PHM-Exch> International Workshop Report - Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and CBR

[Sunil Deepak]

Dear all,

In November 2012, an international workshop was organized on “Persons with intellectual disabilities and CBR”, during the Global community-based rehabilitation (CBR) Congress held in Agra (India). Around 90 persons from 26 countries took part in the workshop including persons with disabilities, representatives of DPOs & parents' organisations, Government representatives, NGO persons, CBR managers and community level persons.

Persons with intellectual disabilities face multiple barriers starting with prejudice, stigma and exclusion. They also face barriers to access to primary health care services and more specialized services. Their families and care givers also face exclusion and poverty. Even among health professionals there is lack of knowledge as well as misconceptions about intellectual disabilities.

If among children, intellectual disabilities are linked with genetic issues and lack of access to maternal care, through lack of iodine and road traffic accidents, intellectual disabilities increasingly affect adults. Elderly persons with problems like senile dementia and Alzheimer is a growing group of persons with intellectual disabilities who require support at community levels.

This workshop focused on four areas - health, education, livelihood and social participation and empowerment.

The workshop report and presentations made during the workshop can also be downloaded from the following page on AIFO website:
http://www.aifo.it/english/disability/documents/cbr_id_workshop/index.htm  

With warm regards,

Sunil


Dr. Sunil Deepak
Head, Scientific Department
AIFO
Via Borselli 4-6
40135 Bologna
Italy
Tel. +39051-4393.219
Fax +3051-434.046
Email: sunil.deepak at aifo.it 
Webpage: www.aifo.it/english/