January 16, 2012 WBU e-Notice

 Be sure to tell us what your organization achieved in 2011 and what are your goals for 2012. We would be happy to publish and share your successes with the rest of the WBU global family.

 2012 is the 25th anniversary of the pharmaceutical corporation Merck’s decision to make available for free the drug Mectizan to combat avoidable blindness. Mectizan is a medicine that kills the parasite that causes River Blindness in many developing countries. Over the years, Merck has worked with the World Health Organization, the World Bank, INGOs, and local governments to distribute the drug Mectizan in countries were River Blindness was endemic. The World Blind Union thanks the employees and shareholders of Merck for this incredible humanitarian gesture, benefiting countless millions of men, women and children. We look forward to the day when River Blindness is eliminated worldwide.

 The Guardian UK has posted on their website 15 interviews with persons living with disabilities in developing countries. These are stories of individuals who struggle to live within their culture despite the many barriers in society. To read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2011/dec/15/disability-voices-development

 A new guide has been made available on making mobile phones more accessible for persons with disabilities. Download link: http://g3ict.org/resource_center/publications_and_reports/p/productCategory_books/subCat_1/id_191

 Read RNIB’s Kevin Carey’s article on the importance of Louis Braille’s contribution to world literacy, titled The Brilliance of Braille by following this link: http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/01/05/the-brilliance-of-braille/

 There have been many businesses that developed technology that has benefitted the visually impaired, making their lives better by improving the way they can relate to the world. There is an award that recognizes technological contributions to humanity. Many WBU members may know of companies to nominate for this award. Businesses can also self-nominate to have their achievements recognized. To learn more about the Tech Awards follow this link: http://thetechawards.thetech.org/nominations

 A new fund has been set up by the United Nations to boost action on disability rights and to help in the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; read more: http://www.beta.undp.org/undp/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2011/12/08/new-united-nations-fund-to-boost-action-on-disability-rights.html

 UNESCAP with Leonard Cheshire Disability will organize the “Conference on Disability-Inclusive MDGs and Aid Effectiveness” March 12 to 14, in Bangkok, Thailand. This global forum will bring together UN agencies, disabled people’s organizations and academics. More information: http://www.lcdisability.org/aideffectiveness


This year’s WBU members conference notices and links:

February 13 to 17: The International Mobility Conference is taking place in Palmerston North, New Zealand: www.imc14.com

February 27 to 29: The 5th Asian Blind Union (ABU) General Assembly will be held at the Hotel City Park, Delhi, India. To register go to: http://www.abu2012.abunion.org/

March 11 to 16: ULAC 8th General Assembly, Mexico city. Register at: http://www.ulacdigital.org/mexico2012.htm

March 26 & 27: 28th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability & Diversity "Living to Our Complete Potential" Honolulu, Hawaii, USA www.pacrim.hawaii.edu

May 15 to 18: IKK International Congress of War Blind, in Pretoria South Africa: www.ikk2012.org.za

September 17 to 20: IAPB 9th General Assembly, in Hyderabad, India. For details go to: http://9ga.iapb.org/

November 8 & 9: AFUB 7th General Assembly, Bangkok, Thailand.

November 10 to 18 – WBU/ICEVI General Assemblies - Bangkok, Thailand. Our website is now up and running so you can read more about this exciting event: www.wbu-icevi2012.org

You can support the World Blind Union by donating online through Canada Helps. The link is:
http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=s97435

E-newsletter of WBU-ICEVI 2012

JOINT MESSAGE FROM WBU AND ICEVI PRESIDENTS


Dear Friends and Colleagues:

As you are aware from previous messages as well as articles in the WBU E-Bulletin and the ICEVI Educator, the ICEVI and WBU have agreed to hold a joint General Assembly event in Bangkok Thailand in November 2012. Details of the program outline are included in this newsletter, but include the Regional Assembly of the African Union of the Blind, a WBU Diversity Forum, WBU General Assembly and ICEVI General Assembly as well as joint program days, a joint Gala dinner and joint Technology Exhibition.

We hope that the members of our two organizations are as excited as we are about this collaborative event. We believe that it will provide an excellent opportunity for organizations of blind persons, for service providers and educators to come together for mutual sharing and learning. We believe that we will be able to attract some excellent speakers of international caliber for our joint sessions and that technology exhibitors will be eager to participate. We also recognize that many of our members traditionally attend both WBU and ICEVI events and will therefore be able to take advantage of these joint activities.

Program and organizing committees have already begun their work and over the coming months you will hear much more from us about the programs, and the local arrangements. Our local hosts, led by the Thailand Association of the Blind have formed a number of committees to take care of local arrangements and with the funding assistance of the Thai government have been able to hire some professional support to help them with the organization and local logistics of what we know will be a first class event.

The next year will pass very quickly until we meet in Thailand. There is much to be done, but with the effort and commitment of WBU, ICEVI and TAB, this will be an event not to be missed.

We very much look forward to seeing you in Bangkok Thailand in November 2012.

With warm regards,


Lord Colin Low Mrs. Maryanne Diamond
President ICEVI President WBU



Welcoming message from the President of Thailand Association of the Blind



On behalf of Organizing Committee, it is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you, your colleagues, and your family for joining The World Blind Union 8th General Assembly: WBU GA, International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment General Assembly: ICEVI GA held here in Bangkok, Thailand on 8-18 November 2012.

The World Blind Union (WBU) was formed in 1984 through the Union of the International Federation of the Blind (IFB) and the World Council of for the Welfare of the Blind (WCWB). Since the WBU conference was held in Saudi Arabia on 26 October 1984, WBU has been providing forums where blind and partially sighted persons can establish the right to speak for themselves. The World Blind Union (WBU) has been eliminating prejudice and promoting belief in the proven abilities of visually impaired people as well as achieving full participation and equality in society. Moreover, this congress has received cooperation from International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) which is a professional non-government organization that welcomes any group or person who supports its aim which is to promote equal access to appropriate education to all visual impaired children and youth. ICEVI general body is now held every 4 years since 2002.

WBU-ICEVI 2012 will include the General Assemblies of both organizations as well as two days of overlapping programs that will enable our two organizations and our members to work even more closely together and to build on opportunities for information sharing and cooperation. The participants will have the experiences of Thai culture and hospitalities such as traditional Thai performances and Thai cuisine. Last but not least, the organizing committee also provides various types of tours for you, your colleagues, and your family to have full experiences of happiness in the Land of Smile.

We look forward to welcoming you in Bangkok, Thailand. Sawasdeekrab.




Senator Monthian Buntan
President, Thailand Association of the Blind
Chairman, Local organizing committee for the WBU-ICEVI General Assembly 2012

WBU/ICEVI General Assemblies: Achieving Our Vision through Empowerment and Partnerships

Activities
Date AFUB WBU ICEVI
8-Nov-12 AFUB - -
9-Nov-12 AFUB - -
10-Nov-12 - WBU Diversity Forum -
11-Nov-12 - WBU Diversity Forum (morning) -
- WBU Executive Committee (afternoon) -
Welcome Reception (evening)
12-Nov-12 WBA GA Opening Ceremony Exhibition (12-16 November)
- WBU General Assembly -
13-Nov-12 - WBU General Assembly -
14-Nov-12 - WBU General Assembly -
15-Nov-12 - WBU General Assembly ICEVI Events & Assembly
16-Nov-12 - WBU General Assembly ICEVI Events & Assembly
Closing Ceremony
Gala Dinner (evening)
17-Nov-12 - WBU ICEVI Events & Assembly
18-Nov-12 - - ICEVI Events & Assembly






Venue Facilities: The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel

The congress will be held at The Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok. Located on Sukhumvit Road, the property backs directly onto the beautiful Benjasiri Park. The Emporium, one of Bangkok’s premier shopping complexes, is five minutes’ walk across the park, as is the BTS sky train Phrom Phong station. The hotel provides luxurious conference and banquet facilities to suit any event, with 40 function venues of various sizes. The Grand Hall offers 1,375 sq.m that can serve up to 2,500 persons for a cocktail event and 1,700 persons for theatre style.
http://www.imperialhotels.com/imperialqueenspark/


WBU-ICEVI 2012 - Registration Fee

Meeting Date Delegate Observers Guides / Interpreters/ Accompanying Person Notes
AFUB General Assembly Nov
8 - 9 200 USD include Lunch & 2 Coffee Breaks
WBU Diversity Forum Nov
10 – 11 (AM) 150 USD 150 USD 150 USD include Welcome reception, Lunch & 2 Coffee Breaks
WBU General Assembly Nov
12 – 16 350 USD 300 USD 250 USD include Welcome reception, Gala dinner, Lunch & 2 Coffee Breaks
ICEVI Events & Assembly Nov
15 – 18 300 USD 250 USD 200 USD
WBU General Assembly & ICEVI Events & Assembly Nov
12 – 18 600 USD 500 USD 400 USD
WBU Diversity Forum,
WBU General Assembly & ICEVI Events & Assembly Nov
10 – 18 700 USD 600 USD 500 USD

Gala dinner Nov 16 (evening) 100 USD For additional purchase
Exhibition visitor Nov
12 – 16 20 THB Entry to Exhibition

 Online registration will be available at www.wbu-icevi2012.org, as of January 2012.
 For any information regard the registration, please contact registration@wbu-icevi2012.org

Accommodation
We have blocked 500 rooms at Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel, Bangkok. The room rate will be around 3,900-5,700 THB included taxes and breakfast.
Online reservation will be available on www.wbu-icevi2012.org in January 2012.

Social Programs
Welcome Reception 11 November 2012 (evening)
WBU GA Opening Ceremony 12 November 2012
Exhibition 12-16 November 2012
WBU GA Closing Ceremony 16 November 2012
Gala Diner 16 November 2012 (evening)

About Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital, largest urban area, and primary city of Thailand. Known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or Krung Thep meaning "city of angels" for short, it was originally a small trading post on the west bank of the lower Chao Phraya River. Due to the 1980s and 1990s Asian investment boom, many multinational corporations make their regional headquarters in Bangkok and the city is a regional force in finance and business as well as the increasing influences on global politics, culture, fashion and entertainment. In 2009, it was the second most expensive city in South-East Asia behind Singapore. Even though Bangkok is rapidly modernized, it still contains cultural landmarks which reflect the city’s rich history such as Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. Moreover, Bangkok is considered to be the center of spa industry of Thailand and Asia due to its heavily concentrated spa industry and, most of all, Thai massage. Moreover, for those who like to shop, Bangkok offers dozens of grand department stores and shopping malls where products from around the world are available for shopping. In conclusion, Bangkok can be a place for you to visit.


Contact Persons:

WBU-ICEVI 2012 enquiries:

 General enquiry: info@wbu-icevi2012.org

 Enquiry on exhibition and sponsorship: exhibition@wbu-icevi2012.org

 Enquiry on conference program and abstract: conference@wbu-icevi2012.org

 Enquiry on registration: registration@wbu-icevi2012.org

 Any other enquiry: wbu.icevi@gmail.com


WBU enquiries

 Penny Hartin, CEO, WBU: penny.hartin@wbuoffice.org

ICEVI enquiries

 Dr. Mani, Secretary General ICEVI: sgicevi@vsnl.net

November 15th, 2011 WBU e-Notice

Here is our two-page notice of current breaking news and events.

As we gather our news in the English language only, the websites with links to the full stories are shown only in English. Google can be used to translate web-pages into your own language. Although this is not a perfect solution, we apologize that we cannot provide links for the stories in all languages.

 The International Day for Persons with Disabilities is December 3rd and this year’s theme is “Together for a Better World for All: Including Persons with Disabilities in Development”. For more information on what groups can do on this day visit http://usicd.org/detail/event.cfm?event_id=117&id=92.

 The Blind Advantage – is a book that relates the story of an educator whose life changes once he becomes blind. “How going blind made me a stronger Principal and how including children with disabilities made our school better for everyone” by Bill Henderson. To listen to an interview with the author, follow this link: http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/2011/oct/12/inclusionary-education/

 Are you using the spice saffron in your family’s meals? It has been scientifically documented that saffron has slowed down the effects of age-related macular degeneration… http://www.macula.org/saffron-and-amd.

 Dr. Mark Patterson explores philosophical approaches to touch and blindness in his upcoming book ‘Seeing with the Hands’. Click the following link to read his article for the WBU http://geotheory.wordpress.com/blindness/

 Optic nerve damage may be reversed… http://www.contactlenses.co.uk/contactlensesnews/article56814/optic-nerve-damage-can-be-reversed.html?catid=4

 Early detection could prevent 90% of glaucoma-induced blindness… http://thedailynewsegypt.com/health/early-detection-help-avert-90-pct-of-glaucoma-induced-blindness-cases.html

 Foundation Fighting Blindness will invest in gene therapy trails to combat certain eye diseases: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/foundation-fighting-blindness-invests-825-million-in-six-gene-therapy-research-projects-poised-for-clinical-trials-2011-10-31

 The Spanish National Organization of the Blind (ONCE), through its Center of R&D on Assistive Technology for the Blind (CIDAT), is organizing TifloInnova 2011, a unique opportunity to know the latest market trends and industry's offer of software, hardware and other products for people with blindness and visual disabilities. TifloInnova 2011 will be held at the ONCE "Sports and Cultural Centre" in Madrid, Spain (Paseo de la Habana, 208), on November 18, 19 & 20, 2011. It will be open to professionals and general public (free admission for all visitors). For more information, visit their website at http://tifloinnova.once.es.

2012 Conference Notices:

February 13 to 17: International Mobility Conference - Palmerston North, New Zealand. For more information, visit their website at www.imc14.com.

February 27 to 29: The 5th Asian Blind Union (ABU) General Assembly will be held at the Hotel City Park, Delhi, India. Feb 27 - Women’s Forum; Feb 28 - ABU regional conference (focused on the UNCRPD); Feb 29, ABU General Assembly. For information and registration, visit http://www.abu2012.abunion.org/

March 11 to 16: ULAC 8th General Assembly, Mexico city. March 11 & 12 - the 5th Women’s Forum; March 12, 13 & 14 - the 7th Congress, Theme: Citizens Participation in Local Development = Total Inclusion; March 15 & 16 ULAC General Assembly. All events will be held at the Ramada Reforma Hotel in Mexico City. For more information, visit their website at http://www.ulacdigital.org/mexico2012.htm

May 15 to 18: 15th IKK -International Congress of War Blind - Pretoria, South Africa. For more information, visit their website at www.ikk2012.org.za.

September 17 to 20: IAPB 9th General Assembly, Hyderabad, India. For more information, visit their website at http://9ga.iapb.org/.

November 2012 – Bangkok, Thailand
 November 8 & 9: AFUB 7th General Assembly, to be held just before the WBU/ICEVI meetings
 November 10 & 11: WBU Diversity Forum
 November 12 to 16: WBU General Assembly
 November 15 to 18: International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) General Assembly.
The website for the WBU/ICEVI joint events will be launched in January 2012.

October 31st, 2011 WBU e-Notice

Here is our two-page notice of current breaking news and events.

 Thailand is experiencing the worst floods to hit in 50 years. The Thailand Association of the Blind (TAB) is pitching in to help the people using the temporary hostel set up to house the residents who had to flee their homes. Blind masseurs and musicians gave comfort to the hundreds of displaced people, while TAB members and volunteers contributed five truck loads of necessities to the shelter

 Visually impaired or blind? Know someone who is? Now there is a free online Entrepreneur Program for the blind and their loved ones, at the Hadley School for the Blind: http://www.hadley.edu/fce.asp

 Creating prosthetics for the blind starts with trails on monkeys: http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-prosthetic-eyes-blind-20111010,0,5647631.story

 A team in Australia creates new drug to combat/prevent cataract growth. Cataracts are a major cause of blindness and currently the only way to cure blindness from cataracts is through surgery. Read more: http://www.thehindu.com/health/rx/article2537049.ece

 DPI (Disabled Peoples’ International) recently held their world assembly and posted a declaration about the implementation of the UN CRPD (Charter of Rights for Persons with Disabilities) on their website: http://www.dpi.org/lang-en/documents/index?page=18

 Sightsavers hopes to eliminate blinding trachoma in 14 endemic countries by 2020: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/simon-bush/trachoma-is-the-end-in-sight_b_1010395.html

 Sometimes the rights of the disabled are just lip-service and not implemented in society. The disabled people of Ghana cheered 5 years ago when The Persons with Disability Act gave them rights and access to society and free education. But over the years, they have not seen any of this legislation acted upon. Read more at: http://allafrica.com/stories/201110070592.html

 AFB (American Foundation for the Blind) has recently published: Art Beyond Sight: A Resource Guide to Art, Creativity and Visual Impairment, a stunning 504 page book offering a wealth of essential art-related information. To order follow this link: http://www.afb.org/store/find.asp?type=search_find&mscssid=HNB6R4QM6XQP8PWPPP3VGGQ4KMPQ3GUC&search_source=%2Fstore%2Fdefault.asp&search_type=2&find_spec=art+beyond+sight&Go=Go


2012 Conference notices:

February 13 to 17: The International Mobility Conference is taking place in Palmerston North, New Zealand: www.imc14.com

February 27 to 29: The 5th Asian Blind Union (ABU) General Assembly will be held at the Hotel City Park, Delhi, India. Mark down the following dates: Women’s Forum, Feb 27th; ABU regional conference (focused on the UNCRPD), Feb 28th; ABU General Assembly, Feb 29th. For information and registration, visit http://www.abu2012.abunion.org/

March 11 to 16: ULAC 8th General Assembly, Mexico city. March 11 & 12, the 5th Women’s Forum, March 12, 13 & 14, the 7th Congress. Theme: Citizens Participation in Local Development = Total Inclusion. March 15 & 16 is the General Assembly. All events will be held at the Ramada Reforma Hotel in Mexico City. More information at: http://www.ulacdigital.org/mexico2012.htm

May 15 to 18: IKK International Congress of War Blind, in Pretoria South Africa: www.ikk2012.org.za

September 17 to 20: IAPB 9th General Assembly, in Hyderabad, India. For details go to: http://9ga.iapb.org/

November 2012 – Bangkok, Thailand
 November 8 & 9: AFUB 7th General Assembly, to be held just before the WBU/ICEVI meetings
 November 10 & 11: WBU Diversity Forum
 November 12 to 16: WBU General Assembly
 November 15 to 18: International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) General Assembly.
The website for the WBU/ICEVI joint events will soon be launched!

Remember, members who have brief notices and news to share can send them to: Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org. We would love to hear from you and spread your success stories to others.

September 30th, 2011 WBU e-Notice

Here is our two-page notice of current breaking news and events.

 Remember, members who have brief announcements to share can send them to: Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org. We would love to hear from you and spread your good news to others.

 World Sight Day this year is Thursday, October 13th. To see what kind of activities are planned for this day check out the Vision2020 WSD 2011 website: http://www.vision2020.org/main.cfm?Type=NI&objectid=4522

 White Cane Safety Day is October 15th. This date has been commemorated in America since 1964 to acknowledge the independence achieved through the use of this tool. To learn more about the history follow this NFB link: http://www.nfb.org/nfb/White_Cane_Safety_Day.asp

 Many of the keynotes speeches and papers from the Africa forum are now available in English and French on the Perkins website. Follow the link to read Kevin Carey’s lecture or Kudakwashe Dube’s opening remarks: http://www.perkins.org/idp/africa-forum/papers/

 There have been many books written about 9/11 and its heroes. There is a book that has received many great reviews about a guide dog, Thunder Dog, who lead her master to safety amid the rubble of a collapsing building: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/in-memory-of-a-remarkable-guide-dog.html

 We have come across a website called Radio for the Blind that offers access to many radio stations from around the world. To try it out you can access the website here: http://www.blindradio.com/

 American jazz guitarist Jeff Golub continues to perform despite recently becoming blind. http://www.examiner.com/smooth-contemporary-jazz-in-national/guitarist-jeff-golub-suddenly-goes-blind

 Contest reminder for a new name for e-Bulletin (WBU newsletter) is October 14th. Send your ideas to: Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org. You can also send your stories and articles for this publication.

 The UN office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is conducting a Thematic Study on Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Political and Public Life. To learn more go to: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Disability/Pages/ParticipationPoliticalAndPublicLife.aspx Deadline for submissions is October 15th.

2011 Conference notices:

Oct. 4 to 8: European Blind Union’s 9th General Assembly 2011, in Fredericia, Denmark. To learn more:
http://www.euroblind.org/projects-and-activities/events/upcoming-events/nr/3

Oct. 10 to 13: Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) 8th World Assembly, to be held in Durban, South Africa. Visit their website to learn more: http://www.dpi.org/

2012 Conference notices:

February 13 to 17: The International Mobility Conference will take place in Palmerston North, New Zealand website: www.imc14.com

March 26 & 27: 28th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability & Diversity "Living to Our Complete Potential" Honolulu, Hawaii, USA www.pacrim.hawaii.edu ; prinfo@hawaii.edu
www.facebook.com/PacRimHawaii

May 15 to 18: IKK International Congress of War Blind, in Pretoria South Africa: www.ikk2012.org.za

September 17 to 20: IAPB 9th General Assembly will take place in Hyderabad, India. For details go to: http://9ga.iapb.org/

November 10 to 16: WBU’s General Assembly will take place in Bangkok, Thailand. There will be overlapping sessions with the ICEVI (International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment).

WBUAP ANNOUNCEMENTS - SEPTEMBER 2011

8 September 2011.



To all National Delegates, Honorary Life Members and Friends of Wbuap:



Dear All,



RE: ANNOUNCEMENTS - SEPTEMBER 2011



I have much pleasure to inform you of the following, and also to request you for suggestions:



1. The WBUAP Website: At last our website http: //wbuap.org is up and running. Our thanks go to the WBUAP-DANIDA Project for engaging Mr. Wong Yoon Loong as the Regional Communications Co-ordinator for designing and helping to upload information, and for paying the starting costs for the website. Our thanks also go to the National Council for the Blind, Malaysia (NCBM) for agreeing to pay for the yearly subscription for the next two years.



Please visit the website and give your comments on its usability. Also, give your suggestions as to how we can make our website a "living" instrument for the sharing of knowledge and experiences.



2. Preliminary Announcement on the 11th WBUAP Massage Seminar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Preparations for the Seminar are well underway and full details will shortly be released to you through emails and via a website set up specially for the purpose. NCBM has partnered up with Bonvo Travel to form the Organising Committee, and they will put out the full information within the next six weeks. For the time being, please keep your diary free for the beginning of May 2012 - participants arrive on 2 and depart on 6 May 2012. For those who are interested to go on tours after the Massage Seminar, Bonvo Travel will be working out packages with very reasonable prices.



The Registration fee for "Early Bird" will be US $250.00, and for those who register very close to the dates of the Seminar, it will be US $300.00. Full details will be released within the next few weeks. Please inform everyone about the Seminar, including our friends in the other regions of WBU.



Malaysia is a "Paradise", take the opportunity to experience the warm weather, delicious foods, different cultures and scenic spots.



3. Country Reports: There are 22 countries in WBUAP and every country is expected to send in a report at the Mid-Term or Quadrennial Regional Meetings. After making so much efforts in writing the reports, the organisers can only give you a maximum of five minutes for the presentation.



The President, Dato' Kulasegaran, has suggested that countries should be encouraged to send in their reports at any time giving news on special events of interest to all, things you would like to highlight about your organisation or country, etc., and we can upload them on our website. If that is acceptable, we can request Ms. Michiko Tabata, the Editor, to work out a template or we can use the guidelines sent out before the Mid-Term Assembly in Japan for the purpose.



Your views and reactions will be much appreciated. Thank you.



With best wishes,



(Ivan Ho Tuck Choy),

Secretary General,

World Blind Union-Asia Pacific.

August 31st, 2011 WBU e-Notice

Here is our two-page notice of current breaking news and events.

 Remember, members who have brief announcements to share can send them to: Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org. We would love to hear from you and spread your good news to others.

 The schedule for the World Congress Braille 21 is now online. You can find a list of the programs by following this link: http://www.braille21.net/en/programme

 Contest reminder for a new name for E-Bulletin (WBU newsletter) is October 14th. Send your ideas to: Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org

 Gene therapy done at University of Dalhousie, Nova Scotia, may lead to cure for some types of blindness. http://thechronicleherald.ca/Business/1258704.html

 Exhibit opens in New York City that exposes visitors to what it would be like to be completely blind. Dialog in the Dark: http://www.nj.com/entertainment/arts/index.ssf/2011/08/dialog_in_the_dark_visually_im.html

 Australian pop band Rudely Interrupted won the Grand Prix Award for Good at Cannes Lions 2011 for their video film clip “Close My Eyes”. The band’s lead singer is blind and 5 of the 6 members have some form of disability. http://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/rudely-interrupted-gets-behind-the-ndis/#.TiP2fGL_C-4.wordpress.

 Theme set for International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, 2011. The theme is: “Together for a better world for all including persons with disabilities in development”. For sub-themes and more information visit: http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1561.

 The Hadley School for the Blind has launched its new re-designed website. Visit www.hadley.edu to view the user-friendly features.

 In Kenya there is one ophthalmologist for every two million people. This grim fact prompted Canadian doctor to travel to Kenya to help: http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/article/1042271--a-remarkable

 We are still accepting ideas for the theme for White Cane Day until the end of August. Send to Marianne.mcquillan@wbuoffice.org

2011 Conference notices:

Sept 7 to 9: Fourth session of the Conference of States Parties (CRPD conference at United Nations HQ, New York City, learn more:
http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1571

Sept. 21 to 23: World Bank/GPDD Disability & Development Forum.
The Global Partnership for Disability and Development (GPDD) will hold its 3rd Disability and Development Forum and membership meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Members and partners will focus on options for action towards the social and economic inclusion of people with disabilities, particularly in light of Article 32 of the CRPD. Email for more information: francesca.deant@gmail.com

Sept. 28 to 30: Braille21 Conference, in Leipzig, Germany. This will provide updates and information on Braille with participants from around the world. For information and registration: www.braille21.net

Oct. 4 to 8: European Blind Union’s 9th General Assembly 2011, in Fredericia, Denmark. To learn more:
http://www.euroblind.org/projects-and-activities/events/upcoming-events/nr/3

Oct. 10 to 13: Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI) 8th World Assembly: to be held in Durban, South Africa. They have set up a website to register: http://www.dpi2011.co.za/en/home

You can support the World Blind Union by donating online through Canada Helps. The link is:
http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=s97435