Case stories on capacity development and sustainable results

6 Capacity: ResultsFind out morePlease contact Megushi NishimuraSocial Security Division,Human Development Department, JICAEmail: hmtss@jica.go.jpPhone: 03-5226-8332Web: www.jica.go.jpof people with disabilities, and more committedto addressing such needs.Today APCD has the reputation and recognitionof being an international organizationand regional hub for supporting capacitiesto promote barrier-free socieites.Support to the capacitydevelopment processNational investmentsThe work in the Philippines has influencedboth the central government andlocal authorities to become more sensitiveand respondent to the needs of peoplewith disabilities. For example, the Departmentof Public Works and Highwaysprepared a checklist with which to evaluatethe accessibility of its facilities. Uponrequest by the APCD’s training participants,the Department held an advisorymeeting that included private companiesoperating public transport systems toconsider options for improving accessibilityto primary, middle, and high schools,as well as universities. A special budgetallocation to support the implementationof the identified options was agreed.In Thailand, the Nonthanburi city hallhas recognised the capacity and dynamismof the Nonthaburi IndependentLiving Center, whose goal of changingthe conventional wisdom about peoplewith disabilities is underpinned by clearplans and programmes, by supportingthe center financially (providing fundingfor 100,000 baht). The Nonthaburi IndependentLiving center has advocatedthe rights of people with disabilities andpromoted improved accessibility of socioeconomicinfrastructure. A member ofthe Independent Living Center, a personwith disabilities, ran for election, providinga role model of social participation.The Chonburi Independent Living Centercalled for a non-handicapping environmentwhen the City of Pattaya hosted aninternational game for disabled persons.The initiative resulted in an increased accessibilityof public spaces for people withdisabilities.Development partners’ supportThe Asia-Pacific Development Center onDisability was established with the collaborationof the governments of Thailand andJapan, in connection with the Asia PacificDecade of Disabled Persons (1993-2002).The Center was endorsed by the UnitedNations Economic and Social Commissionof Asia and the Pacific as a regional cooperativebase for the Decade. with the supportof Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA) In line with the principle of trilateralcooperation, the Center has signed agreementswith over 30 government agenciesresponsible for issues related to disability,along with some 200 associate organizations.