Observance
of White Cane Day& Launch of Video Documentary “Beyond the Voice of Our Own”
October 14, 2009 At Pakistan National Council of Arts, Islamabad
Organized by
Special Talent Exchange Program
In Collaboration with
Sightsavers International Pakistan
&
Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability Thailand
Report
‘People with visual impairment are able to go, to move, to be, and to compete with all others in society. The means by which this is done is that simple tool, the white cane. With the growing use of the white cane is an added element–-the wish and the will to be free–-the unquenchable spirit and the inextinguishable determination to be independent. With these their lives are changed, and the prospects for blind people become bright. That is what White Cane Safety Day is all about. Government is taking considerable measures in the mainstreaming of persons with disabilities; Issuance of special ID cards for disabled persons and national plan of action based on national policy 2002 are landmarks of the efforts, on this day we pledge the implantation of the policy’, said Mr. Imtiaz Qazi, Federal Secretary Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education, while addressing the event organized by STEP to mark the 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. 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. The event was attended by more than 200 stakeholder including leading persons with disabilities. The program rundown is enclosed. The event was also attended by representatives of APCD Thailand. Ms. Manassawee Rawiwan, Information Support Officer, Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability appreciated efforts of STEP and emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration among stakeholders at regional as well as national level. Mr. Atif Sheikh, President of STEP, said in his welcome note that, STEP is a cross disability organization that has been working for the empowerment of the disabled persons through capacity building and advocacy since 1997. STEP is engaged in leadership, ICT and independent living training of disabled persons. In the preceding one decade of STEP’s endeavors, more than 1000 disabled persons have been motivated and are living a better life. In the congratulatory remarks, Mr. Tsutomu Shimizu, Senior Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency mentioned that ‘The growth and success of the disability movement, which has been well recognized internationally nowadays, is largely dependent on good collaboration between the government, disabled people’s organization, and other NGOs. Tireless efforts like this event must be able to contribute to the bigger and more powerful movement for the future of Pakistan. Regarding the documentary film of STEP, he expressed that JICA is delighted to extend special thanks to our major collaborator, the Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education, the National Institute of Science and Technical Education or NISTE under the Ministry of Education, Sightsavers International Pakistan Office, and Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability or APCD. The film has included various important factors of social development, and we hope to disseminate good practices as much as possible through various channels like this film. Mr. Niaz Ullah Khan, Country Director Sightsavers International Pakistan, said in the key note speech that, after having proper training, people using the white cane can enjoy greater mobility and safety by determining the location of curbs, steps, uneven pavement, and other physical obstacles in their path. The white cane has given them the freedom to travel independently to their schools and workplaces and to participate more fully in the life of their communities. It reminds us that the only barriers against people with disabilities are discriminatory attitudes and practices that our society has too often placed in their way. As we observe White Cane Safety Day, 2009, let us recall the history of the white cane, its emergence as a tool and a symbol through history; a staff of independence. Press Coverage in Electronic Media
PTV SAMAA TV ROHI TV
Observance
of White Cane Day& Launch of Video Documentary “Beyond the Voice of Our Own”
3pm-5pm, October 14 (Wed), 2009
At Pakistan National Council of Arts, Islamabad Plot No.5, F-5/1, Islamabad, Pakistan http://www.pnca.org.pk/
Chief Guest: Mr. Imtiaz Qazi Federal Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education
Program Rundown
1. Recitation from the Holly Quran Mr. Aqeel Ahmad, Al-Maktoom Special Education Center Islamabad
2. Welcome Note Mr. Muhammad Atif Sheikh, President, Special Talent Exchange Program
3. Key note speech Mr. Niaz Ullah Khan, Country Director, Sightsavers International Pakistan
4. Remark on White Cane Day Dr. Arshad Ovais Qazi, Director (NR), Special Education, Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education Mr. Zahid Abdullah, Lecturer Iqra University
5. Congratulatory address Mr. Tsutomu Shimizu, Senior Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency Ms. Manassawee Rawiwan, Information Support Officer, Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability
6. Screening of documentary Mr. Shakil Arshad, Producer, National Institute of Science and Technical Education, Ministry of Education
7. Address of the Chief Guest Mr. Imtiaz Qazi, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education
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