On November 26, 2009, the Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) convened a Workshop on Promoting Electoral Access: Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Electoral Process, in Islamabad. Funded by the USAID, through IFES, the workshop was attended by 31 persons with disabilities from 13 organizations of disabled persons representing all provinces of Pakistan and Kashmir. The first of its kind in Pakistan, the workshop examined barriers to electoral participation for persons with disabilities, taking as its starting point the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This Convention calls on state parties to ensure the effective and full participation of people with disabilities in political and public life on an equal basis with others, including the right and opportunity of persons with disabilities to vote and be elected. Pakistan has signed, but not yet ratified, the Convention.
To increase electoral access in Pakistan for persons with disabilities, workshop participants recommended the following:

• Establishing a National Forum of Persons with Disabilities on the Electoral Process;
• Reform of the electoral law;
• Reform of policies, election regulations and procedures;
• Hiring of persons with disabilities by the Election Commission of Pakistan;
• Awareness training for ECP staff;
• Election observation by persons with disabilities;
• Civic and voter education outreach; and
• Inclusion of disability issues in the platforms of political parties and candidates.

One priority of the National Forum would be to ensure that the election law fully protects and promotes the rights of persons with disabilities. Understanding that the Election Commission of Pakistan and others are working toward electoral reform, it is critical to include electoral participation for persons with disabilities on the reform agenda.

National WheelChair Cricket tournament, 2010, Concluded Successfully

A heart pumping event of T20 cricket for wheelchair users which was organized by STEP, Saaya Association and Milestone concluded on the eve of 7^th Feb, 2010. The two day event which was unique of its kind was supported by Telenor Pakistan and Sightsavers International.  A total of 6 teams of wheel chair users participated in the tournament from all over the country. The event started on 6th Feb 2010 with an agenda promoting peace and harmony in the country. The event was held in front of Liaqat Gymnasium in Sports Complex, Islamabad. The event came to an end after a final match between Chanar Heroes and Mehran Dolphins with later coming out as winners. Live performance of an official band Raakez Crew and Fadi Gujjar entertained the guests at Gala Night. The chief guests at the occasion were IGP Islamabad Mr. Kaleem Imam, Country Director Sightsavers International Mr. Niazullah Khan, Director Telenor Sales and Service Centre, Affan Haider and representatives from Saudi Embassy. Pictures from the event

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Bahria University awards Scholarships and   Jobs to Disabled Persons                                       
February 02, 2010

STEP achieved another landmark in its on going endeavors for the persons with disabilities when Vice Admiral (retd) M. Haroon, Rector Bahria University, announced jobs and scholarships for PWDs in Bahria university at any level of studies. This was announced at the occasion of Disability Equality Training held at Leadership Centre, Bahria University on January 14, 2010 under the project of American Institute for Research (AIR). President STEP, Mr. Atif Sheikh, and Bahria University Rector, Vice Admiral (retd) M. Haroon agreed on providing ample facilities to the disabled people in Bahria University.
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National Meeting of Disabled Persons              Organizations                                                             
January 15-16, 2010

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 ‘Nothing about us without us’ was the slogan of consultation exercise facilitated by Handicap International on January 15-16, 2010 at hotel Crown Plaza Islamabad. Thirty representatives of leading organizations of disabled persons across the country participated in the moot while the process was observed by the decision makers from Sightsavers International, ASTAR Project of Japan International Cooperation Agency and mass media.  View Full Story

 

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"Beyond the Voice of Our Own”                         

    Launch of a Video Documentary by STEP                           

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A video documentary on endeavourers of STEP produced by NISTE (National Institute of Science and Technical Education) under the Story based Knowledge Management Project of APCD Thailand (Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability), was launched in conjunction with observance of International White Cane safety Day on October 14, 2009 in Islamabad. The event held at Auditorium of Pakistan National Council of Arts was attended by about 500 people from all walks of life including representatives of disabled peoples organizations, development sector, government, universities and media. View Full Story