japanese Federation of the Deaf | |
SK Building, 130 Yamabuki-cho | |
Shinjuku-ku | |
Tokyo 162 | |
Tel: 81-3-3268-8847 | |
Fax: 81-3-3267-3445 | |
KOREA, REP. OF | Mr. Hak Mook Kim |
President | |
Korean Society for Celebral Society | |
Tel: 933-9478 | |
THAILAND | Senator Narong Patibatsarakich |
Chairperson Asia Pacific Regional Council (DPI) and General Secretary | |
Foundation for Support and Development of Disabled Persons | |
78/2 Tivanon Road, Pak Kred | |
Nonthaburi 11120 | |
Tel: (662) 583 3031 | |
Mobile: 01-812 9143 | |
Fax: (662) 583 6518 | |
Ms. Kanittha Dhevinpukdi | |
Senior Expert Social Work | |
Public Welfare Department | |
Krung-kasem Road, Pomprab | |
Bangkok 10100 | |
Tel: (662) 2813199 | |
Ms. Chitra Sirisomboonlarp | |
Public Welfare Officer | |
Office of the Committee on Rehabilitation for Disabled Persons | |
Department of Public Welfare | |
Krung-kasem Road, Bangkok 10100 | |
Tel: (662) 2821672, 2823853 | |
Mrs. Sunee Saisupatpon | |
Head of Funds for Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons | |
Office of Committee of Rehabilitation for Disabled Persons | |
Department of Public Welfare | |
Krung-kasem Road | |
Bangkok 10100 | |
Tel: (662) 2823853, 2821472, 2813199 ext. 7007 | |
Fax: (662) 2823853 | |
Ms. Kannika Saruasuwan | |
Head of Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind - Roi-et | |
Education and Rehabilitation Centre for the Blind | |
49 Rachakandumneon Road, Roi-et 45000 | |
Tel: (043) 512989 | |
Fax: (043) 512988 | |
Ms. Sai-kwan Prasittipayong | |
Project Development Manager | |
50 K.U.A. Building | |
Paholyothin Road | |
Bangkok | |
Tel: (662) 9405525, 9405488, 9405925 | |
Fax: (662) 9405266 | |
Mr. Suthipong Rattianasat | |
Association of the Physically Handicapped of Thailand (APHT) | |
73/7, Soi Tivanond 8, Talad Kwan | |
Muang, Nonthaburi 11000 | |
Tel: (662) 9510567 | |
Fax: (662) 9510569 | |
Mr. Topong Kulkhanchit | |
Advisor | |
Association of the Physically Handicapped of Thailand (APHT) | |
73/7, Soi Tivanond 8, Talad Kwan | |
Muang, Nonthaburi 11000 | |
Tel: (662) 9510567 | |
Fax: (662) 9510569 | |
Ms. Poungkeo Kichtham | |
375 New Road 45 | |
Bang rak | |
Bangkok 10500 | |
Tel: (662) 2373817 | |
Ms. Duangkamol Wattanasuk | |
CBR Manager, HI (Thailand) | |
CBR Co-ordinating Centre | |
Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Centre | |
Soi Bamrajnaradool, Tivanon Road | |
Amphur Munag | |
Nonthaburi 11000 | |
Tel: (662) 9659066 | |
Fax: (662) 5915455 ext 2 | |
SWEDEN | Ms. Gunilla Hogling |
Programme Officer | |
Swedish Organization of the Handicapped International Aid Association (SHIA) | |
P.O. Box 4060 | |
Tel: +46(0)8-4623366 | |
Fax: +46(0)8-7145922 | |
E-mail: [email protected]. | |
D. U.N. AGENCIES | |
ESCAP | Ms. San Yuen Wah |
Social Affairs Officer | |
Mr. Yutaka Takamine | |
Project Expert on Disability | |
Ms. Anneth Hjalmefjord | |
Associate Expert on Disability | |
Disadvantaged Groups Section | |
Social Development Division | |
ESCAP | |
United Nations Building | |
Rajadamneon Road | |
Bangkok 10200 | |
THAILAND | |
Tel: (662) 2881234 | |
Fax: (662) 2881030 | |
Dr. Zia Ur Rahman | |
Project Manager | |
Regional Network for Agricultural Machinery (RNAM) | |
ESCAP | |
Room No. 1507 A, 15th Floor | |
United Nations Building | |
Rajdamneon Nok Avenue | |
Bangkok 10200 | |
Tel: (662) 288 1483 | |
Fax: (662) 288 1068 | |
E-mail: [email protected] | |
ILO | Ms. Barbara Murray |
Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist | |
ILO/Easmat | |
10th Floor, U.N. Building | |
Rajadmneon Nok Avenue | |
Bangkok 10200 | |
Tel: (662) 280 1792 | |
FAO/ROME | Mr. Lawrie Jacobson |
Human Resources Officer (Disability Matters) | |
Rural Development Division (SDAD) | |
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations | |
Room B-590B | |
Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome | |
ITALY | |
Tel: 39-6 522 53880 | |
Fax: 39-6 522 53250 | |
E-mail: [email protected]. | |
FAO/RAP | Mr. Soetatwo Hadiwigeno |
Assistant Director-General and | |
FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific | |
Mr. Alastair Hicks | |
Senior Regional Agricultural Engineering and Agro Industries Officer | |
Dr. Narong Chomchalow | |
Regional Plant Production Officer (Commercial Crops) | |
Ms. R. Balakrishnan | |
Regional Women in Development Officer | |
Mr. W.J. Polman | |
Regional Rural Development Officer | |
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations | |
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific | |
Maliwan Mansion, Phra Atit Road | |
Bangkok 10200 | |
Tel: (662) 281 7844 ext. 194 | |
Fax: (662) 280 0445 |
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
Fourteenth session of the
RICAP Subcommittee on Disability-related Concerns
14–15 May 1997
Bangkok
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
CHINA
Mr. Sun Zhonghua, Commissioner, International Department, Secretariat, Coordination Commission on Disabilities, State Council, Beijing
PHILIPPINES
Mr. George D. Esguerra, Director III, Transportation Planning Service, Department of Transportation and Communications, Mendeluyong City
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Mr. Kim Jin Woo, Deputy Director, Disabled Persons' Welfare Division, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Seoul
Mr. Choi Jong Kil, Representative, Korean Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, Seoul
THAILAND
Ms. Kanittha Dhevinpukdi, Director, Office of the Committee for Rehabilitation for Disabled Persons, Department of Public Welfare, Bangkok
Mr. Paradorn Tanyapan, Architect, Design Division, Department of Public Works, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration 2, Bangkok
Ms. Chitra Sirisomboomlarp, Public Welfare Officer, Department of Public Welfare, Bangkok
VIET NAM
Mr. Bui Ngoc Quynh, Subject Matter Specialist, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Hanoi
UNITED NATIONS BODIES
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) | Ms. Margaret de Monchy, Regional Project Officer on Child Protection, UNICEF, Bangkok |
United Nations Fund for Women (UNIFEM) | Ms. Evelyn Sundaravej, National Consultant, UNIFEM, Bangkok |
SPECIALIZED AGENCIES
International Labour Organization (ILO) | Ms. Barbara Murray, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, ILO, Bangkok |
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) | Mr. Lawrence W. Jacobson, Human Resources Officer (Disability Matters), Rural Development Division, FAO, Rome |
Mr. P.A. Hicks, Senior Regional Agricultural Engineering and Agro Industries Officer, FAO/ROAP, Bangkok | |
Mr. W. J. Polman, Rural Development Officer, FAO, Bangkok | |
Ms. Zaengel Felicia, FAO, Bangkok | |
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) | Ms. Hendrikje Maat, Associate Expert in Special Education, UNESCO/PROAP, Bangkok |
World Health Organization (WHO) | Dr. Enrico Pupulin, Chief Medical Officer, Rehabilitation Unit, WHO, Geneva |
Dr. Han Tun, Officer on Special Duty, WHO Liaison Office with ESCAP, Bangkok |
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
Asian and Pacific Cerebral Palsy Association (APCPA) | Dr. Hak Mook Kim, President, APCPA, Seoul |
Ms. Anne Clark, Vice President, APCPA, Sydney | |
Mr. Soo Woong Baik, Secretary General, KSCP, APCPA, Seoul | |
Christoffel-Blindenmission (CBM) | Mr. Michael Davies, Regional Representative, CBM-SEAPRO, Manila |
CBR Development and Training Centre (CBR-DTC) | Dr. Handojo Tjandrakusuma, Director, CBR-DTC, Solo |
Mr. Douglas Krefting, Programme Development Manager, CBR-DTC, Dhaka | |
Dr. Herman Sukarman, Training Department, CBR-DTC, Solo | |
Ms. Heny Soelistyowati, CBR-DTC, Solo | |
Disabled Peoples' International (DPI) | Senator Narong Patibatsarakich, Chairman, Asia-Pacific Regional Council, DPI, Bangkok |
Handicap International (HI) | Mr. Marc Bonnet, Programme Development Manager, HI, Phnom Penh |
Ms. Duangkamol Wattanasuk, CBR Programme Manager, HI, Bangkok | |
Ms. Valerie Maille, Regional Coordinator, HI Liaison Office (India, Nepal, Bangladesh) | |
Mr. Sum Sombo, PRES Coordinator, HI, Phnom Penh | |
International League of Societies for Persons with Mental Handicap (ILSMH) | Dr. Varunee Komkris, Representative, ILSMH, Bangkok |
Regional NGO Network for the Promotion of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (RNN) | Mr. Ichiro Maruyama, Secretary General, RNN, Tokyo |
Dr. Joseph Kwok, Hon. Secretary, RI Regional Committee for Asia and the Pacific, RNN Member, Hong Kong | |
Rehabilitation International (RI) | Mr. Ryosuke Matsui, Vice President, Asia-Pacific Region, RI, Tokyo |
Save the Children Fund (U.K) | Mr. Douglas C. Lackey, Head, East and Southeast Asia Regional Office, SCF, Bangkok |
World Blind Union (WBU) | Mr. Pecharat Techavachara, Representative, WBU, Bangkok |
World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) | Mr. Eiichi Takada, Director, WFD, President, Japanese Federation of the Deaf, Tokyo |
Ms. Michie Shigihara, Sign Language Interpreter, WFD, Tokyo |
OBSERVERS
Mrs. Fahmeeda Rahman Wahab, Development Adviser, Canadian High Commission, Dhaka
Mr. Prayat Punong-ong, President, Christian Foundation for the Blind in Thailand/Disabled Peoples' International (DPI), Bangkok.
Ms. Kannika Sarausuwan, Christian Foundation for the Blind in Thailand, Muang, Khon Kaen
Ms. Sawart Pramoonsilp, Board Member, Foundation for the Employment Promotion of the Blind, and Member, Steering Committee, Regional Network of Women with Disabilities, Bangkok
Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Foundation for Handicapped Children, Bangkok
Mr. Surasak Chittasettakul, Treasurer, National Association of the Deaf of Thailand (NADT), Bangkok
Ms. Poungkao Kichtham, Sign Language Interpreter, National Association of the Deaf of Thailand (NADT), Bangkok
Mr. Chonsawat Nilapat, National Association of the Deaf in Thailand (NADT), Bangkok
Ms. Nilawan Pitipat, National Association of the Deaf in Thailand (NADT), Bangkok
Mr. Phairoj Charoenwilaisiri, National Association of the Deaf in Thailand (NADT), Bangkok
Ms. Johanne Hanko, Pan Ocean Technologies Co., Ltd., Bangkok
Mr. Eiji Jo, Saori Hiroba, Osaka
Mr. Haruo Nakayama, Saori Hiroba, Osaka
Mr. Cyril Siriwardene, Hony. Secretary, Sri Lanka Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Homagama, Sri Lanka
Ms. Gunilla Hogling, Programme Officer, Swedish Organization of Handicapped International Aid Foundation (SHIA), Stockholm
Mr. Yoshio Murakami, Executive Director, Tanpopo-No-Ye Foundation, Tokyo
SECRETARIAT
Mr. Adrianus Mooy | Executive Secretary |
Mr. Sivasankaran Thampi | Acting Special Assistant to the |
Executive Secretary | |
_____________ | |
Mr. Bienvenido Rola | Officer-in-Charge, a.i. |
Social Development Division | |
Chief | |
Disadvantaged Groups Section | |
Ms. Nanda Krairiksh | Chief |
Human Resources Development Section | |
Social Development Division | |
Ms. San Yuenwah | Social Affairs Officer |
Disadvantaged Groups Section | |
Social Development Division | |
Mr. Joop Theunissen | Social Affairs Officer |
Human Resources Development Section | |
Social Development Division | |
Mr. Yutaka Takamine | Project Expert |
Disadvantaged Groups Section | |
Social Development Division | |
Mr. Katsushi Sato | Project Expert on Accessible Environments |
Disadvantaged Groups Section | |
Social Development Division | |
Ms. Anneth Hjalmefjord | Associate Programme Officer |
Disadvantaged Groups Section | |
Social Development Division | |
_____________ | |
Mr. P.F. Wickenden | Chief, General Transport, Coordination and Communications Section |
Transport, Communications and Tourism Division | |
_____________ | |
Ms. Mary Bess Spurlock | Chief |
Division of Administration | |
Mr. Brian Heath | Officer-in-Charge, a.i. |
Conference and General Services Section | |
Division of Administration | |
_____________ | |
Mr. David Lazarus | Officer-in-Charge, a.i. |
United Nations Information Services | |
_____________ |
ESCAP REGIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND PROJECTS
Mr. Lau Kak En | Director, Statistical Institute for Asia and the Pacific (SIAP) |
Mr. Zia Ur Rahman | Project Manager, Regional Network for Agricultural Machinery (RNAM) |
ROUND TABLE MEETING ON THE INTEGRATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE IN AGRICULTURAL AND AGRO-INDUSTRY SYSTEMS (MIDAS)
13–15 May 1997
Bangkok, Thailand
Tuesday 13 May 1997 | |
0800–0900 | Registration |
0900–0915 | Welcome Remarks: Objectives of the Roundtable Meeting, organization of sessions, election of officers, by Mr. Alastair Hicks |
0915–0930 | Opening Address by Mr. Soetatwo Hadiwigeno, Assistant Director General and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific |
0930–0945 | Secretariat Paper on the Integration of Disabled People in Agricultural and Agro-Industry Systems by Mr. Lawrie Jacobson |
0945–1015 | Coffee break |
1015–1045 | The “MIDAS” touch of Food and Agro-Industries for Income Generation by Disabled People by Mr. Alastair Hicks |
1045–1215 | Individual Papers: |
1045–1115 | Disabled Women in Rural Areas of the Region by Ms. Fameedah Wahab |
1115–1145 | Blind Disabled People and the Thai Rural Economy by Mr. Prayat Punong-ong |
1145–1215 | Motor and Upper Limb Disabled People in the Agricultural Industry in the Region by Mr. Cyril Siriwardene |
1215–1330 | Lunch |
1330–1530 | Papers continued: |
1330–1400 | Adaptive Techniques for Horticultural Crops Production by Disabled Persons by Dr. Narong Chomchalow |
1400–1430 | Sensorially Disabled people in Rural Areas of Japan by Mr. Eiichi Takada |
1430–1500 | Mentally Disabled People in the Agricultural Industry and Rural Sector in Thailand by Ms. Johanne Hanko |
1500–1530 | Motor Disabled People in Rural Areas of Vietnam by Mr. Bui Ngoc Quynh |
1530–1600 | Coffee break |
1600–1630 | Prevention of Disabilities and Accidents to People in Rural Thailand by Mr. Jaruwat Mongkoltanatas and Dr. Thanya Kiatiwat |
1630–1700 | The Status of Motor Disabled People within the Agricultural and Rural Sector in Cambodia by Mr. Marc Bonnet |
1700–1730 | Discussions, Conclusions and Recommendations of FAO draft report on Integration of Disabled People in Agricultural and Agro Industry Systems, Election of Drafting Committee |
1800–1930 | Social function |
Wednesday 14 May 1997 (UNCC) | |
0800–0900 | Registration at UNCC |
0900–0915 | Opening of 14th Session of RICAP Sub-Committee on Disability-related Concerns |
0915–0945 | Coffee break |
0945–1030 | Finalization of draft FAO report to the Round Table by Drafting Committee |
1030–1130 | Finalization of draft report to RICAP Sub-Committee on Disability-related Concerns |
1130–1230 | Lunch |
1230–1500 | Plenary Session of RICAP Sub-Committee |
Thursday 15 May 1997 | |
0900–1500 | Plenary Session of RICAP Sub-Committee on Disability |
1015–1030 | Coffee break |
1030–1130 | Presentation of Working Group report to RICAP Sub-Committee on Disability-related Concerns |
1130–1230 | Lunch |
1500–15.30 | Closing Ceremony (at UNCC) |
ROUND TABLE MEETING ON THE INTEGRATION OF DISABLED PEOPLE IN AGRICULTURAL AND AGRO-INDUSTRY SYSTEMS
13–15 May 1997
Bangkok, Thailand
By
Mrs. Fahmeeda Wahab, Bangladesh
Mr. Marc Bonnet, Cambodia
Mr. Eiichi Takada, Japan
Mr. Cyril Siriwardane, Sri Lanka
Mr. Prayat Punong-ong, Thailand
Mr. Jaruwat Mongkoltanatas and Dr. Thanya Kiatiwat, Thailand
Mr. Bui Ngoc Quynh, Vietnam
Mrs. Johanne Hanko
Mr. P.A. Hicks, FAO RAP
Dr. Narong Chomchalow, FAO RAP
Disabled Women in Rural Areas of the Region:
Fameedah Wahab
This paper has been well-researched given the limited information available. An evaluation of the situation of disabled women in eleven countries of the region is made with more emphasis given to the author's own country (Bangladesh), India, Pakistan and Thailand where information on socio-cultural and educational situations is more available.
The author describes some of the inadequacies of the existing systems for servicing disabled women in the region and reminds us of the large gaps in the public education/information that still remain to be filled before prejudices and ignorance can disappear. She explains that improving the communication capacities of the non-disabled to communicate with the disabled is one important factor in the integration of the disabled in society.
She concludes by saying that disabled people have immense potentials which remain untapped. These can be put to productive and profitable use to benefit the family, the society and the country and that a nation's development progress can be measured by the ease with whichintegrates the disabled into the mainstream of society.
The Status of Motor Disabled People within the Agricultural and Rural
in Cambodia:
Marc Bonnet
Cambodia's recent history of war, the presence of millions of landmines, continued armed conflict in certain areas, the lack of basic health care and the absolute poverty of the majority of its citizens all contribute to the fact that Cambodia is a country with a high number of disabled people, many of them in what would be their productive years. There are no national statistics available in Cambodia; however, it is thought that 2–3% of the population of Cambodia is disabled, making the per capita rate of disability one of the highest in the world.
Due to the seasonal nature of agriculture, off-farm activities are crucial for farmers to earn supplementary income; thus there is also a need to train farmers in such activities. There are vocational training schools and centres but many of these are located in or near Phnom Penh. The majority of these vocational schools teach skills that are not useful for the rural areas and are often not driven by demand or by the local market. In addition, there is insufficient post-training follow-up and assistance with finding employment. Often disabled people cannot attend these centers because they are not mobile or because they cannot leave their families for an extended period of time; others cannot read and write. Few programs exist that provide mobile, short-term training, apprenticeship-style training or that reach the disabled in their own home. Most disabled do not have the funds to start up their own business; thus there is also a need for programs to facilitate their access to credit schemes.
Two Reports on the ‘Ikoino-Mura’ (Chestnut House):
Eiichi Takada
Main features of the 2 reports
Volume 1, published in 1987, describes the activities and the latest situations for the past 5 years, after the inauguration of the Chestnut House built for adult sense and multiple handicapped people.
Volume 2, published in 1993, depicts mainly efforts and contributions, given for the construction of another House, named “Plum nut House”, for senior sensorially handicapped people, and also presents the latest situation, activities and development of the Chestnut House.
Farm work component: The farms amount to about 1.0 hectare, consisting of many tiny plots of rice fields provided by farmers in the village free-of-charge. Farm work constitutes an important component stressed in the House. This is in addition to special care given to the fellows such as medical care, training on hand conversation skills and cultural education.
Motor and Upper Limb Disabled People in the Agricultural Industry in the
Region:
Cyril Siriwardane
Of the 900,000 disabled people living in Sri Lanka, about 45,000 have motor or upper limb disabilities. The ratio is estimated to be 75% men and 25% women. Approximately 90% of persons with disabilities live in rural areas. The author stresses the importance of education particularly for disabled children since facilities for them in rural areas are generally lacking.
Various types of income earning jobs in which the rural disabled in Sri Lanka are engaged are described. The state of existing health and social services, most of which are located in urban areas, is also explained.
The author points out that although traditionally it is considered a family responsibility to look after any member who has a disability, these traditions are eroding. The state has only partly filled this gap due to financial constraints. One important demand that has to be met is the need for any types of aids or equipment for disabled people.
Disabled People and the Thai Rural Economy:
Prayat Punong-ong
This very informative paper provides a lot of details on existing NGOs in the country that are helping the disabled to survive. It also provides basic data on the composition and structure of the disabled population in Thailand. Although critical of the government's low level of financial assistance to the disabled, the author is positive when he refers to government efforts to bring new technology to meet local needs and teach them how to use it.
The author suggests that there are many things that can be done to improve the living situations of the rural disabled, such as treating the disabled like others in all aspects of life, giving them names at birth and registering them with their family, providing them with ID cards which recognize them as members of society and teaching general society to recognize the economic capabilities of the disabled so that private businesses can effect changes in their hiring methods.
His comments about equal opportunity are well-illustrated when he says; “True democracy, like a limousine and a three-wheeled rickshaw caught in the same traffic jam, comes when the disabled have equal opportunity with the non-disabled population”.
Prevention of Disabilities and Accidents to People in Rural Thailand:
Jaruwat Mongkoltanatas and Thanya Kiatiwat
The Royal Thai Government has put efforts to expedite the standardization of locally manufactured agricultural machinery. A number of national standards to comply with safety measures, have been established. However, very few manufacturers could fulfill the national standard certification requirement because it would enormously increase the prices of their products, creating difficulty in competition.
Notwithstanding with this fact, some large manufacturers have followed some safety precaution measures stated in the national standards. For instance guards or warning signs for dangerous areas can be found in number of locally manufactured agricultural machinery.
However, there are no methods or instruments which can prevent accidents better than the awareness and good attitude on safety of the operators and people concerned. Therefore, training on personnel involved in agricultural machinery utilization will be the most important activity to pay close attention to.
Motor Disabled People in Rural Areas of Vietnam:
Dr. Ho Nhu Hai - presented by Mr. Buiy Ngoc Quynh
This paper has been prepared by Dr. Ho Nhu Hai, Vice Director, Department of Social Protection, Ministry of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs, Vietnam. It provides outside readers with the first complete picture of the current situation of the rural motor disabled in this war-devastated country.
As the author emphasizes, a country like his own, now in the process of recovering from a long drawn out war has a lot of renovation to do. This includes the rehabilitation of their motor disabled, of which there are more than 450,000. Vietnamese Government policies, which encourage the provision of preferential credits, free primary education, community health and free medical treatment and examination for the disabled and the poor, have helped, but more is needed; however, the author notes that additional coordinated support from donor, specialized UN agencies like FAO and NGOs will be necessary to adequately address and cope with this immense problem.
Mentally Disabled People in the Agricultural Industry and Rural Sector in
Thailand:
Johanne Hanko
The author's review of the status of the mentally disabled in Thailand reminds us how much still has to be done. In her conclusions, she states the truth with the sentence that “society must learn to deal with and accept the mentally disabled as different”. Thus, it is up to us to find the ways and means to improve the existing situation. She suggests that “an apprenticeship approach” with relation to theory, education and vocational guidance, should allow easier integration of the mentally disabled into society.
The “Midas Touch” of Food and Agro-Industries for Income Generation by
Disabled People:
Alastair Hicks
Increased agricultural production is prerequisite to alleviation of rural poverty. But of itself, agricultural growth is not sufficient to eradicate poverty. Nor can it create adequate opportunities for enhanced rural employment, income generation and economic access to food. Two basic issues emerge when looking at the rural sector of the Asia and the Pacific Region.
Prospects are bleak for countries depending mainly upon agricultural production, to absorb an increasing labour force. On-farm employment potential is diminishing. Relative purchasing power of rural populations is declining, cutting into their capacity to ensure adequate nutrition. Exports of primary products have shrunk or suffered in terms of monetary return due to inequitable trade regimes, inflation and other reasons.
Employment objectives must be explicitly integrated into rural industrialization strategy. This calls for appropriate policies, technologies and supporting institutions capable of reaching the village and household levels, providing rural disabled entrepreneurs with necessary incentives. These can unleash dormant creativity without alienating producers from their setting.
Adaptive Techniques for Horticultural Crops Production by Disabled People:
Narong Chomchalow
Adaptive to urban/sub-urban areas of production: Production of horticultural crops which requires less area but intensive cultivation practices are adaptive to be produced in urban/sub-urban areas even though the cost of land is much higher than in the rural areas, but these areas have the advantages of being close to the markets and other facilities required for a better quality of life of the residents.
Esther Dean's concept of a “No Dig Garden” is tailor-made for disabled people, and has wide appeal because it saves time and effort, and is friendly to the environment since it keeps the soil in good repair. She provides a variety of ideas, such as making gardens in pots, placing pots on casters and creating raised garden beds for people with mobility problems.
Various horticultural crops can be produced commercially by disabled people with minor modifications in the techniques. These include vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants, fruits, mushrooms, herbs and spices. However, to earn more and having less risk, the producers should produce crops which are on demand in time and place and choose the right kinds of crops.
Gardening, whether performed by normal or disabled people, whether for hobby or for career, certainly helps the gardeners both physically and mentally. With numerous reported cases of the therapeutic value of gardening, it is logical to take the concept a step further by stressing the healing qualities of gardening, particularly for those who are being disturbed by disability, chronic illness, or other mental disturbances.
Round Table Meeting on the Integration of Disabled People in Agricultural and Agro Industry Systems Group Photograph of the Participants