DISABLED PEOPLES' INTERNATIONAL

 E-news for Week ending 7 May 2010

Welcome to Disabled Peoples International’s (DPI’s) E-news. Please continue to send your activities, conference information, and publications news to Dr. Cassandra Phillips at info@dpi.org.

Facts Sheets on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

The European Network on Independent Living, with whom DPI Europe has a very close relationship, has released a number of fact-sheets on different Articles within the CRPD. They can be found by following links at http://www.enil.eu/enil/index.php?option=com_mamblog&Itemid=113&task=show&action=view&id=450&Itemid=113

Aboriginal Policy in Australia and Canada

The Australian referendum of 1967 approved amendments to the Australian Constitution which allowed the Federal Government to make special laws that applied to Aboriginal Australians. As a result, since 1967, Australian governments have put in place policies and programs with the aim of achieving positive social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people. However, over four decades later, the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians is still unacceptably wide. In fact, some studies suggest the gap is actually widening. 

Canada faces similar issues in closing the gap between their indigenous and non-indigenous citizens. While Canada and Australia both enjoy a high ranking on the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) Human Development Index (HDI)—8th and 4^th respectively—their indigenous people are considerably worse off, comparatively sitting at 32nd and 103rd. This situation of Aboriginal people living in Third World conditions highlights the need for urgent action in both countries.

An overview of the history of Aboriginal policy and relations in Australia in comparison to Canada provides a useful context for policymakers in both countries. Some of the negative experiences in Australia can also serve as a warning to governments in Canada, whereby if some of the problems faced in Canadian Aboriginal communities are not addressed soon, drastic interventions may be needed. To read the new report on the above (in PDF format only) titled “Aboriginal Relations and Policy in Australia and Canada: From Handout to Hand-Up”, go to http://www.fcpp.org/files/1/10-04-22-Aus-Canada_Aboriginal_FINAL.pdf

Call for Applications for Leahy War Victims Fund

On behalf of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Special Programs to Aid the Needs of Survivors (SPANS) Grants’ Solicitation and Management (GSM) Program, World Learning announces a call for applications. Using funding provided by the Leahy War Victims Fund (LWVF) under the USAID Bureau of Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA), World Learning anticipates that six to eight grants will be awarded. Amounts can be for up to $2,000,000 for a three year project. For further information and type of projects, go to

http://www.worldlearning.org/aidspansgsm.cfm

Introducing RTC Media Website

RTC Media produces award-winning broadcast documentaries, educational

and training programs, Public Service Announcements and profiles in support of community inclusion.

Please take a moment to visit the site and explore some of great work being done by self-advocates, direct support professionals, parents, artists, activists, teachers, and many others. Go to http://rtc.umn.edu/rtcmedia/

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