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