UN agency UNESCO has launched ‘Story for Development’, a writing project for people with disability. It invites them to share their stories in order to identify and explore the enabling factors and facilitators those with disability from around the world that empowered and supported them in their efforts to achieve this.
This project is intended to demonstrate to governments, decision-makers and key stakeholders that people with disabilities from all age groups and backgrounds can be, and are empowered, to act as active agents and contributing members to the creation of wealth in our societies.
The online platform aims to mainstream a shift of perspective on disability issues, showing that removing barriers to participation can enable persons with disabilities to achieve their potential and contribute to development. The collection of stories will constitute an essential set of case studies and data from persons with disabilities to develop informed policies and encourage community action. The platform has a forum tool and promotes the creation of an online community of collaboration identifying common barriers and facilitators for inclusion.
UNESCO has identified different ‘categories of achievements’ including education, laws, policies, institutions, accessible communication, healthcare, rehabilitative services, advocacy, etc., to gather statistical information for the consideration of the relevant policymakers.
To participate visit: https://story4development.org/our-stories
UNESCO is also calling for nominations for the 2020/2021 Emir Jaber al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah prize for ‘Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.’
The aim of the prize is to reward the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations that have promoted inclusion and the enhancement of the lives of people with disability in society through the effective, innovative and inclusive application of digital solutions, including an immediate response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
For details go to: https://en.unesco.org/news/call-nominations-2020-2021-unescoemir-jaber-al-ahmad-al-jaber-al-sabah-prize-digital
For more information contact: ict-pwd@unesco.org .