LDPA Beginnings:
The LDPA grew out of a self-help group initiated by a small group of disabled people in 1990.
In July 2001, the LDPA gained non-governmental status. Adopting by-laws to ensure that it would carry out its activities independently yet in accordance with provisions set out in Lao legislation.
In late 2001, The Programme to Advance the cause of Disability Rights and Education in the Lao PDR was developed as the LDPA strategic plan.
The strategic plan was originally produced in cooperation with COPE. However, in May 2005 POWER International took over the administration of the project and signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
The new MoU and strategic plan set out a disability-rights education and training programme.
It aims to strengthen civil society from a rights based approach to show how Lao disabled people can become integral partners rights based development for Lao PDR.
The Lao Disabled People’s Association as advocates of change ensures that society develops an awareness of PWD rights and obligations under both International and Lao Law.
In January 2006, the LDPA moved to its current premises in Thong Khang village, Vientiane.
Strategic Plan
The strategic plan aims to achieve these goals through 4 related activities.
Table 1.0. Activities of the LDPA
- Disability rights Training and Capacity building
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- Civic Empowerment and Disability Rights Education
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- Developing and Advocating a Law for Disable People
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Beneficiaries
The beneficiaries are the 2,000 members of LDPA. Operating in 7 provinces in 86 cells.
International Developments and LDPA
Parallel to LDPAs development there has been substantial international momentum created by the development of international instruments on the rights of disabled people.
Members of LDPA have participated in the drafting of both the Biwako Millennium Framework, The Bangkok Reccommendations and the current International Draft Convention on the rights of Disabled People.
Participating in the conferences has greatly assisted the development of Lao Disabled People.
In 1995 the Lao PDR became a signatory to the ESCAP proclamation on the Full Participation of PWD in the Asian pacific Region. As part of this development the Lao Government set up the National Commission of Disabled Persons (NCDP) with a mandate to build the capacity of Disabled People’s Organizations and to implement the then draft Biwako Millennium Framework (BMF).
In 2002 the BMF was adopted by UN ESCAP member states to provide instructional support for nations to develop disability rights strategies. It provides guidance on the mainstreaming of disability with several other universal instruments, notably: The UN Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Disabled Persons, the UN Millennium Development Goals and the International Convention on the rights of Disabled People.
Specific focus has also come from the World Bank and DfiD on the inclusion of Disabled People in developing inclusive policies for developing countries. The synergy from these activities has been greater participation of DP in Lao society and promoted dialogue with Ministries, and International Non-government organizations.