Final Report

NEAT Working Group on
Mainstreaming Disability in East Asia Economic Community: Breaking Barriers andCreating Inclusive Society Through Mutual Collaboration.”

Organized by
Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University, Thailand.

Supported by
Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand.

At Mercure Bangkok Makkasan Hotel,
Bangkok, Thailand
August 16, 2018

1|P a geI. Rationale
The Network of East Asian Think-tanks (NEAT) is a Track 2 international organizationof ASEAN plus 3 countries (Japan, China and ROK) or The ASEAN Plus Three (APT). The
network serves as a regional mechanism, aiming to promote the academic exchanges and provide
intellectual support for East Asian cooperation and development. In addition, it facilitatescollaboration between the government and academic sectors, particularly on key and sensitive
agendas in the region, for instance maritime transportation, irregular migration, and East Asian
community (EAc) development.
According to “Bali Declaration on the Enhancement of the Role and Participation of
Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN Community” and “Concept Paper on ASEAN Decade of
Persons with Disabilities (2011‐2020): the Thematic Years to Promote Disability Inclusive
Development in ASEAN”, the declaration and concept paper encourage ASEAN member state(AMS) to act on mobilizing the plan of action of the ASEAN Decade for Persons with
Disabilities and emphasize that disability is a cross‐cutting issue embedded within all three
ASEAN Communities with the ultimate goal of ASEAN to mainstream disability perspectives inthis region. Furthermore, the recent East Asia Vision Group (EAVG) II Report: Realising an
East Asia Economic Community by 2020, also states 4 recommendations including 1) singlemarket and production base, 2) financial stability, food and energy security, 3) equitable andsustainable development and 4) constructive contribution to the global economy. Thus,
promotion for collaboration of AMS implementing disability related projects at regional level is
the key success to address this particular action plan.
These goals also correspond to global approach – the UN Convention on Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) with mainstreaming livelihood of PWDs in “Article 27
Work and Employment” that States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities towork, on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by
work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive
and accessible to persons with disabilities. States Parties shall safeguard and promote therealization of the right to work, including for those who acquire a disability during the course of
employment, by taking appropriate steps, including through legislation.
Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University is higher education and academic institution
regarding disability studies and rehabilitation services since 1993 that now aims to be a center
2|P a geof education and research on disability in the Asia-Pacific through international network
cooperation, educational orientation and academic services under the philosophy of economic
sufficiency. Ratchasuda College has served to quality of life development for persons withdisabilities (PWDs) more than two decades though various strategies and missions; forge qualityof knowledge on disability and develop ethical academic students, establish universal researchon disability, contribute to academic services development, create the collaboration amongst theorganizations for the disabled and with concerned agencies, either national or international, breakbarriers of social discrimination towards disability, develop the administration system
concerning good governance strategies, local knowledge and Thai life-style within theframework of economic sufficiency. Thus, based on the ultimate goal of The Network of East
Asian Think-tanks (NEAT) to promote quality of life and mainstream for persons withdisabilities in East Asia Economic community, Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University canserve to address such ultimate goal through particular objectives, methodologies and approaches
in this concept paper.
II. Background
There are more than 1,000 million persons with disabilities globally, that is about 15% of
the world’s population, while 690 million men, women and children in Asia and the Pacifichave some form of disability. The number is expected to rise over the next decades due topopulation ageing, natural disasters, chronic health conditions, road traffic injuries, poor working
conditions and other factors. Focusing on countries in ASEAN+3 countries (Japan, China andROK), most of such countries have had smart laws and policies to promote quality of life of
PWDs for their own countries. Surprisingly, in reality, there are many challenges and barriers forinclusive living of PWDs through their various aspects of life including health, education,
employment, economic, social and political participation.
There are widespread evidences of barriers, including inadequate policies and standards,
negative attitudes, lack of provision of services, funding, accessibility, consultation andinvolvement, data and evidence. As general perspective, these challenges and barriers might be
addressed by enabling access to all mainstream systems and services, investing in specificprogrammes and services for persons with disabilities, adopting a national disability strategy andplan of action, improving human resource capacity, increasing public awareness and
3|P a ge

understanding, improving disability data collection, strengthening and supporting research on
disability.
However, the critical challenges on inclusive living of PWDs usually have rooted fromstigmatization and negative attitudes of society. Negative attitudes of stakeholders towards
PWDs are also complexity and not only based on disability, but have been related to race,
knowledge, information and cultural context as well. Some studies found that employers andorganizations that receive race charges were more likely to receive disability charges, it implies
that individuals who have negative attitudes towards marginalized group, tend to be the same
perspective whatever they are. The studies suggest that solution to achieve these phenomena is tobe more exploration, sharing and research for improving stakeholders participation andquantifying such national legal and policy contributions.
Thus, mutual sharing and collaborative platform among stakeholders of The ASEAN Plus
Three (APT ) will be provided to address “mainstreaming disability or inclusive living of
PWDs” that PWDs can access all effective and sufficient living including health services,educational provisions, social and political, employment and economic participation based onhuman dignity, equality, rights and without discrimination. Particularly, the right to theopportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work
environment of PWDs is important and will also address missions of NEAT, APT, Bali
Declaration, Concept Paper on ASEAN Decade of Persons with Disabilities and current East
Asia Vision Group (EAVG) II Report: Realising an East Asia Economic Community by 2020
with 4 recommendations mentioned earlier.
III. Objectives
The NEAT Working Group has the following objectives:a) To develop a regional action plan on ASEAN Plus Three regarding mainstreaming
disability.
b) To provide platform for members and stakeholders to share knowledge and experienceson interventions and measures to address mainstreaming disability.
c) To identify areas for and conduct joint research and development studies on
mainstreaming disability, building on existing interventions, adding value to the nationaland regional response.
4|P a ged) To advocate for the need of increased resources requires to implement effective
mainstreaming disability.

IV. Methodologies and approaches.
a)

Literature review and exploration on past and recent situations of quality of life,
challenges, proposed solutions for inclusive living of PWDs.

b) Formation of a regional taskforce for mainstreaming disability action plan development.
c) Jointly advocate for the need of policy development and program support among relevant
sectors to address mainstreaming disability.
d) Develop and advocate for agreements among member countries to support and provide
resources and assistances to countries where the program is weak.

V. Expected Outputs and Outcomesa) A mutual action plan or guideline for mainstreaming disability to break barriers andcreate inclusive society for PWDs.
b) Policy notes/reports to be shared by high level policy makers and administrators inmember countries.

5|P a geVI. Tentative Program

PROGRAMNEAT Working Group Meeting 2018:“Mainstreaming Disability in East Asia Economic Community: Breaking Barriers andCreating Inclusive Society Through Mutual Collaboration.”
15 - 17 August 2018
at Mercure Bangkok Makkasan Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

Wednesday, August 15, 2018:
A.M./P.M.

:

Arrival of participants

08.30 - 09.00 a.m.

:Registration
Venue: Meeting Room Makkasan II&III (the 7th floor)

09.00 - 09.15 a.m.

:Opening address
By Suriya Chindawongse, Ph.D.
Director-General, Department of Asean Affairs,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

9.15 – 9. 30 a.m:

Welcome address
By Assoc. Prof. Nopraenue Sajjarax Dhirathiti, Ph.D.
Vice President for International Relations andCorporate Communication of Mahidol University

09.30 – 10.00 a.m.

:

Keynote address
By Seree Nonthasoot, Ph.D.
Institute of Research and Development for PublicEnterprises and Representative of Thailand to the
ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human
RightsThursday, August 16, 2018:

6|P a ge10.00 – 10.10 a.m.

:

Token of appreciation and group photo10.10 – 10.25 a.m.

:

Refreshment/ coffee break:

NEAT Working Group Meeting

10.25 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.
10.25 - 10.45 a.m: Welcome address by session chairand self- introduction by participants

10.45 – 11.00 am.

:

Past and recent mainstream disability in East Asia:
Positive aspects and challenges through brief literature
review
By Tavee Cheausuwantavee, Assoc.Prof. Ph.D.
Director of Ph.D. program in Quality of Life
Development for PWDs,
Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University:

NEAT Working Group Presentation: Current and proposed
Mainstream disability
Session chair by Tavee Cheausuwantavee, Assoc.
Prof.
Ph.D., NEAT Thailand

11.00 a.m. – 12.00 p.m.

Presentations by representatives from NEAT APT inalphabetical order (20 minutes: 15 minutes forpresentation, 5 minutes for Q&A)
11.00 – 11.20 a.m.
11.20 – 11.40 a.m.
11.40 - 12.00 p.m.
12.00 – 1.30 p.m.
1.30 – 4.00 p.m.

:::

NEAT Cambodia
NEAT China
Q&A & sharing by invited and all participants:

Lunch at the Station Restaurant (the 8th floor):

NEAT Working Group presentation (cont.)
Presentations by representatives from NEAT APT in
Alphabetical order (20 minutes: 15 minutes forpresentation, 5 minutes for Q&A)

1.30 – 1.50 p.m.
1.50 – 2.10 p.m.
2.10 – 2.30 p.m.
2.30 – 2.45 p.m.

:
:
:
:

NEAT Japan
NEAT Lao PDR
NEAT Myanmar
Q&A & sharing by invited and all participants

7|P a ge2.45 – 3.00 p.m.

:

Refreshment:::

NEAT Singapore
NEAT Thailand
Q&A & sharing by invited and all participants

3.50 – 4.00 p.m.

:

Wrap up session
By Sunanta Klibthong, Ph.D.,
Secretariat of NEAT working group meeting
Tavee Cheausuwantavee, Assoc.Prof. Ph.D.
Session Chair of NEAT working group meeting
Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University.

4.00 – 4.10 p.m.

:

Closing remarks
By Dr. Wachara Riewpaiboon, M.D., MSc.
Dean of Ratchasuda College, Mahidol University

5.00 - 8.00 p.m.

:

Dinner hosted by Mahidol University
Venue: The Pool Bar (10th floor):

Departure of participants

3.00 – 3.20 p.m.
3.20 – 3.40 p.m.
3.40 – 3.50 p.m.

Friday, August 17, 2018:
A.M./P.M.

Note: 1. Each presentation will cover the country’s perspective and policy recommendations
including
1.1. General info regarding PWDs in each country
1.2. Problems / challenges
1.3. Mainstreaming disability notes/recommendations for ASEAN PLUS THREE(APT) governments
The policy recommendations should be based on 1) Bali Declaration on the Enhancementof the Role and Participation of Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN Community” and“Concept Paper on ASEAN Decade of Persons with Disabilities 2011-2020, 2) Inchon
Strategy, 3) East Asia Vision Group: EAVG II Report, 4) Convention on Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (CRPD 2007).
2. Each NEAT representative should submit documents of policy recommendations(no.1) as full-paper or PowerPoint presentation to the organizer via email:tavee126@hotmail.com, chalita.rai@mahidol.edu by August 13th, 2018.
3.Each representative has 20 minutes with 15 minutes for presentation and 5 minutes fordiscussions/ Q&A.

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VII.

Presentations and Discussions in the Working Group Meeting
Represenative of NEAT from seven countries-Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Myanmar,

Singapore, Thailand respectively, were finally beginning to take the issues of the extent, causes
and implications of disability, quality of care and vulnerable people in society such as the aged
seriously. This report summarizes each country’s focused presentation, policy direction and key
issues emerging from the presentations. The report finally draws out some important
recommendations for moving forward.
1. Cambodia
Cambodia presented many topical issues on the current policy and practice framework
regarding Persons with disabilities (PWDs). While Cambodia has ratified the UNCRPD on
December 20, 2012 its implementation of CRPD only began on January 19, 2013 and the Law of
the Protection and the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted by the
National Assembly on May 29, 2009 and officially signed by His Majesty the King Samdech
Preah Baromneath Norodom Sihamoni on July 3, 2009. In addition Cambodia has developed aPoverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) - the National Strategic Development Plan 2006-2010
with updated version 2009-2013 and 2014-2018 (NSDP) in collaboration with NGOs, CDPO andDPOs. It details that implementation of the national policy on disability is through the Disability
Action Council with the focus on strengthening the implementation of the Law on the Protection
and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to enhance the rights and welfare of thedisabled according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
as well as improving the quality and efficiency of the disability fund’s services.

9|P a geThe presentation details that MoSVY has launched the strategic plan with 3 strategic
goals and 8 priority programs in alignment with: (1). The 5th Government political platform(2).Rectangular Strategy Phase III (3). National Development Strategic Plan 2014-2018, (4).
Millennium development goals and (5).Strategies for social protection of the poor and thevulnerable 2011-2015. Also put into action are twin programs (i) Mainstreaming - Action and
Outputs involving (Ministry of Social Affairs, Veteran and Youth Rehabilitation Welfares for
Persons with Disabilities Department, Disability Right Administration, Disability Action Council(DAC), Provincial DAC, Ministerial DAC Working Group, Persons with Disabilities
Foundation, CDPO, NGOs, DPOs, Development Partners, Private Sectors, and (ii) Sensitizationof general development actors on inclusion of disability (inclusive committee, DAC, donors,
Government), Education Strategic Plan (2005), Child friendly School policy (2007), Education
For All Plan (2002), Constitution (equal rights for all) (1993/9), NGO statement on NSDP
monitoring (2008), inclusion of disability, General Declaration on the Human Rights (’49),
Inclusive Commune Development Plans (2007) and National Disability Strategy Plan (2014).
To this end Cambodia launched specific empowerment initiatives and action outputs toremove barriers to PWDs. These include for example, support to empower CDPO and ABC(DPOs local and national level), Law for the Protection and the Promotion of the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (2009), Policy on Education for Children with Disabilities (2008),
National Action Plan on Disability and Mine victims (2009), NGO statement on disability(2008), UNCRPD on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2012), National Social Protection
Policy Framework (2016-2025) and Action Plan to promote a family friendly setting for children
with disabilities without parental care (2017). Finally, there is a strong disability movement in
Cambodia that ensured National Accessibility Guidelines have been developed and finalized for
10 | P a g e

implementation, National PT standard have been developed and finalized for implementation.
The presentation details that since 2013 Cambodia has provided rehabilitation services for
318,306 PWDs (187,609 persons received medical rehabilitation services, 130,697 received thephysical rehabilitation services including transport and meals fee support for free. For
community-based rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities, 1966 self-help groups(SHGs) have formed, including 74 SHGs have registered to be DPOs. Also, 7 radio stations ( forthe Voice of PWDs) were run by CDPO, Blind Association, and DPOs, Sign language andbraille provided for public schools and media outlets, Promote arts and sports among persons
with disabilities. As a result, persons with disabilities received 178 medals, and of these gold 30
medals, silver 90 and bronzes 58 medals, according to the Para Olympics and special Olympics,
Provided the vocational training for 16,931 persons with disabilities, and they are self-employed
and employed, The government recruited 2,576 PWDs to work for the government institutions,
For Social Assistance, Disability Allowance provided by the government, and the allowance iscurrently in 12 provinces. All persons with disabilities can ask for assistance from the Polling
Station Commission officials to cast their vote on Election Day, and they are encouraged to be anelection observer.
2. China
China has moved from humanitarianism to real social policy to support PWDs. China isalso using a rights-based approach for programing for PWDs that is consistent with UN charteron disability. China's Constitution and dozens of relevant laws clearly define the special
protection of the rights and interests of the disabled. China promulgated the Law on theProtection of the Disabled Persons in 1990, implemented it in 1991 and revised it in 2008. The
revised Law on the Protection of the Disabled Persons puts forward the concept of
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"discrimination based on disability" and highlights the concept of "rights-based". PWDs form acore component of China’s poverty reduction strategy in line with their constitution. Over the
past five years, more than 4.4 million impoverished rural disabled people were lifted out ofpoverty. China is also creating barrier-free urban and rural environment to include PWDs
function to their maximum. The challenges exist as to how to reach all PWDs and adequately
provide for their needs.
3. JapanJapan presented cash benefit analysis on OECD countries of which she is a member.
Japan uses 0.6% of her GDP to service persons with disability. In terms of income for PWDs,
nearly 50 percent gain less than JPY 1 million a year. (GDP per capita: 3.5 million) and publicbenefits include about 2 millions of PWD Japanese who receive cash benefits. Out of them, 1.5
millions receive the minimum. 1.8 millions are over 65 years old, which corresponds to 1.42％of the entire Japanese population. The number has become nearly doubled for the past 2 decades
and aging population has become the major reason for the increase in the handicapped with thetotal public expenditure for the handicapped amounting to JPY 200 billion (2.2 percent of thebudget), 1.4 times bigger for the 2 decades. (4.5 trillion for pension).
Japan is has a plan for 2050, taking into consideration the increase in PWDs as a result of
aging. This proactive planning is to mitigate a net burden on the Japanese society and to ensure
all elderly people including the handicapped enjoy a quality of life.

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4. Lao PDR
Lao PDR opened presentation with a summary of the country profile as the least
developed in the block of nations. In addition the country is bedeviled with unexploded mines of
war which have contributed to many injuries resulting in physical disabilities. The reports
indicated that since 1964, more than 50,500 victims have been killed by mine explosions andinternational Communities, Organizations and National NGOs have been instrumental in helping
victims of mines and explosive remnants of war in Laos since 1983. Lao now expanded services
to include child disability prevention and early detection, road accident prevention, support fordisabled person organizations, and social and economic integration for people with disabilities.
Based on 2015 statistics 2.8% of the total population have disabilities of which 1.9% mild, 0.6%
moderate and 0.3% severe functional limitations (Lao Statistics Bureau, 2016) with causes
ranging from congenital, infectious diseases, war and/or unexploded ordnance (UXO) and
accidents.
The most important missing point is the lack of contextual definition for disability. Thereare currently policies and programs to address the needs of PWDs including Prime Minister’Decree No. 138/1995, Compulsory Education Act, And Decree No. 18/1995, on Appointing the
National Commission for Disabled Persons, National Committee for Disabled Persons (NCDP),
Decree on Social Security Scheme for Corporate Employees, 2000 that addresses International
Labour Organization (ILO) Convention on Discrimination in Respect of Employment andOccupation, 1958, (No. 111), theILO Convention on Vocational Rehabilitation and

Employment (Disable Persons), 1983 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (2006) and Optional Protocol. Ironically Lao has learnt a lot from the ASEAN

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community and regional bodies and is making gain in her disability policy and support for
PWDs.
5. Myanmar
In Myanmar, it was noted that 4.6% of the population are PWDs with the majority living
in rural areas. Out of this 36 % of PWDS have physical disabilities and 11.2% of households
have PWDs. One key element noted in the presentation was how disability increases with age.
Ironically PWDs are the least to own property. Policies and programs to service persons withdisability include: 1958 – Disability Employment Act; 2011 – the Bali Declaration (Nov 2011);
2011 – Ratified UNCRPD (Dec 2011); 2012 – Committed to Asia Pacific Decade of the PWDs,
2013- 2020, and the Incheon Strategy to “make the right real”; 2015 – Law of the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities; 2017 – Bylaw for Myanmar Law of the rights of PWDs. Although the
National Disability Employment Act was enacted in 1958, it was intended only for rehabilitationof soldiers with disabilities and did not cover other PWDs. Myanmar ratified UNCRPD on 7th
Dec 2011 and Government submitted the initial Report on UNCRPD to UNCRPD Committee on
17th November 2015 with report reflecting the state of implementation of UNCRPD report2017.
Access to, and completing education is very low for PDWs however, Myanmar is making
progress on the policy front including: the 2014 – Myanmar Council of Persons with Disabilities(MCPD); 2015 – Myanmar Law of the rights of PWDs; 2016 – Myanmar Federation of Persons
with Disabilities (MFPD); 2017 – Bylaw for the Myanmar Law of the Rights of PWDs; and 2018
– National Committee for Disability. Other achievements include Union Civil Service Board
committed not to discriminate PWDs in recruitment of civil servants; Ministry of Education

14 | P a g e

remove the policies and practices which discriminate the students with disabilities to attend the
Teacher Training College; Ministry of Information committed to provide sign language
interpretation in government TV channels; and Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief andResettlement established a new department named Department of Rehabilitation and it is mainly
responsible to implement for the rights of PWDs. These are not without challenges such as
expertise and funding.
6. Singapore
Singapore presented topical issues on Smart cities and the community stakeholders andargues that smart cities utilize inclusive approach to policy making and service delivery that
includes persons with disabilities. One of the focal point was technology integration into smart
cities that benefit all people including the elderly. The presentation indicated that the purpose ofsmart technologies integration is to help the handicapped and disabled navigate around the citywhich may also be usable by other vulnerable groups including children. This inclusive policyinformed smart cities are consistent with UNDP program goals on building smart cities andsocieties.
In addition, the presentation outlined the interdisciplinary of disability and other social
sectors by acknowledging that in taking care of a large population of disabled in any urban
environment, disabled needs are often closely intertwined with public health, health policies andhealth care in general. Medical facilities in smart cities tend to practice smart healthcare withmultiple avenues of interactions between patients, medical practitioners, medical organizations
and equipment for the informatization of health records, platforms for accessing those records
and cutting-edge technologies. Singapore is quite advance in their support for persons with

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disabilities and the elderly using a variety of assistive technology devices. For example,
Singapore’s official Govtech website approaches smart nation digital and IoT (Internet ofThings) projects with all-inclusiveness, including the disabled and physically challenged, using
basic technologies like touch screen smartphones for the visually handicapped to cutting edge
technologies. Singapore’s non-profit organizations (NPOs) are also active in such ventures. The
Specialized Assistive Technology Centre (Specialized ATC) established and managed by SPD(voluntary welfare organization or VWO) uses Assistive Technologies to empower handicappedand disabled individuals. Other technology devices in use included augmentative and alternative
communication (AAC) methods), advanced eye tracking technology camera monitors which arebeing deployed in schools and hospitals. In a nut shell the integration of assistive technologies
into smart cities is the driving factor for Singapore as it facilitates the inclusion of all people into
society.
7. Thailand
Thailand presented on key issues regarding Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and how
the country is working within international laws and guidelines to provide inclusive living andquality of life for PWDs. In line with international policies, Thailand developed disability-related
provisions under the “Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand 2018” which prohibits unfair
discrimination on grounds of disability. There are also disability-specific laws and related acts:
The Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act 2007; The Education Act for Persons with
Disabilities 2008, The 12 th National Plan of Economic and Social Development 2017-2021(B.E. 2560 – 2564). The 5th National Plan on Quality of Life Development of Persons with
Disabilities 2017 -2021 (B.E. 2560 – 2564); Vocation Training Promotion Act, 1996 and Social
Security Act, 1999 among others. The main ministry responsible for people with disabilities is
16 | P a g ethe Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. It works in collaboration with thefollowing ministries: Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour,
Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.
This interagency collaboration has led to many positive results of legislative approachand policy implementation through the past decade after the Persons with Disabilities
Empowerment Act 2007 was passed. Quality of life (QoL) of PWDs and the majority of legal
essences have been harmonious with each other, uphold CRPD and promoted human dignity andequal rights of PWDs without discrimination. Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) projects,
community volunteers, and assistive technologies for independent living as well as enjoy legal
capacity on equal basis.
Positive results of the current law enforcement was mentioned in the fields of: (i) Health:
Increasing development of useful techniques and skills in medical rehabilitation for PWDs
among researchers/master degree students; (ii) Education: Increasing schools and various
educational approaches for PWDs, development of useful techniques and skills in educational
provisions for PWDs among researchers/master degree students, development of usefultechniques and skills in educational supports for PWDs among researchers/master degree
students; (iii) Vocation and employment: Increasing employment rate of PWDs and positive
attitude between employers and PWDs, development of job training curriculum for PWDs tomeet labour market; (iv) Social inclusion and participation: Increasing positive attitudes andrelationship between PWDs and their employers , increasing DPOs, networks and Independent
Living (IL) centers , positive participation in religion based on dignity and ability of PWDs.

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Policy Recommendations

8.

Recommendations for ASEAN Plus Three collaboration: The way forward for NEAT
A critical analysis of all the presentations highlight five important things that need further
attention and deliberations to help achieve the goals of NEAT.
•

It can be recognized that from your presentations and discussions all the countries in the
ASEAN region as well as other countries that participated in this working group havedeveloped disability policies as the first step toward developing and providing services
for PWDs. This is to ensure that everyone, particularly those with disabilities and theaged are supported to fully participate and benefit from the social, political and economic
activities of your various countries. This is an important step because policy is the first
approach towards ensuring every child, every student and every person with disability or
the aged has access to full participation in the social, cultural and economic activities of
their various countries. Policies are important and the presentations have demonstrated
that through effective policies the quality of life of persons with disability and the aged
can enhanced.

•

The policies discussed are consistent with the international and regional frameworks for
PWDs including CRPD, Bali Declaration, Inchon Strategy, East Asia Vision Group
Report. These frameworks main goal for persons with disabilities (PWDs) is to enable
them access and equal participation in all activities in their respective countries that leadto quality of life. United Nation edges every country to develop pragmatic policies thatcan lead to effective practices and programs. Policies need inclusive orientation toembrace every individual within their respective societies. Current policies demonstrate

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consistency with international and regional frameworks but there are not more to movequality of life development for PWDs.
•

Effective strategies also indicate collaboration with government and civil society
including NGOs that extend a lot of goodwill towards persons with disabilities. This
goodwill is translated through what was discussed, particularly the various outlines andstrategic goals, the creation of smart cities and the integration of assistive technologies tosuppo rt persons with disability. Free of charge education and transportation in urban
areas in some countries and barrier-free environments in urban and rural areas which are
geared toward enhancing the quality of life of persons with disabilities and cash
payments to PWDs and the aged in some countries are commendable.

•

Policies pertaining to disabilities and inclusion alone cannot translate into effective or
quality of life for persons with disabilities. These policies must be backed by real actions,
resources and sufficient budgetary allocations.

•

When we talk about resources these include physical as well as human resources.
Physical resources include infrastructure and assistive technologies that facilitate theliving standard of persons with disabilities. And human resources are those who havepositive attitude, skills and knowledge to engage and implement the policy at thegrassroots level to benefit persons with disabilities. In addition to this, every country
needs to ensure that they have sufficient budgetary allocations to support the policy thateach country represented here has developed.

•

We also need to pursue policy effectiveness which will result from effective management
practices of available resources. Often many countries allocate resources for policy that19 | P a g ethey have developed to support persons with disabilities but sometimes these resources
are not enough or managed effectively. We need to remove waste from our systems.
•

Policy must be matched with training of experts. Normally, countries develop policy toimplement programs to benefit persons with disabilities. But often they forget the training
mechanism which is how to develop experts to implement and evaluate the policies. In anutshell, effective policies need effective experts or people who understand policies orknow the cultural and social context well enough to implement the policies. It is
important for every country to match expert training with the policy so that people who
implement the disability and aging policies are supported to develop the necessary skills
for administering the policies at the macro (country, government) and micro level(school, community).

•

Policies and programs must be updated from times to times using cutting-edge researchknowledge. Regularly reviewing and updating policies and programs will lead to positivetransformation to ensure outcomes for persons with disabilities are continually enhanced.

Key recommendations
1. Match disability policies with adequate funding for health, education, employment
provision and social participation for PWDs based on an actual national context andconcerns.
2. Provide adequate training to teachers, family and other professionals working in theinterest of PWDs.
3. Make education and curriculum flexible to provide opportunity for full access andparticipation of PWDs along with market and society’s needs.

20 | P a g e

4. Increase access to assistive technologies, create barrier-free environment in schools,
workplace and the wider community.
5. Review employment policies for PWDs and increase their accessibility to employment.
6. Provide systematic customized employment and job coach matching needs of PWDs andemployers as nationwide strategy.
7. Consider the aged and disaster intervention as a critical component of disability policy
and programs
8. Increase advocacy programs and reduce negative attitudes.
9. Utilize interagency collaboration as a theoretical framework for networking andsupporting PWDs.
10. Regularly conduct research, including establish a “Regional Disability Studies Center”
and keep accurate record on persons with disability, national and regional programs andpolicy adoption based on research findings and monitoring.

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