This is a report by CFPA of Min. of Gender and Family on the “Forum on Disability” held on 29th July 2008 in which I was invited as a Parent of a child with a disAbility. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Min. of Gender and Family and their consultant, Ms Joanna Champion for the Invitation and giving an opportunity to voice out how a parent feels in having a child with a disAbility, especially with the heads of ministries present. I would also like to thank Minister of Gender and Family, Aishath Mohamed Didi for mentioning about Yafaau’s website on her speech.

Introduction

During a consultancy for the CFPA, the consultant undertook a research visit to Haa Alif and Haa Dhaal and produced a report on the visits and consultations with parents.  Alongside this work, the consultant had been working with a number of Ministries to produce a final version of the action plan.  A cross-ministerial Forum on Disability was held on the 29th July to present the findings from the research visit and adopt the final action plan for children with disabilities 2008-2013.

Key Objectives of the Forum

1. To get the action plan for children with disabilities 2008-2013 adopted and the implementation process underway (Activity 3 in consultants ToR)
2. To get statements of commitment from each ministry on the specific actions they will prioritize and budget for in 2009. (Activity 4 in consultants ToR)
3. To inform ministries of the situation of children with disabilities on the islands recently visited (Activity 5 in consultants ToR)
4. To agree membership of an action plan implementation group that will share information and start implementation of the action plan (Activity 7 in consultants ToR)

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