ZeroConference

Accessibility summit – the best minds for a global challenge

The conference began with introductory comments by the honorary patron of the conference H.R.H. Prince Ra’ad bin Zaid, which were delivered by the Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, His Excellency Mr Makram Mustafa Queisi. After the opening speeches by the initiators Martin Essl (Essl Foundation), Jakob von Uexkull (World Future Council) and Fred Luks (Director of Corporate Sustainability at Bank Austria), the European dimension of disability policy was discussed in the first keynote session. Under Chairmanship of Miguel Ángel Cabra de Luna, Co-chair of the European Consortium of Foundations and Human Rights and Disability and Member of the European Economic and Social Committee, Johan ten Geuzendam, Head of Unit for Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the European Commission, Elisabeth Schroedter, Member of the European Parliament who travelled to Vienna specifically for the Zero Conference, and Ioannis Vardakastanis, who as President of the European Disability Forum is Europe’s “highest-ranking disability rights representative”, discussed issues such as the European Disability Strategy, regulations of the Structural Funds and other challenges. Together they demanded that the fifth EU antidiscrimination directive, which is a particularly important step for the protection of rights for persons with disabilities, is finally adopted. In this regard, especially the German government was criticised for its obstructive stance in the European Council.

The second, high-profile keynote session was centered entirely upon laws addressing antidiscrimination, accessibility and equality for persons with disabilities. Federal Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection Rudolf Hundstorfer introduced the Austrian
Federal Disability Equality Act and, under the direction of Professor Lisa Waddington of the European Disability Forum Chair in European Disability Law at the University of Maastricht, Charles D. Siegal, attorney and member of the Human Rights Committee of the International Law Association who joined the Zero Conference from the USA, Antonio L. Martínez-Pujalte López, Professor for Political and Legal Philosophy from Spain, and Lord Colin Low, Vice President of the Royal National Institute of Blind People and Member of the House of Lords, examined exemplary aspects for which the respective legislations were selected for discussion, as well as their continued weaknesses. The clear result of the discussion was that for example injunctive reliefs should be introduced in the Austrian law. They do exist already in the British and American equality legislation and achieved considerable progress for the rights of persons with disabilities. In the afternoon, the eight selected policies were discussed intensively in parallel workshops. In addition to leading representatives from the implementing countries, prominent experts from Austria also took part, including Helene Jarmer MP, Disabity Rights Spokesperson of the Greens, Dr Franz-Josef Huainigg MP, Disabity Rights Spokesperson of the People’s Party, Dr Michael Landau, President of Caritas Vienna, Prof Dr Germain Weber, President of Lebenshilfe Austria, Albert Brandstätter, Director of Lebenshilfe Austria, Martin Schenk, Deputy Director of Diakonie Austria, Dr Erwin Buchinger, Disability Ombudsman, Dr Max Rubisch, disability policy expert of the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection, Hon Prof Dr Georg Kathrein, Director of the Civil Law Department of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Barbara Schwarz, responsible Member of the Provincial Government of Lower Austria, Franz Wolfmayr, President of EASPD, Bernadette Feuerstein, Board Member of Independent Living Austria, and many others.

The results from the perspective of the organisers

Due to the considerable number of participants and enormous resonance not only within, but also beyond, the community, the organisers consider their first goal of establishing a new and comprehensive platform of exchange and networking achieved. “We are proud to have established with the Zero Conference an important international forum for discussing exemplary solutions for the most important areas in disability policy such as inclusive education and independent living. The positive reception was revealed by the quality of the discussions, but particularly by the numerous parliamentarians and disability rights activists who joined us from all over Europe and abroad. Our common objective must now be the concrete implementation of these solutions in as many countries as possible”, states Ingrid Heindorf, Policy Officer for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the WorldFuture Council and co-author of the Zero Project Report. After this successful start, the main focus of the organisers will be on the project’s long-term development, in the scope of which its strengths will be expanded upon even further: “We are particularly delighted about the success of this innovative conference concept, which features exclusive discussions of exemplary solutions and their possibilities for implementation in order to learn from the best. As organisers, we received considerable encouragement from the conference participants and are already working on its continuation next year”, says Dr Michael Fembek, Programme Manager of the Essl Foundation and coauthor of the Zero Project Report.

The organisers
The Essl Foundation was established in March 2008. It has been endowed with adequate financial resources to ensure the long-term presentation of the annual Essl Social Prize and support of other social activities, to provide support to persons in need, and to raise public awareness about the need for such support. The World Future Council established by Jakob von Uexkull consists of 50 respected personalities from politics, the business world, civil society, science and culture from all five continents. In close collaboration with civil society groups, members of parliament, governments, businesses and international organisations, the WFC researches future just policies and legislation, and advises political decision-makers in their implementation. The WFC is currently active in the areas of Future Justice, Climate and Energy, Sustainable Ecosystems, Sustainable Economies, Just Societies as well as Peace and Disarmament. Bank Austria has been a member of UniCredit, one of the largest European bank groups, since 2005 and employs 10,900 people in 372 locations in Austria (including the subsidiaries of the UniCredit Group in Austria). In addition to sponsoring activities in the areas of culture, sustainability and sports, the bank’s social contribution is reflected in its involvement with disadvantaged persons. Further information Zero Conference Press Coordination Office Matthias Noë, Proscom
Telephone: +43 664 1059185
Fax: +43 1 2347580
Mail: matthias.noe@proscom.at

Speaking on behalf on the NDA on East Coast FM this morning Siobhan Barron said; there has been a change in attitudes towards all different kinds of disability across all settings”

East Coast FM

Deputy Simon Haris said; “People with disabilities are seen as people who get sent a social welfare cheque . . . it’s about more than spending Euros it is about attitudes, showing that we attach priority, people with disabilities are full citizens of this state”

The report showed that 38 percent of people said that children with disabilities should be in the mainstream school, 21 percent said they’d object if they were in the same class as their children.

The NDA report flagged a significant set back in attitudes to disability across the board with a 7 percent drop in the number of people who know people with disabilities.

So we’re asking you, our Kanchi followers to let us know what you think is behind this shift in attitudes?

The Irish Times

Professor Mary McCarron, dean of the faculty of health sciences in Trinity College Dublin and lead researcher in the report said that most of the 750 people with intellectual disabilities interviewed said they were happy with their lives, while more than 50% said they were sometimes lonely. The report says that ‘training people with intellectual disabilities in the safe use of Social Media could be one way of improving contact between family and friends’. The study found that more than three quartes of adults, over the age of 40 with intellectual disabilities had never used social media, like for instance Facebook, texting or email to contact family and friends and less than 60% used the telephone.
Carers for those with intellectual disabilities however, are cautious regarding the use of Social Media as they are aware of how easily vulnerability can be exposed.
What do you think – Could Social Media be useful for people with intellectual disabilities in improving contact and links with family and friends? Or would it leave them exposed and vulnerable to those who prey on those most vulnerable?

The conference aims to act as an “International Think Tank” to accelerate the implementation of the UN Convention and will focus heavily on extensive country comparison and identifies solutions in order to exert constructive international pressure in favour of accelerated implementation. It aims primarily at identifying positive examples as well as laws which have eliminated social, legal, economic, political and environmental barriers to the rights of persons with disabilities.

Prior to the Zero Conference Caroline Casey said; “The fact that this conference has been totally over subscribed, with participants from 35 countries, with multi stakeholders is testament to the approach it is taking – one based solely on solutions and ideas that work and can be replicated. Too often we focus on the problems and obstacles and not so much on the opportunities and successful practices. The 8 solutions being discussed today come from 7 countries and I believe are an exciting step towards an inclusive society.”

The Zero Conference is the Essl Foundation’s second long-term project (in addition to the annually awarded Essl Social Prize), The focus of the Zero Project website will be officially launched at the conference today, these include Good Practices and Good Policies identified in the report. As an interactive platform for persons with disabilities, NGOs, policymakers, research and business, the page will facilitate a variety of forms of participation.

The Zero Conference was organised at the initiative of the Essl Foundation in cooperation with the Hamburg-based foundation, the World Future Council, and its founder Jakob von Uexkull.

The venture was launched at the Heineken Cup game between London Irish and Cardiff Blues (Madejski Stadium, Reading) at the weekend. London Irish CEO, Andy Martin made a pitch-side presentation to Paralympics Ireland CEO, Liam Harbison and Beijing 800m Gold Medalist, Michael McKillop.

The partnership aims to raise awareness of Irish Paralympic Sport across London Irish’s supporter base and will involve the following types of initiatives:

• Match-day introductions to Irish Paralympic athletes
• Athlete profiles and interviews in matchday programmes and on the London Irish website
• Exchange of coaching, sports science and medical support
• Link ups between Irish Paralympic athletes and London Irish players

Commenting on the launch, London Irish CEO, Andy Martin said: “London Irish is immensely proud of and committed to its Irish roots and heritage and so we are delighted to be establishing this collaboration and supporting Paralympics Ireland. We hope to motivate supporters everywhere to get behind the athletes as they push for even greater honours. Both of our teams are highly successful in their respective fields and so we believe that there is much that we can learn from each other.”

Liam Harbison, Paralympics Ireland CEO, said “We were thrilled to announce this partnership in front of London Irish’s passionate support. The sharing of knowledge between two elite Irish sports organisations will greatly assist Ireland’s Paralympians push to excellence in 2012. We also hope our London-based supporters, like Irish people everywhere, will be inspired to join our journey to the Games.”

Beijing 2008 Paralympic Gold Medalist, Michael McKillop was delighted to be present at today’s announcement, commenting “It’s fantastic to have gotten such a great welcome in Reading. We are so proud to wear the green of Ireland and are grateful to London Irish for their incredible support. Their backing will help spur us to some exceptional performances this summer.”

Although the elements of the scheme are not changing, the revenue in the past has turned a “blind eye” to certain elements of the scheme, from January 1st 2012. Some of the proposed strict interpretations for individual’s members of the scheme include;

Disabled drivers can no longer participate in the scheme if they purchase vehicles in excess of 2000cc
Disabled drivers or passengers buying a second hand vehicle which has previously had its VRT reclaimed by a previous VRT/VAT relief scheme participant will now no longer be able to claim VRT back on this vehicle.

There is also a change to organisations that purchase accessible buses for use by people with disabilities, which include;
From the 1st January 2012 organisations that are primarily funded by the State, which includes the Irish Wheelchair Association, will no longer be eligible to claim:
- VAT and VRT exemptions when purchasing new buses.
- Exemption from road tax.
- Rebate in relation to duty on fuel.

If you would like to support the IWA’s lobbying efforts, please complete their online petition here http://www.iwa.ie/petition/#petition or for further information please contact the Revenue Commissioners at 1890 606 061 or the Irish Wheelchair Association at 045 893 094, 045 893 094 or email maats@iwa.ie

In 2012 we’re launching our Kanchi Ability Benchmark. We’re expanding our training and support services for our network members. We also plan to launch the Ability Awards in at least one more country in 2012.

To our staff, past present and future thank you.
To our network members thank you
To our sponsors thank you
To our Sounding Board thank you
To our directors and members thank you.
If you haven’t become part of our Kanchi movement yet don’t miss out
Best wishes for 2012

Happy Christmas from the Kanchi Team

At the end of the interview, she told Ryan Tubridy that she wanted to be a journalist. Having worked as a journalist for many years, I reckon she’s got the full package.

Here’s why.

She’s got brass neck. Having a disability, she’s used to fighting her corner and knows you can’t get what you want by sitting back. She’s not afraid to put herself forward and grasps every opportunity she’s had with both hands.

She’s not short of a word. Press a button and away she goes.

She clearly has a keen interest in the world around her.

And above all:

She’s fearless in her quest for the truth. She was able to pin down the leader of this country and was instrumental in persuading his Government to back down on their decision to stop disability payments for young people.

The world and the media in particular needs more people like that.

Carrie Webster said;” I have a mild form of Cerebral Palsy that affects my legs, and even though I am very mobile, I use crutches to walk with. My disability has never been an issue for me nor do I ever wish to be ‘normal’ as I have a very positive and a fun view towards my disability and never had an issue about using crutches.
I always wanted a pair of crutches that were not dull, grey NHS looking because for one, I don’t do ‘dull grey’ and secondly, when you have a physical disability and have to use a mobility aid(s) people do tend to make the assumption that if you are like this than it is a bad thing and that life is hard. Having a disability can be hard for some people for many reasons but for some people, like myself, it is no big deal. Some people wear glasses to see, I use crutches to walk with.
I always thought – even as growing up – how all mobility items and aids look so clinically dull and hospitalised that screams ‘DISABLED’. I think this reinforces the notion to many non-disabled people that if you are disabled you lead this ‘sad, lonely, grey, dull’ life.

And it got me thinking about my assistive technologies, for years I lugged around MASSIVE magnifiers – which did what they said on the tin – but my back was broken from carrying them around and they were big clunky sterile looking boxes not very Amie at all.

Eventually I upgraded to a Quick Look Zoom – which has been mistaken as a ‘travel-top’ (i.e. mini-laptop) or a GPS devise.
For years I had to carry over sized handbags, schoolbags etc so I could bring my eyes with me but now I can use any kind of fashionable handbag and just pop my eyes into it!
The Quick Look has a very simple look and feel – now I don’t look or feel different when I use my portable eyes I look like a techy when I take it out of y handbag to read menus or more importantly price tags when I’m doing the all important clothes shopping. It’s helped me be more independent in a discreet way –
I really think that by making assistive technologies, mobility aids and giving the option of pimping your wheelchair it is taking the negative frameworks around disability away and bringing the focus back on to the individual person and personality.
We express ourselves through our mannerisms, body language and clothes so why not do it through our assistive technologies and mobility aids?

There’s a massive market space out there just waiting to be filled. Theassistive technologies market is worth 3.3 billion in Europe alone! Not only is it a profitable venture with huge potential but it also contributes to the tremendous change that is happening around disability globally!
So if you could pimp any of your assistive technologies and or mobility aids what would you do? Or what would you like to see on the market that would make your life easier and bring life to your assistive aids by taking away the ‘dull grey?

Cool crutches was set up in 2005 after the founders had used NHS crutches and wanted to design crutches for comfort and style. According to its founders:
‘We decided to start Cool crutches to give those injured another option: no more sore hands, solid and robust, yet lightweight, silent, and NOT GREY! We understand how hard it is to have to walk on crutches, whether for a broken leg or a permanently disabling condition. Under-arm and NHS crutches give you sore hands click and make you look and feel disabled…..and they’re grey! We decided to start cool crutches to offer another option. Our crutches come in nine different colours: black, pink, purple, black and white spots, green, blue and white spots, leopard print, stone spots on cream and blue. They have a washable, removable neoprene squidgy grip which moulds to left and right hands and makes walking a lot more comfortable. They are a quality product, robust, solid and lightweight. Cool crutches are a full cuff crutch but the cuff can be removed to make an open arm cuff if preferred. We also offer a bespoke service for your own designs.’