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