DbI Review 35 - Deafblind International

C a m p a i g n sWorld Bank Meeting onDisability in Washington, USAMike Collins, our Past President and Larry Campbell, President of ICEVI were theretogether and want to share their joint impressions with DbI and ICEVI.General ImpressionsThe World Bank is definitelytaking the issue of includingpersons with disability intodevelopment programss e r i o u s l y. Judy Heumann andher “disability team” haveclearly had a positive impacton staff of the Bank. In hiskeynote address World BankPresident James Wo l f e n s o h napologized for their lateentrance in addressing thisissue but it was clear from hisapproach that this is not“window dressing” and theBank is taking it seriously. Mr.Wolfensohn seems keenlyaware that with an estimated600 million persons withdisabilities that it will bevirtually impossible to reachthe Millennium Develop Goalof “poverty alleviation” unlessthe Bank more effectivelyaddresses the needs ofpersons with disabilitieswithin ongoing developmentinitiatives. It is interesting tonote that Wolfensohn had aconnection with the disabilitycommunity long beforeassuming his post at theWorld Bank and he iscomfortable and conversantwith the issues andchallenges. He is also awonderful speaker.Session on InclusiveEducation:There has been a noticeablemoderation in the viewpointof many on inclusiveeducation. The President of“Inclusion International”,Diane Richtler, articulatedwhat we felt was a verysensitive and sensible positionthat made particular note ofthe special and unique needsthat deaf and blind learnershave that may requirealternative program modelsand more assistance fromtrained specialist teachers.She also specificallyreferenced deafblind studentsamong those sensoryimpaired people who havesuch special needs. We feltthis was a very encouragingsign that people are lookingbeyond philosophy to therealities of implementationand doing so in a morethoughtful way. We think theposition papers that ICEVIand WBU have developedalong with the work thatWBU and IFD have brought tothe table at IDA meetings isbeing heard and appreciated.ImplementationAll panelists seem to expressthe feeling that the mostsignificant challenges we nowMike CollinsLarry Campbell4 4 • DbI Review • JA N UA R Y – JU N E 2 0 0 5