INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS DISCUSS SUCCESSES AND OBSTACLES FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILI

[Guest guest]

INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS DISCUSS SUCCESSES AND OBSTACLES FOR CHILDREN WITH

DISABILITIES

Everything from stigma to statistics…experts hash it out in Voices Report

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Doha, Qatar, The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development

(DIIFSD) would like to announce the completion of Project CHILD Voices from

Around the World Special Report. In 2009 the DIIFSD, in partnership with the

Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) at Texas A & M University, initiated an

international study on the status of children with disabilities and their

families entitled Children and the International Landscape of Disabilities

(Project CHILD). Findings from the study were recently presented at the United

Nations Headquarters in New York (May 2010).

Over the course of Project CHILD, 102 disability experts were interviewed in 57

countries whose combined populations represent 71 percent of the world's people.

One of the most striking discoveries was that when talking about children with

disabilities and their families, there are more similarities than differences.

'This report, while documenting positive, transformational change, also reveals

that children with disabilities around the world, especially those in developing

countries, face significant barriers with respect to social inclusion, education

and access to medical care.' said Hissa Al Thani, Special Rapporteur on

Disability to the United Nations (2003-2009).

DIIFSD anticipates that Project CHILD will increase understanding regarding the

effects of disability on children and their families; provide helpful

information regarding available assistance and resources; encourage increased

cooperative action by local, regional and international stakeholders; and spur

much-needed action. This report can be accessed at

http://fsd.org.qa/doha/home/projectchild.asp and the findings are scheduled to

be presented to the United Nations Headquarters in New York on May 18th, 2010.

The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development, established

in 2005, serves as a global center for providing academic research,

interdisciplinary studies, and policy initiatives in support, development, and

implementation of family-friendly policies and programs around the world. The

Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) at Texas A & M University serves as a key

collaborative partner of the Doha International Institute for Family Studies and

Development (DIIFSD). The PPRI is a social problem research institute, focusing

on critical societal issues such as education, health, and the welfare of

families and children.

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If you would like more information about this report, or to schedule an

interview, please call Dr. at 979-845-8800 or email

projectchild@....

PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Texas A & M University

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