Search # to go to Page Seach * to go to Sections ANNUAL REPORT 2021 The Foundation of Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (APCD Foundation) #Page 5 Foreword The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) is a regional center on disability and development center for people with disabilities that implements international commitments to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. APCD operates under the APCD Foundation supervised by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security working to develop capacity-building and empower people with disabilities in the Asia and Pacific region continuously for the past two decades. Throughout 2021, Thailand and countries around the world experienced and confronted threats from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks. It was not only a global pandemic and public health crisis, it severely affected APCD implementation of activities in the Asia-Pacific region. APCD undertook preventive measures against the coronavirus with Social Distancing and New Normal policy. APCD continued to promote the empowerment of people with disabilities through multi-stakeholder partnerships, including governmental agencies, private and business sectors, as well as local communities. It carried out activities both domestically and internationally via online platforms in training and providing guideline on “HAPI-IE GUIDEBOOK on PROMOTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES OF PERSONS WITH AUTISM, INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES AND PSYCHOSOCIAL DISABILITIES IN ASEAN COUNTRIES TO COPE DURING COVID-19” to keep and maintain their wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic for dissemination to people with disabilities. This annual report demonstrates the four objectives and missions of APCD Programs/projects, namely: 1) Community-Based Inclusive Development 2) Disability-Inclusive Business 3) Disability-Inclusive Sports and 4) Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction, as implementation of the above-mentioned international conventions and strategies. On behalf of APCD Foundation, I wish to thank you all for the strong partnership and continuous cooperation of allied agencies, partners and networks involved in the empowerment of people with disabilities to create an inclusive society in the Asia-Pacific region. #Page 6 The tenth year for implemented the Inchoen Strategy to ‘Make the Right real’ for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific 2013-2022 #Page 7 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #Page 8 BACKGROUND The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) is a regional center on disability and development in Asia and the Pacific. APCD was established in Bangkok by Thai cabinet resolution on 31th July 2001 as a legacy of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 1993-2002, with the joint collaboration of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS), the Royal Thai Government, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Government of Japan. APCD was endorsed by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) as a regional cooperative base for Biwako Millennium Framework for an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society for people with disabilities in the Asian and Pacific, 2003-2012. ESCAP also identified APCD as the regional center on disability and development for the Incheon Strategy to Make the Right Real, 2013-2022. APCD is currently managed by the Foundation of Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD Foundation) which was implemented under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn since 16th April 2007. The cabinet also approved APCD to be the under supervision of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) on 7th August 2007. During the past 21 years, APCD trained more than 7,000 persons with disabilities and stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region through different training courses. Furthermore, APCD has strongly committed to cooperate with more than 30 countries for the organizing of disability and development programs and activities. MISSION To build the capacities of persons with disabilities and Disabled People Organizations (DPOs) as ‘Agents of change’ especially focusing on Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) and Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) VISION An Inclusive, Barrier-Free and Rights-Based Society for persons with disabilities through the empowerment of persons with disabilities and disabled people’s organizations (DPOs) in the Asia-Pacific region. #Page 9 APCD commits to promote United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), Incheon Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific, and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). MAIN ACTIVITIES Capacity Building and Training Training and capacity building activities for persons with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and staff who are working with persons with disabilities is our main mission. We believe that persons with disabilities and relevant persons who were trained through the program of capacity development will be ‘Agent of Change’ in their community and society. Meanwhile, the effective trainings will empower persons with disabilities and stakeholders to have knowledge, skills, and positive attitude towards disability and community development. Networking Networking and collaborations is a significant mission of APCD. We believe that the key success factor to move disability and development programs is to create a win-win situation and to share resource among each other. APCD is the Secretariat of various networks in the region. It strengthens sustainable networking towards the future. Information, Knowledge Management and Publications Information Knowledge Management and Publications is one of our missions to ensure effective communication, codifying knowledge and experiences to share expertise through various channels, especially social media. #Page 10 Disability-Inclusive Business APCD also promotes Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) as a strategy in the sustainable development of quality of life of persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the concept of Inclusive Entrepreneurship (IE) is the next step to be implemented. 60+ Plus Skills Development Training Skills Development Trainings for Thai Persons with Disabilities on “Employability in Food Business” were implemented by APCD Foundation under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. The training courses aim to build capacity and raise full participation of persons with disabilities in the society. The program promotes self-esteem and sustainable jobs for persons with disabilities. APCD Foundation will open 60+ Plus Kitchen by Charoen Pokphand Group (CP). The Kitchen by CP aims to build capacity for persons with disabilities in the food and restaurant business. APCD currently operates 60+ Plus Bakery& Chocolate Café at APCD Office in Rajvithi Home for Girls area, and newly opened a branch at Government House of Thailand. The pride of our trainees with disabilities is to make delicious baked and chocolate goods to serve our customers with dedication in working toward acknowledgement and acceptance from society. • 60+Plus Bakery by Yamazaki 60+ Plus Bakery by Yamazaki was initiated by collaboration with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand, Embassy of Japan in Thailand, Thai-Yamazaki Co., Ltd., and APCD. The special of this Café is trainees with diverse disabilities participated in the capacity-building programs, bakery production and sales. It is to develop persons with disabilities skills and abilities in food business so-called sustainable employability and implement Sustainable Development Goal1, End poverty in all its forms everywhere. #Page 11 • 60+ Plus Chocolate by Mark Rin 60+ Plus Chocolatier by MarkRin is initiated by APCD in collaboration with MarkRin Chocolate Co., Ltd. The project aims to provide on-the-job training of person with disabilities in the food industry. Premium chocolate products made by persons with disabilities are from fragrant cacao beans grown by Thai farmers. • 60+ Plus Kitchen by CP APCD in collaboration with the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) implements Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) through 60+ Plus Kitchen. The Objective is to promote employment opportunities for persons with disabilities through capacity building and development of the Public-Private Partnership concept in the food business sector. Collaborations APCD collaborates with all partners and stakeholders who have mutual strategies, mission and vision. We focus on disability and development through various projects and activities in the context of Community based inclusive development (CBID), Disability Inclusive Sports (DIS), Disability Inclusive Business (DIB) and Disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR). #Page 12 Goal 1 Reduce poverty and enhance work and employment prospects CRPD Article 27: Work and Employment SDGs Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere Goal 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all #Page 13 APCD paid a courtesy call to Ms. Pornpith Phetchareon , Secretary-General, the Secretariat of the House of Representatives for greetings of new year 2021 and explored the possibility to open a 60+ Plus Bakery Cafe’ operated by perons with disabilities at the Thai House of Representatives on 7 January 2021, Bangkok, Thailand APCD broadcasted a live session on “Discussion on Process to Develop Disability Employment in USA” as a good practice for Thai partners and other stakeholders on 28 May 2021 #Page 14 Implementation of three-day (screening) workshop on “Skills Development Training for Thai Persons with Disabilities on Employability in Food Business”, APCD Training Building, Bangkok, Thailand from 24 – 26 March 2021 #Page 16 Collaboration between the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Royal Thai government and APCD on a mission to the Center for Empowerment and Vocational Training for Persons with Disabilities in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand April 1-3, 2021 #Page 18 APCD was invited to participate in Validation Workshop on the Situation Analysis for the Young Future Makers Thailand-Promoting Youth Employability Project 2021 – 2022 organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), Bangkok, Thailand on 30 March 2021 APCD attended Leonard Cheshire’s webinar on “Access to Employment (A2E)” on 8 September 2021 #Page 19 APCD conducted a training session on “How to apply for a self-employment loan scheme for persons with intellectual disabilities (ID)” under the Project “ESCAP/APCD Partnership Project on Protecting and Empowering Self-advocates with Intellectual Disabilities in Thailand in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic” on 9 October 2021 APCD attended “the 5th Meeting of ASEAN Network of Experts on Inclusive Entrepreneurship for ASEAN” on 30 November 2021 #Page 20 Visitors from Centra by Centara observed “Skills Development Training for Thai Persons with Disabilities on Employability in Food Business”, APCD Training Building, Bangkok, Thailand on 7 April 2021 #Page 21 President of Thai Yamazaki Co.,Ltd.and team visited APCD 60+ Plus Bakery and Café by Yamazaki project, hosted a lunch and gave some gifts with Santa for staff with disabilities of 60+ Plus Bakery and Chocolate Café by Yamazaki and MarkRin at APCD Headquarter. #Page 24 Goal 2 Promote participation in political processes and in decision-making CRPD Article 29: Participation in political and public life SDGs Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all leaves #Page 25 The 3rd CEP Workshop on recommendations and utilizing/practicing the Japanese manual in the ASEAN context on 29 April 2021 APCD attended the ASEAN Secretariat’s closing event for the project “Strengthening Organizational Structures for Gender Equality and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities at the ASEAN Secretariat” on 29 July 2021 #Page 27 On 5 November 2021, 60+ Plus Bakery&Chocolate Café by Yamazaki and Markrin project have a outdoor kiosk and display at “Coffee Craft Thailand” event at the ICON SIAM Department store #Page 28 Goal 3 Enhance access to the physical environment, public transportation, knowledge, information and communication CRPD Article 9: Accessibility SDGs Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation #Page 29 APCD representatives attended “Autism-Inclusive Tourism in the National Autism Consciousness Week” organized by Autism Society of Philippines (ASP) on 21 January 2021 APCD In-House Capacity Development Training on Introductory Facilitation Skills, 25 February 2021 at APCD, Bangkok, Thailand #Page 30 Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand media team interviewed APCD Executive Director and team on promoting Inclusive Education for Maldivian Professionals on June 9, 2021, APCD, Bangkok Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, the APCD Networking & Collaboration Chief and Ms. Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, the APCD Logistics Officer were invited as APCD representative to be a guest speaker at a Japanese students’ virtual class on 3 December 2021 #Page 31 APCD participated in the “Online Workshop on Promoting an Inclusive Workplace for Persons with Disabilities in Thailand” hosted by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Thailand in collaboration with Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Royal Thai government Special E-news: The Ten versions of HAPI-IE Guidebooks on friendly home workouts during the lockdown situation are available now! #Page 33 On 28 December 2021, Thai AirAsia executive team led by Ms.Witchunee Kuntapeng, the Head of Guest Service, and Mr.Krid Pattanasan, Head of Government Relations collaborated with the Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) having a class on “Understanding passengers with disabilities” at the Air Asia Academy, Bangkok, Thailand. The training class was conducted by Ms. Nongnuch Maytarjittipun, Executive Secretary to the Executive Director & Information & Knowledge Management Manager of the Asia Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) at the Air Asia Academy, Bangkok, Thailand. It was expected for a better Staff Training - Transport staff (frontline and managerial) should have a greater understanding of the needs of people with disabilities and their legal rights and therefore provide better assistance #Page 34 APCD 60+ Plus Bakery and Chocolate Café at Rajvithi Branch project, a APCD Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) project was recorded to broadcast on the TV Program “Aroi Lert Kub Khun Reed” ( TV Program named “Most delicious around Thailand”), Bangkok, Thailand on 8 April 2021 #Page 35 On 26 November 2021, Khon La Mai Khon La Mue media program, visited to promote APCD activities #Page 36 On 3 December 2021, APCD celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) with the theme “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world #Page 37 On 17 December 2021, Ms. Rapeepan Luangaramrut (Khun Reed) led her TV crews to support APCD 60+ Plus Kitchen by CP project and record APCD 60+ Plus Kitchen by CP project, a APCD Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) project “Khon Thai Mai Thor” TV program film APCD 60+ Plus Bakery and Chocolate Cafe project, an APCD Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) project by interviewing Mr. Piroon Laismit (APCD Executive Director) #Page 38 Mr. Theerapat Prayurasiddhi and Mr. Piroon Laismit were interviewed by Mr. Phanumas Suk-Umphorn, the TV host of Rak Moeng Thai Program at the APCD 60+ Plus Bakery and Chocolate Cafe at the Government House #Page 39 “Kon Thai Taei Rom Rachan” TV program filmed APCD 60+ Plus Bakery and Chocolate Café by Yamazaki and MarkRin at Government House project, a APCD Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) on 21 December 2021 Season’s Greetings & Happy New Year 2022, Mr.Masami Akiyama (President of THAI YAMAZAKI CO., LTD.) and team extended the best wishes to Mr. Piroon Laismit (APCD Executive Director) #Page 40 Goal 4 Strengthen social protection CRPD Article 28: Adequate standard of living and social protection SDGs Goal 1: End poverty in all its forms everywhere Goal 9: Reduce inequality within and among countries #Page 41 Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), the Ministry of SocialDevelopment and Human Security, Royal Thai government organized a workshop on chocolate making for persons with disabilities in collaboration with APCD and relevant associations at the APCD Training Building, Bangkok, on 10 February 2021 #Page 42 Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, the APCD Networking & Collaboration Officer participated in an online JICA Training “Social Participation and Livelihood of Persons with Disabilities through a Community-Based Inclusive Approach (B)” Implemented by Empowerment Okinawa Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, the APCD Networking & Collaboration Officer presented Action Plan and attended Closing Ceremony in an online JICA Training “Social Participation and Livelihood of Persons with Disabilities through a Community-Based Inclusive Approach (B)” #Page 43 APCD held an online training session for Thai self-advocates with intellectual disability and their families on the “Triangle Collaboration Strategy” under the Project “ESCAP/APCD Partnership Project on Protecting and Empowering Self-advocates with Intellectual Disabilities in Thailand in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic” on 13 November 2021 APCD conducted in-house training on “A Dialogue among APCD Staff about their direct COVID-19 infection experiences” on 29 October 2021, at the APCD Administrative Building, Bangkok, Thailand, and via Zoom platform.Pandemic” on 13 November 2021 #Page 44 Goal 5 Expand early intervention and education of children with disabilities CRPD Article 7: Children with Disabilities SDGs Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunies for all #Page 45 The online training course on “Capacity Building on Inclusive Education for Maldivian Professionals at the Department of Inclusive Education (IED) and Teachers at Key Schools (Malé and Atolls) Project”, 1 – 3 March 2021 APCD staff was selected to participate in JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) of Promotion of Social Participation of Persons with Disabilities through Sports 2021 via online platform from 29 March - 14 May 2021 in Thailand #Page 46 The second workshop on Demonstration Physical Activities under the project : “Empowering Parents Groups of Children with Special Needs to cope during COVID-19” project of JICA/APCD Community Empowerment Program (CEP), on-site at APCD training building, and other Zoom stations in other ASEAN countries and Japan on 8 April 2021 The 2nd online training course on “Capacity Building on Inclusive Education for Maldivian Teachers and Parents of Students with Special Needs” on 17-19 May and 24-25 May 2021 #Page 47 APCD took part in a discussion about model guidelines on promoting of job preparedness for students with disabilities organized by Faculty of Education, Chulalongkorn University on 14 July 2021 Arts workshop facilitated by H.E. Mr. Poldej Worachat, Ex-Ambassador of Thailand to Sri Lanka, APCD Training Center, Bangkok, Thailand on 9 April 2021 #Page 48 Certificate presentation of APCD 60+ Plus project on “Skills Development Training for Thai Persons with Disabilities on Employability in Hospitality Business” on 27 September 2021 Certificate presentation of APCD 60+ Plus project on “Skills Development Training for Thai Persons with Disabilities on Employability in Food Business” on 28 September 2021 #Page 49 Certificate presentation of APCD 60+ Plus project on “Skills Development Training for Thai Persons with Disabilities on Employability in Chocolate and Beverage Business” on 30 September 2021 #Page 50 Goal 6 Ensure gender equality & women’s empowerment CRPD Article 5: Equality and non-discrimination Article 6: Woman and disabilities SDGs Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls #Page 51 Ms. Supaanong Panyasirimongkol, APCD Networking & Collaboration as APCD representative delivered her voice in the World Food Programme (WFP)’s Disability Inclusion Video Campaign on 20 May 2021, Bangkok, Thailand APCD contributed ideas to the Asia-Pacific Action Plan Listening Session organized by UN Women-Focused Organizations on 9 November 2021 #Page 52 Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD) Thailand through Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security in collaboration with Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) organized “Workshop on Strengthening Self-help Group of Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN+3 Countries”. It is one of the activities under Development of ASEAN+3 Network for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Project. It is a carried-over activity led by Thailand from the previous SOMSWD workplan into the Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD) Work Plan 2021-2025. The Participants are encouraged to learn and share experiences on Self-help Groups of persons with disabilities from 10 countries on the writing project proposal, formulation of an action plan, and how to get access to funding resources and available mechanisms at the regional and international level to support persons with disabilities on 29 July 2021 #Page 53 APCD launched a special 60-day program on “Skills Development Training for Thais with Disabilities: Employability in the Food Business 2021” on 1 October 2021 #Page 54 Center for Empowerment and Vocational Development for Persons with Disabilities, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Royal Thai government visited APCD and exchange knowledge and good practices in Disability-Inclusive Business (DIB) on 1 December 2021 #Page 56 Goal 7 Ensure disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction and management CRPD Article 11: Situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies SDGs Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss #Page 57 ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) and APCD joined the Meeting on Programme for Sharing Session on ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme organized by the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) on 2 June 2021 Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, APCD Networking & Collaboration Chief, as APCD representative participated in the interview session to generate a short film clip to promote the Third Country Training Program (TCTP) on Promoting Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction in ASEAN Region, organized by the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) on 12 October 2021 #Page 58 Goal 8 Improve the reliability and comparability of disability data CRPD Article 31: Statistics and data collection SDGs Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the clobal partnership for sustainable development #Page 59 The first workshop on Current Situation of Physical Activities under the Project “Empowering Parents Groups of Children with Special Needs to cope during COVID-19” of JICA/APCD Community Empowerment Program (CEP), at APCD administrative building and other Zoom stations on 25 March 2021 #Page 60 Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director participated in an online Board meeting of Thailand Research Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Foundation (TRIP) on 1 July 2021 APCD attended the “General Assembly of the National Network of Persons with Disabilities of Thailand”, organized by Chula Unisearch, Chulalongkorn University under the assignment of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on 20 September 2021 #Page 61 Mr. Watcharapol Chuengcharoen, APCD Networking & Collaboration Chief, as APCD representative participated in a study on lifelong social protection for persons with disabilities in Thailand organized by TRIP on 27 December 2021 #Page 62 Goal 9 Accelerate the ratification and implementation of the Convetion on the Rights of Person with Disabilities and harmonization of national regislation with the Convention CRPD Article 32: International cooperation Article 33: National implementation and monitoring SDGs Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels #Page 63 APCD attended a meeting of the sub-committee members on promoting and implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Thailand, hosted by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on 24 June 2021 Mr. Somchai Rungsilp, Community Development Department Manager, as APCD representative participated in the 2nd meeting on ‘Subcommittee Members on Promoting and Implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in Thailand’, hosted by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities #Page 64 Goal 10 Advance subregional, regional and interregional cooperation CRPD Article 32: International cooperation SDGs Goal 17: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development #Page 65 APCD conducted a Workshop on Handover Tasks of ASEAN Autism Network Secretariat from APCD to London School Centre for Autism Awareness (LSCAA) on 20 January 2021 A visit of the representatives from Embassy of Japan in Thailand in charge of Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), and Japanese Chamber of Commerce (JCC) of Thailand to APCD on 23 February 2021, Bangkok, Thailand #Page 66 ASEAN Autism Network (AAN) by Yayasan Autisma Indonesia (YAI) and AAN Secretariat facilitated mask donations from AHA Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia on 10 March 2021 Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director was invited to be a speaker at a week event of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) organized by the Association of Parents of Thai Persons with Autism (AU Thai), Bangkok, Thailand 31 March to 2 April 2021 #Page 67 APCD hosted an in-house training session on Disability benefits and welfare system in Australia on 16 July 2021 APCD virtual internship certificate presentation on 25 August 2021 #Page 68 APCD organized and facilitated a knowledge exchange between Cape Fear Group Homes and Vocational Services, Inc. in the USA and the Association for the Mentally Ill in Thailand on 31 August 2021 APCD participated in a virtual CBR/CBID Regional Dialogue in Asia organized by the Community-based Rehabilitation (CBR) Global Network in cooperation with the CBR Asia-Pacific (AP) Network on 28 October 2021 #Page 69 The JICA staff and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) paid a visit to APCD in Bangkok, Thailand on 29 November 2021 Representative from JICA visited APCD, seeing APCD activities on 13 December 2021 #Page 70 APCD issued an intervention to the ESCAP Working Group 2021 on 8-9 December 2021 Mr. Piroon Laismit, Executive Director of APCD, presented a token of appreciation for the New Year greetings for 2022 to Mr. Morita Takahiro, Chief Representative, JICA Thailand Office at the Westin Grande Sukhumvit, 16 December 2021, Bangkok, Thailand #Page 71 APCD presented at the UN ESCAP-organized “Regional Forum on Advancing Disability-Inclusive Development” on 3rd December 2021 Visitation of Deputy Secretary General of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a new Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) to APCD, Bangkok, Thailand on 31 March 2021 #Page 72 Mr. Piroon Laismit, APCD Executive Director led APCD team paid an online courtesy call on Mr. Yang Xin, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of The People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand, gave information about Disability Development, 9 July 2021 #Page 73 Mr. MORITA Takahiro, the Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Thailand, presented “the 17th JICA President Award 2021” on behalf of JICA Headquarter in Japan, to Dr. Tej Bunnag, the President of the APCD on 12 January 2022 #Page 74 Visitors Representatives from Chitralada School paid a courtesy call on the APCD Executive Director for greetings for New Year 2021 at APCD, Bangkok, Thailand on 7 January 2021 Courtesy call of the representatives from Embassy of Japan in Thailand in charge of Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), and Japanese Chamber of Commerce (JCC) of Thailand to APCD on 23 February 2021, Bangkok, Thailand #Page 75 Visitors from Centra by Centara observed “Skills Development Training for Thai Persons with Disabilities on Employability in Food Business”, APCD Training Building, Bangkok, Thailand on 7 April 2021 Visitation of new Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) to APCD, Bangkok, Thailand on 31 March 2021 #Page 76 H.E. Mr. Tumur Amarsanaa, Mongolia’s Ambassador to Thailand, paid a visit to APCD on 11 October 2021, Bangkok, Thailand The JICA staff and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCVs) paid a visit to APCD in Bangkok, Thailand on 29 November 2021 #Page 77 On 15 December 2021, Mr. Piroon Laismit (APCD Executive Director) presented an appreciation on the New Year greetings 2022 to Mrs. Jatuporn Rojanapanich, Director-General Department of Children and Youth Season’s Greetings & Happy New Year 2022, Mr.Masami Akiyama (President of THAI YAMAZAKI CO., LTD.) and team extended the best wishes to Mr. Piroon Laismit (APCD Executive Director) #Page 78 Implementation of APCD on Disability and Development Program to Cope with COVID-19 In the fiscal year 2020 to 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic has been still active until today, APCD implemented several significant activities to promote empowering persons with disabilities and inclusive society. The following activities were proactive actions of APCD to cope with COVID-19 in 2021; 1. Promoting Physical Activities of Persons with Autism, Intellectual Disabilities and Psychosocial Disabilities in ASEAN Countries to Cope during COVID-19. The project on “Promoting Physical Activities of Persons with Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, and Psychosocial Disabilities in ASEAN Countries to Cope during COVID-19” was successfully implemented Community Empowerment Program (CEP) of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).  JICA, University of Tsukuba, and APCD considered that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many children with disabilities are in an unhealthy situation both physically and mentally. We planned to produce the Guidebook for encouraging physical exercise. The Guidebook is a tool to encourage participation from children with disabilities, especially children with Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, and Psychosocial Disabilities, and their family members by utilizing a virtual platform. According to the online discussion project evaluation and google form submission, parents and children with disabilities enjoyed and considered the project was very interesting and useful, especially in the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project was implemented for six months, beginning on January 15, 2021, and concluding on July 20th, 2021. The online need assessment survey, an interview session with three online workshops were conducted. Then outputs and key suggestions from mentioned workshops were developed as Guidebook.  Ten versions of the Guidebook on Physical Activities at Home for Children with Disabilities have been published into national languages of ASEAN countries, English and Japanese as a significant outcome. Each country facilitator edited all ten designed versions. This Guidebook comprises illustrations and a QR code that leads to a video. It is simple to apply at home. There will be downloadable guidelines. The published Guidebooks in ASEAN target languages and Japanese, as well as English, were disseminated to the target groups.  #Page 79 The beginning of the year 2022, there was a meeting in scale-up and extension of the project among key partners of the project. There will be a possibility to share the project concept as good practice to cope during COVID-19 and disseminate the Guidebooks to wider networks and stakeholders for children with disabilities and their families in the Asia-Pacific region. 2. Workshop on Strengthening Self-help Group of Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN+3 countries “Workshop on Strengthening Self-help Group of Persons with Disabilities in ASEAN+3 countries” was organized by Senior Official Meeting for Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD) Thailand, and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) in collaboration with APCD. The Workshop was conducted on 19-20 August 2021. There were more than 40 participants from organizations/groups working on disability and development in ASEAN, the representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and related key development partners.  The workshop objectives were to promote mainstreaming disability issues and to identify proactive roles of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to cope with COVID-19. The key outcomes were strengthening networking and collaboration among participants, resource persons, development partners, ASEAN Secretariat, and organizers. Furthermore, the situation and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the pro-active roles of SHGs and OPDs to cope and support the community were identified. APCD is pleased to serve this workshop as a facilitating agency and was entrusted with preparing a summary report (English and Thai Version) for DEP. 3. ESCAP-APCD Partnership Project on “Protecting and Empowering Persons with Disabilities in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic”. APCD implemented the ESCAP-APCD partnership project titled “Protecting and Empowering Persons with Disabilities in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic”. Thai self-advocate with intellectual disability, their families, and their supporters have been empowered by the project.  APCD believes in the ‘Triangle Collaboration Strategy” which is the strategy to promote the rights of persons with Intellectual Disability through the strong collaboration among self-advocate with Intellectual Disability, their families, and supporters.  #Page 80 Two in-person training courses in Buriram Province were planned to conduct in July and November 2021. However, they were postponed to a period of the beginning of 2022 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  APCD conducted regular online monthly meetings to equip participants with the required fundamental skills for mental and physical health, food security, and self-sufficiency program. The topic on “Government Loaning Scheme for Persons with Disabilities in Provincial Level” was shared by the staff of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS). In recent, with consideration of the pandemic of COVID-19, APCD decided to organize two separate training courses for Bangkok Group (Dao Reung) and ChiangMai Group (Healing Family Foundation) in April and May 2022. The venue for the meeting will be the neighboring provinces of Bangkok and Chiang Mai. We are confident that the outcomes of the project could share with other countries in the Asia-Pacific region how to live with health and quality of life during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. 4. Website on sharing on the information of COVID-19 COVID-19 is a disaster for humanity around the world with a huge effect on all health, social, cultural, and economic aspects. To overcome and cope effectively, we need to harmonize working and living together on global, national, community, family, and individual levels. APCD has included a new section on our website to share useful information on COVID-19. We intended to disseminate good practices for families and communities to effectively cope and respond and to build up resilience. This implementation has been started in the middle of April 2020 when the COVID-19 was widely outbreak around the world. As our main beneficiaries are persons with disabilities, their families, and communities, the focus is on a disabilities-inclusive approach and community-based inclusive initiatives. We also believe there are many good practices in many countries and communities which could share their lessons learned which will be of benefit and knowledge creation for other areas and countries. We shared good practices and lessons learned on our website.  #Page 81 5. Support on Enhancing Networks as Network’s Secretariat  From the beginning of 2020 until now, during the Covid-19 outbreak, APCD still actively supports the different networks in different roles as following updated information: 5.1 ASEAN Autism Network (AAN):  APCD handed over the Secretariat role to the London School Centre for Autism Awareness (LSCAA) in December 2020. Now, the Chairmanship of AAN belongs to the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM). APCD is playing the role of supporter to the Secretariat and Chairperson for monthly online Executive Committee meetings. Moreover, after AAN Executive Committee considered and found the difficulty in handling situations of people with Autism and their families in Myanmar regarding political conflict and COVID-19 severe outbreak, they agreed to support the Autism community in Myanmar. The fundraising initiation to support the Myanmar Autism Community is in line with the concept of “Leaving No One Behind” and “Inclusive Society for All”.  APCD has coordinated the Network members to actively attend the project on “Promoting Physical Activities of Persons with Autism, Intellectual Disabilities and Psychosocial Disabilities in ASEAN Countries to Cope during COVID-19”. The organizer of this program is JICA, the University of Tsukuba, and APCD. 5.2 Community-based Inclusive Development (CBID) Asia-Pacific (AP) Network   The Government of Cambodia will host the 5th Asia-Pacific Community-Based Inclusive Development Congress in March 2023 at Phnom Penh, Cambodia, APCD handed over the Secretariat roles to the Disability Action Council (DAC), Government of Cambodia. APCD actively supports the Government of Cambodia, the International Organizing Committee (IOC), and the National Organizing Committee (NOC) of the preparatory process on organizing the mentioned Congress. Another function of the Network is the informal working group was initiated and conducts the regular monthly online meeting. #Page 82 5.3 United Intellectual Disability Mekong Sub-Region Network (Mekong ID Network) As Secretariat, APCD has coordinated the Network members to attend these key activities; 1.Workshop on “Strengthening Self-Help Groups of People with Disabilities in ASEAN+3 countries from August 19–20, 2021”, organized by the Senior Official Meeting for Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD) Thailand, and Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEP), Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) in collaboration with APCD. 2.Promotion of Physical Activities of Persons with Autism, Intellectual Disability and Psychosocial Disability in ASEAN Countries to Cope during COVID-19. The organizer of this program is JICA, the University of Tsukuba, and APCD. 5.4 The Asia-Pacific Federation of the Hard of Hearing and Deafened (APFHD) APCD supported final report preparation, relevant documents, and other necessary preparations according to their requests on organizing the Biannual General Meeting (BGM). It was expected to be conducted when the COVID-19 is controllable. Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability 255 Rajvithi Rd., Rajthevi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand Tel: +66-(0)-2354-7505 | Fax: +66-(0)-2354-7507 Email: info@apcdfoundation.org Website: www.apcdfoundation.org