BANGKOK, Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Blind
Union (WBU) and International Council for Education of People with
Visual Impairment (ICEVI) have successfully concluded its Joint
General Assembly in Bangkok with
commitments from around the world to drive toward a happy society
dedicated to coexistence. With more than 120 participating
countries, the assembly produced hundred research reports and
showcased a number of innovations to promote better living and
independence. These works will help to improve the quality of life
of blind people around the world.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121120/HK16641 )
On this occasion, Thailand
announced its readiness to serve as a prototype for answering
strategic questions from the blind worldwide under the
"TAB-Telephony Daisy: 1414". The project was designed to
create access to knowledge and career building for the blind. Among
the careers being promoted is Thai Massage. France, South
Africa, Malaysia,
Mongolia, Laos, Congo,
Senegul and Burundi have responded
to the projects.
The World Blind Union 8th General Assembly (WBU GA) and the
International Council for Education of People with Visual
Impairment General Assembly (ICEVI GA) have seen progress in terms
of their strategy to develop the quality of life of the blind in
four areas: the right to read, access to technology, employment and
education for all. To Make Rights Real for Persons with
Disabilities, as well, the collaboration is aimed at promoting the
passage and enforcement of laws for the blind.
Senator Monthian Buntan, a member of the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
committee and chairman of the WBU-ICEVI 2012 organizing
committee, announced at the assembly: "Thailand is the first country to offer
concrete help that comprehensively responds to the demands of blind
people via two prototype projects: "TAB-Telephony Daisy:
1414" and the Thai Massage. Currently, many countries
are interested in participating."
The TAB-Telephony Daisy: 1414 was initiated by Thailand
Association of the Blind. After seven years of study and research,
the association has been able to create a knowledge base that
integrates a call center for news and information with an online
audio library. Now it is ready to share its experience with other
countries. Those that have responded to the project include
Malaysia, Mongolia, Laos, France
and countries from southern Africa.
"Meanwhile, career building is the most common problem among the
blind worldwide, directly affecting their quality of life because
sighted people lack confidence in the potential of blind people,"
Mr. Monthian said. "In this regard, Thai Massage serves
perfectly as the beginning of a career building strategy for the
blind to earn their own living."
"The Thailand Association of the Blind is now ready to offer
support with free accommodation for as long as four months. We are
confident that once trained, blind people from foreign countries
will be able to go back home and start their own careers."
Participants in WBU-ICEVI 2012 also showed their support
at the assemblies, stating that Thai massage represents
local knowledge that blind people will be able to practice to
become skillful. "It is a potential career that the blind worldwide
can use to earn their living," Mr. Monthian added. "Member
countries that responded to this project include those from
southern Africa, Congo, Senegal and Burundi."
For more information, please contact Public Relations,
Miss Vorapa +66-81-310-4755
Or follow our movements via
www.wbu-icevi2012.org
SOURCE Thailand Association of the Blind