The Canadian Network on Disability and Development:
The CNDD is a group of Canadian based NGOs (including international NGOs with Canadian operations) and academics involved with international development programs for persons with disabilities. We have committed to work together to increase the profile of disability issues within other organizations and the government of Canada.
The Canadian Network on Disability and Development:
- Links Canadian disability organizations, Canadian Development NGOs, researchers and policy analysts concerned with disability and development issues.
- Enables members to share knowledge and build partnerships to advance awareness and initiatives for inclusive development.
- Engages governments in
- exploring disability and development issues;
- designing and implementing Canadian development policy, programs and initiatives that advance the inclusion and human rights of people with disabilities in ways consistent with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Organization of the Network
Co-chairs: Co-chairs are Members of the Network who are selected by the Network to facilitate the work of the group for 2 calendar years. The selection of co-chairs will be staggered to ensure consistency in leadership. The co-chairs will be responsible for overseeing the work of the Coordinator.
Members: Members of the CNDD will have access to information produced by the Network and can participate in Committee meetings and the Annual Planning Meeting. Members will have the opportunity to be fully involved in the operations of the Network including: input into positions taken by the Network and final decisions made by the Network, a role in the guidance of the Network and the ability to represent the Network.
Associate Members: Associate members of the CNDD will have access to information produced by the Network and can participate in Committee meetings and the Annual Planning Meeting.
Committees: Committees are comprised of both Members and Associate Members whose responsibilities are to facilitate the work of the Network as discussed by the Network as a whole. Committees are set up to specifically facilitate the objectives and/or goals of the Network and thus do not remain static.
How to Join the Canadian Network on Disability and Development
Those interested in joining the Canadian Network on Disability and Development have the option of doing so as either a Member or an Associate Member. Interested organizations or individuals may contact the Network at info@cndd.ca for more information or to join.
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Definition
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Criteria
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Members
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- Have input into positions taken by the Network
- Have input into final decisions made by the Network
- Have a role in the guidance of the Network
- Have the ability to represent the Network
- Contribute to shared knowledge and materials
- Have the ability to opt out of Network positions (when the Network takes a position each member will be given input into the Networks decisions and with sufficient time the ability to opt out of these positions)
- Have the ability to nominate and elect leadership representatives as co-chairs
- Have the member’s name listed on fact sheets and the CNDD website as a member of the Network
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- Individual and organization members will be expected to participate in Network meetings either in person, by phone or other available means of communication; members who miss 3 consecutive meetings (approximately 6 months of time) will be assumed to be Associate Members
- Members must participate on at least one of the Network committees
The CNDD has the ability to use a members name as a member of the Network unless they have informed the network ahead of time
- Members are responsible for looking over the position documents created by the Network
- Participation in the Annual Planning Meeting
- Members agreeing to becoming involved in the Network will present this at a Network meeting which will be recognized in the meetings minutes
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Associate Members
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- The ability to participate on committees
- The ability to observe at Network Meetings
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- Individuals and organizations that support the objectives of the Network will be accepted as Associate Members
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All Members
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- Will have the ability to post notices on the website and through the list serve
- Will have the ability to attend and fully participate in the Annual Planning Meeting
- Receive notices on the list serve
- Receive meeting advisories and meeting minute
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- Must pay member dues should the Network decide dues are required for the Network (no dues are currently applicable)
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Background on Canada and the Millennium Development Goals
Canada’s International Policy Statement – “A Role of Pride and Influence in the World: Development” is described as “an ambitious but achievable plan for enhancing Canada’s role in the fight against global poverty” . This statement underscores and confirms Poverty Reduction as the over-arching goal of Canada’s Official Development Assistance.
One of the specific goals for Canada’s development cooperation policy and programs as stated in Canada’s International Policy Statement - Development 2005 is to: Deliver visible, durable impact on the world’s key development challenges as identified in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
In 2000, member countries of the United Nations (UN) adopted the United Nations Millennium Declaration. In order to achieve this Declaration, eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were outlined. The World Bank has stated that “The Millennium Development Goals, a commitment for the international community to expand the vision of development, cannot be achieved without taking into consideration the needs of people with disabilities”
Inclusive Development
Communities and governments have felt little or no responsibility to deal with the challenges faced by people with disabilities and their families. Therefore disability is rarely seen as a matter of public policy or duty. In the majority of cases in developing countries, when services for people with disabilities do exist, they are funded by a small segment of the NGO donor community.
In order to ensure that progress is made towards the attainment of the MDGs, people with disabilities must be included and actively participate in a consortium of organizations in Canada who can advise and speak to international issues related to disability.
Background on Poverty and People with Disabilities
“Disability is both a cause and consequence of poverty. Eliminating world poverty is unlikely to be achieved unless the rights and needs of people with disabilities are taken into account.” Over the years people with disabilities have received short shrift as potential beneficiaries of development assistance. Impairments have hampered their access, and that is further compounded by widespread negative attitudes toward people with disabilities.
According to the United Nations, about 10% of the world’s population have a disability, and in addition, the World Bank estimates that one fifth of the world’s poorest people have a disability . Not only do people with disabilities experience disproportionately high rates of poverty, but being poor increases the likelihood of disability. Those living in chronic poverty often have limited access to land, healthcare, nutritious food, shelter, education and employment. Furthermore people in chronic poverty often live and work in hazardous conditions. All these factors can predispose to disability.
As many as half of the impairments experienced by people with disabilities are preventable, and are directly linked to poverty . Poverty limits the chances for people to lead full lives and to improve their lives: very few people with disabilities have access to rehabilitation and appropriate basic services . Poverty in a community also makes the implementation of the most basic services difficult, and the fulfillment of fundamental and basic human rights such as the right to life, food, education, and health care, a distant dream.
The members of the Canadian Network on Disability and Development have compiled an extensive report on the relationship between poverty and disability with particular emphasis on the need to incorporate disability into the MDGs. This document was presented by the Network to the Canadian International Development Agency in order to clearly illustrate the need to ensure that persons with disabilities are integrated into projects and policies to achieve the MDGs. To read the CNDD ‘Disability and Development’ paper, please visit our website at www.cndd.ca or contact us at info@cndd.ca.