Transcending medical limitations - People with disabilities

UN Chronicle, March-May, 2003 by Roma Rana

According to United Nations figures, approximately 10 per cent of the world population suffers from .one or some form of disability. Eighty-five per cent of those people are concentrated in developing countries that are fighting poverty, war and disease. To enhance social development throughout the world so that all men and women, especially those living in poverty and with disability, may exercise their full rights, an analysis of the situation of disabled persons has to be carved out within the context of the different levels of economic and social development and of different cultures.

However, the ultimate responsibility for providing support to the disabled and realizing their potentials rests with the Government. It is essential that all nations include in their general development plans immediate measures for the prevention of disability, the rehabilitation of disabled persons and the equalization of opportunities. As President Gustavo Noboa of Ecuador puts it:

"Every nation has the responsibility to ensure the enjoyment of human rights by all individuals, and in particular by the most vulnerable--those with disabilities. Every State must provide all the necessary conditions for an inclusive society to become a reality, with equal opportunities for everyone."

Ecuador was the recipient of the sixth Annual Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) International Disability Award, given on 19 September 2002 at a United Nations ceremony presided by Ambassador William J. Vanden Heuvel, Co-chair of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute (FERI). Co-chair Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (pictured below with the President of Ecuador) and Christopher Reeve (in wheelchair, with Mr. and Mrs. Noboa), Vice-Chairman of the National Organization on Disability (NOD), were among those presenting the Award, which comprises the Jo Davidson's sculpture of FDR, and a significant monetary gift to an outstanding private sector programme that serves disabled people in the recipient country that is being recognized.

President Roosevelt was able to transcend the physical limitations of polio to become one of the twentieth century's greatest leaders. As his granddaughter Anna Eleanor said: "FDR was not great despite his disability, he was great because of his disability." The Institute was set up to preserve President Roosevelt's spirit and vision, while sewing the people with disabilities.

The World Committee on Disability, together with FERI, established the FDR Award. Following a rigorous application process, it recognizes one nation that has demonstrated, through programmes and legislation, exceptional commitment to the goal of "full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in the life of their societies"--a central tenet of the UN World Programme for Action.

The Government of Ecuador named FASINARM--Foundation for the Psycho-Pedagogic Assistance for Children, Adolescents and Adults with Mental Retardation--the recipient of the $50,000 cash prize. A non-profit organization founded in 1966 in response to the educational needs of children with mental retardation, FASINARM offers direct services that include early intervention, basic education and vocational training to more than 200 students, and assists thousands of people around the country. It has also been involved in various other ground-breaking initiatives, such as the Therapeutic Pedagogy, public awareness programmes-"Human Quality Campaign"- and in distributing educational curriculum for the disabled.

Ecuador has placed equal opportunities for people with disabilities at the forefront of its national agenda. This Latin American nation of 12.5 million people has over the past few decades consistently focused attention on its disabled population, estimated at over 1.6 million. By hosting the Ninth Iberian-American Seminar on Disabilities and Information, which focused on educating the press on disability issues, Ecuador proved its commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities internationally.

The interest of the United Nations, the commitment of Governments and non-governmental organizations like the NOD are a source of hope to the 600 million men, women and children fighting disabilities all over the world. In announcing his gift of 1,000 wheelchairs to the needy in Ecuador, Kenneth E. Behring, founder of the Wheelchair Foundation, said: 'Offering a wheelchair is a beacon of new hope, of freedom and dignity for those suffering from disabilities but lacking the funds to afford it." The Foundation has donated over 200,000 wheelchairs in the past few years.