Dear all,
this news has been forwarded to you by DPI/AP.
Hannah Laubenthal
(Information Support)
Contents:
1. The G3ict Digital Accessibility World Report
2. U.N. SUMMIT IN JUNE TO ASSESS GLOBAL CRISIS 3. Kind reminder: AEGIS first pan European User Forum and Workshop 4&5 June 2009
4. Please comment on the draft National Health Bill, 2009
5. "Call for Proposals: UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women"
6. BBC Ouch! Newsletter - 09 April 2009
7. New Publication
8. New US Director of HHS Office on Disability is a Wheelchair User
From: Frank Mulcahy [mailto:fmulcahy@iol.ie]
Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 4:27 PM
Subject: The G3ict Digital Accessibility World Report
Frank Mulcahy
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Published monthly by G3ict, a Flagship Advocacy Initiative of the
United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN-GAID)
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| | April 2009
VISIT G3ict.org • Subscribe |
 The past few weeks have been fertile in new developments for digital accessibility: the new U.S. administration has taken a strong stance in favor of initiatives in support of persons with disabilities. It also re-affirmed its commitment to sign and ratify the Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Meanwhile, Germany ratified the Convention without any reservation. The 50 countries which have ratified the Convention so far represent more than 2/3 of the world's population. Since 139 countries have signed the CRPD, 89 are potentially in the process of ratifying it.
Those developments are most welcome for e-Accessibility since the Convention offers a comprehensive framework for policy makers to develop policies and programs in partnership with industry and civil society which G3ict presented at CSUN in Los Angeles in March. Looking ahead: Three G3ict Initiatives in the Making
G3ict and DPI To Launch the Digital Accessibility and Inclusion Index for Persons with Disabilities
This month, G3ict is pleased to announce its partnership with Disabled People's International (DPI) to collect data for the Index around the world. The Index will measure the degree to which the 50 ratifying countries are implementing the e-Accessibility agenda of the Convention. It will also provide policy makers, civil society and advocates with practical benchmarks regarding most commonly implemented digital accessibility features and programs. Read the communiqué with comments from John Kemp, Chair of the G3ict Research Committee and Mary Ennis, Executive Director of DPI.
Progress Update on Joint ITU/G3ict e-Accessibility Toolkit for Policy Makers  Dónal Rice
NDA/CEUD, NUI-Galway
Toolkit Editorial Coordinator
Interpreting the dispositions of the Convention and identifying technical, regulatory and standardization references is a complex task. The e-Accessibility Toolkit for Policy Makers, currently developed by G3ict in cooperation with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is designed to simplify the work of the many stakeholders seeking proven digital accessibility solutions. Consult the detailed table of contents of the Toolkit. An ambitious undertaking, the ITU-G3ict Toolkit is making good progress with eight chapters out of 10 completed. Our sincere appreciation goes to our Faculty members from around the world who are contributing their time and efforts to this very important endeavor. Our next step is to proceed with a final review process: each chapter, sub-chapter and section is reviewed by three independent reviewers from Industry, Disabled Persons Organizations and Academia. We expect to go live with the Toolkit web site early May 2009, just in time for its official release at ICTA 2009 in Hammamet, Tunisia.
G3ict Employment Task Force Kicked-off at CSUN
One important mandate of the Convention and a common priority among developed and developing nations is to ensure the equal access to employment for persons with disabilities. This objective has significant implications for the accessibility of information and communication technologies equipments, applications and systems in the work environment as well as for assistive technologies used to ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided.. As the number of ratifying countries increases, exploring and promoting best practices can help all stakeholders involved to better understand what is actually possible and what should be expected in the context of the dispositions of the Convention. Debra Ruh, Founder and CEO of TecAccess, has kindly agreed to steer the G3ict Employment Task Force. Debra convened the kick-off meeting for the Task Force at CSUN in Los Angeles which was the occasion to listen to several testimonies on recent evolutions and to brainstorm on the best ways to promote the agenda of technology and employment. The group reviewed the main components of a white paper which Debra Ruh and her team will help develop and which will be published later this year by G3ict. Special thanks to our colleagues Cynthia Waddell (ICDRI), John Kemp (PPVV), Loren Mikola (Microsoft), Bill Curtis-Davidson (IBM), My Luu (IBM), Michelle Talluto (IBM), Tom Wlodkowski (AOL) and Caesar Eghtesadi (AFB Consulting).
G3ict welcomes TecAccess as a Corporate Sponsor 2009!
In the News
Keep abreast of the latest headlines on ICT and accessibility: Global Digital Accessibility Agenda
CALENDAR | Publications and Reports
G3ict Digital Accessibility Country Self-Assessment Framework Released
The G3ict Self-Assessment Framework is the first comprehensive tool made available to policy makers to evaluate their country's compliance with the many dispositions of the Convention in matters of ICT accessibility. Developed by the G3ict Research Committee, it is designed to facilitate consensus building among governments and multiple stakeholders seeking to identify priorities at national level.
Info Bits
 Pics of the Month
UNIC Moscow Advocates for Russia's Early Ratification of the Convention
Alexander Gorelik, Director of UNIC Moscow, reports on the recent press-briefing on e-Accessibility and Disability.
On Tuesday, 17 March, the UN Information Centre (UNIC) Moscow, jointly with the Resident-Coordinator's Office in Russia, held a press-briefing on Internet and E-accessibility in the framework of our continued effort to promote the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and advocate for its early ratification by Russia.
The meeting, held at Headquarters of the third in importance local news agency, RIA Novosti, was dedicated to the entry into force of a new state standard specification (ГОСТ) intended to make the Russian part of Internet (Rusnet) more accessible for visually impaired people. Our expert panel consisted of Irina Zadirako, member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, Anatoly Popko, leading expert of REHACOMP (Institution of Professional Rehabilitation and Personnel Training of All-Russian Association of the Blind), Urvan Parfentiev, systems analyst of the Regional Non-Governmental Centre for Internet Technologies, Dmitry Satin, director of the UsabilityLab Company, Dirk Hebecker, Senior Human Rights Adviser, Office of OHCHR in the RF. (more) 
On the Move As of March, 139 states around the world have signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; 50 states have ratified it, with the latest additions of Germany and Uruguay. Find detailed information and lists of disability organizations, with contact information, for each of the signatory states, as well as basic ICT factors. Past Events & Proceedings
2008-2009 |
| ABOUT G3ict
G3ict -The Global Initiative for Inclusive ICTs, is a flagship advocacy initative of the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development (UN-GAID). Initiated by the Wireless Internet Institute, G3ict is a 501(c)(3) not for profit corporation dedicated to facilitate the implementation around the world of the Digital Accessibility Agenda defined by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. |
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From: travel-impact-newswire-bounces@mishari-hosting.net [mailto:travel-impact-newswire-bounces@mishari-hosting.net] On Behalf Of Travel Impact Newswire
Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2009 2:40 PM
To: travel-impact-newswire@mishari-hosting.net
Subject: U.N. SUMMIT IN JUNE TO ASSESS GLOBAL CRISIS
786 110
TRAVEL IMPACT NEWSWIRE – Edition 16 (2009) – Wednesday, 08 April 2009
29 Years of Distinction in Travel Journalism.
Launched in August 1998, Travel Impact Newswire provides unmatched, thought-provoking coverage of big-picture issues and trends that impact global travel & tourism. Executive Editor: Imtiaz Muqbil.
In this dispatch:
1. U.N. CONFERENCE TO ASSESS GLOBAL FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC CRISIS - A global conference "at the highest level" is to be held from 1 to 3 June to assess the crisis that has devastated the world economy. The conference is designed to "search for solutions that take into account the interests of all nations, the rich and the poor, the large and the small."
2. "CRISIS WAS TRIGGERED BY IRRESPONSIBLE AND EXCESSIVE HIGH-RISK LENDING" – An exclusive commentary and analysis of the recent G-20 summit by Mr K. C. Sodhia, ex-Financial Advisor and Additional Secy, Ministry of Industry, Govt. of India.
3. U.S. GOVERNMENT SPENT 37.3 CENTS OF EVERY 2008 FEDERAL TAX DOLLAR ON MILITARY - According to an analysis by the National Priorities Project (NPP), of each 2008 income tax dollar, the U.S. federal government disbursed 37.3 cents on military-related spending, while environment, energy and science-related projects split 2.8 cents.
4. WORLD BANK LOWERS REMITTANCES FORECAST FOR 2009 -- World Bank researchers predict remittances will fall more than originally expected this year—from $305 billion last year to closer to $290 billion in 2009.
5. TAT ROADSHOW BREAKS INTO SECONDARY INDIAN CITIES -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand last month held its first marketing roadshow in two of India 's key secondary cities, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh , as part of a strategy to diversify the sources of its visitor arrivals beyond the main Indian gateways.
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A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS - TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND
THAILAND'S UNIQUE ROYAL PROJECTS: His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej and members of Thailand's royal family have set up numerous village-based community development projects nationwide which are now open for small-scale tourism. They provide unique insights into the King's concept of a "sufficiency economy" and are models of alternative economic development. The Pang Kha, Royal Project Development Center, is located Phayao Province , North Thailand, on the border with Laos . Located at 640 m ASL over an area of 56 sq kms with waterways and hilly topography, the centre is known for its 500-acre orchard of the lychee, one of the most famous Thai fruits. Visitors are welcome to observe the Hmong and Yao hill-tribes' way of life, experience the Sipsong Panna hill-tribe handicraft village, watch the printing of cloth, creating silverware, producing reed organs, making medical herbs and lacing cloth souvenirs. They can also visit the Hill-tribe Life and Culture Center and Museum, established by the Thai Lue people to promote their handicrafts, arts and culture, and conduct vocational training. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of flowers such as gerberas, roses, and in-season vegetables at the Center, go on long treks, enjoy bird-watching and get an update on the local flora and fauna. The centre also provides accommodation, tents, and sleeping bags. For further information, pls contact the Station manager Mr. Seree Phakpon, Tel: 054-401023 or Ms. Kannikar Kunha, Tourist officer Mobile : 085-7201499 or the Public Relations office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand <prdiv3@tat.or.th> or any TAT office worldwide.
For further information about visiting Amazing Thailand , Amazing Value, visit http://www.tourismthailand.org/
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To SUBSCRIBE, please hit the "reply" button and request inclusion on the mailing list, providing email address, company name and title. Readers with a CHANGED EMAIL ADDRESS who wish to continue receiving Newswire, please let me know the new address. Pls inform us immediately if you are GETTING MORE THAN ONE DISPATCH. If your Internet provider filters incoming e-mail, please add imtiaz@travel-impact-newswire.com to your list of approved senders to ensure uninterrupted delivery of these dispatches.
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HOW TO RESTORE THE BALANCE, FROM A UNIQUE ASIAN PERSPECTIVE
"The travel & tourism buzzword of the 21st century will be the search for balance." That forecast by Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor, Travel Impact Newswire, in the monthly strategic intelligence publication of the Pacific Asia Travel Association in February 1999, is proving spot-on as the word "balance" resonates across all industry sectors today. Industry conferences seeking a speaker who can offer some unique historical hindsight, unconventional foresight and thought-provoking insight on the past, present and future of the Asia Pacific travel & tourism industry can contact Imtiaz Muqbil at imtiaz@travel-impact-newswire.com. For further details, pls click: http://www.asiaspeakersagency.com/speakersSpeaker.php?mid=2&speakerID=30
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1. U.N. CONFERENCE TO ASSESS GLOBAL FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC CRISIS
NEW YORK, 7 April (Office of the U.N. General Assembly President)-- A global conference "at the highest level" is to be held from 1 to 3 June to assess the crisis that has devastated the world economy, General Assembly President Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann announced today. After the General Assembly adopted the resolution by consensus on modalities for the summit-level conference, President d'Escoto said: "There is widespread consensus among world leaders that the current crisis has its roots in ethical failure. We now have the opportunity and the responsibility to search for solutions that take into account the interests of all nations, the rich and the poor, the large and the small. This is the mission of the G-192 [all United Nations Member States] amongst the international processes searching for solutions."
The resolution calls for Member States to agree on a concise outcome document, based on a draft to be prepared by Mr. d'Escoto through an open, transparent and inclusive process led by Member States. Mr. d'Escoto has visited and plans to visit a number of countries to build support for participation at the Head of State level. The "Group of 77" developing countries and China have already pledged full participation in the conference. The conference will address the impact of the global financial and economic crisis on development, as well as the ongoing international discussion on reforming and strengthening the international financial and economic system and architecture.
President d'Escoto expects to circulate a draft outcome text for negotiation early in May. A commission of experts appointed by President d'Escoto and chaired by Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz is providing recommendations on international financial structures and practices as part of broad-based inputs into the preparations for the conference.
The next major venue for discussion at the U.N. of the economic crisis and financial system reform and the implication for living standards worldwide, comes on 27 April, when the Economic and Social Council hosts executive board members from the Bretton Woods institutions (the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank) together with the Director General of the World Trade Organisation and the Secretary General of the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Economic and Social Council meeting is expected to provide inputs into the preparatory process for the June meeting.
Jorge Valero (Venezuela), speaking after the Assembly adopted the resolution, explained that the "Group of 77" developing countries and China were responsible for proposing the idea for such a conference, first broached at the Doha Conference on Financing for Development in November 2008. But, even earlier, Venezuela had tabled a resolution at the General Assembly called "the global economic and financial crisis and its consequences" (document A/63/L.22), co-sponsored by 33 countries.
Welcoming the Assembly's approval of the conference's modalities, Mr. Valero listed several topics that the Venezuelan Government thought worthy of consideration. Among them was the suggestion that the international community develop regional monetary reserves based on a system of regional special drawing rights. Another suggestion was that it eliminate the dollar reserve, which he said would prevent the United States "Empire" from "financing its deficits through the issuance of new dollar bills".
Camillo Gonsalves ( Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ), one of two co-facilitators for the conference preparatory process, said he and co-facilitator Frank Majoor ( Netherlands ) had pledged to conduct the preparations in "full regard" of the provision that the process be led by Member States and result in an outcome to be agreed by Member States. "We consider the resolution to be a carefully calibrated and balanced document, designed to engender the support of all Member States. No single paragraph should be read in isolation, because such an approach would detract from the totality of the good-faith compromises and concessions made by all Member States to date," he stressed.
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2. "CRISIS WAS TRIGGERED BY IRRESPONSIBLE AND EXCESSIVE HIGH-RISK LENDING"
Commentary and analysis of the recent G-20 summit by Mr K. C. Sodhia, Ex - Financial Advisor and Additional Secy, Ministry of Industry, Govt. of India
Before analyzing and evaluating G-20 conclusions and decisions, it seems worthwhile to capitulate the seriousness of the global economic and financial crisis and its potential to accelerate it. The recession has already percolated and seriously affected vital economic organs, such as :
- International trade is likely to go down by 9 %.
- ILO estimates loss of 30-50 million jobs. Unemployment exceeds 8% in US, Europe, Russia and Brazil ; those employed are deeply concerned about job security, mortgage repayments and future pensions.
- Japan 's economy is horrifying. Central European countries are teetering. Tension, unrest and riots are rampant even in countries like China .
- GDP growth is negative in most counties, particularly developed ones. Only a few emerging economies have escaped the onslaught for the time being.
- Protectionism is being increasingly resorted to cut imports. 17 of the G-20 countries have already broken free trade provisions.
- Durable goods orders are down, retail sales are plummeting, credit crunch is excruciating;
- Toxic mortgages are estimated at $1-2 trillion. The extent to which bank assets are similarly affected is not precisely known. It may vary between $2-3 trillion and banks are reluctant to write off huge losses to protect credibility.
The poor and developing countries are yet to feel the full impact of depression, shrinking revenues, paucity of resources to meet challenges, deficit financing, foreign investment drought, severe credit crunch and consequent reduced availability of trade finance and looming clouds of protectionism.
A global crisis requires global solutions. G-20 has rightly pledged to restore confidence, growth and jobs; repair the financial system to restore credit liquidity; strengthen financial regulation to rebuild trust; provide additional financing to IMF; overcome the crisis and prevent future ones; promote global trade and investment and frown upon protectionism; and build an inclusive' green and sustainable recovery.
The only concrete and tangible decision is to bolster IMF's muscle by another $1.1 trillion to support restoration of credit, growth and jobs globally. This is expected to boost national stimuli measures. The amount committed is about $5 trillion mostly by U.S. and other developed countries. More pledges were expected but denied. IMF has also been asked to sell gold reserves to increase resource availability. The moot point is whether the resources will be sufficient. Developing countries are generally wary of IMF terms and conditions and the time-lag. The IMF has to visibly demonstrate its readiness to moderate the terms and act fast on requests.
It is worth recalling that the crisis was triggered by irresponsible and excessive high-risk lending by U.S. financial institutions and untenable delay by the government in plugging holes. The globalised economy is an amalgam of a few economic giants and numerous pygmies, big and small. Globalisation is untamed, leaving fetters to be put on voluntarily; the supervision and oversight measures have pools of hedge, equity and pension funds outside its purview; The Wall Street financial giants and wizards have an off-the-table parallel stock market, huge and un-policed. The Federal Bank and other supervisory bodies have gravely failed in discharge of their responsibilities. G-20 has shied away in pinpointing these pot-holes and desisted from suggesting measures to tame such activities. One has to wait and watch what and how quickly the U.S. Govt. does to refine, control and supervise these toxic activities.
G-20 has rightly focused attention to tax havens being brought to book, obliging them to follow universally accepted transparent investment and banking rules denying big and powerful tax dodgers avenues to evade taxes. I fervently hope this includes doing away with the cloak of secrecy on such polluted accounts in Switzerland and other tax havens. Banking and all other allied transactions have to be visible and transparent globally.
The earmarking of $250 billion for trade finance support may turn out too meagre keeping in view the fact that finance accounts for 90% of the total $15.3 trillion of industrial and trade finance. The flow is getting increasingly dented affecting industrial output and services sector. The crunch will be more pronounced once it percolates down to the developing world.
Globalisation is a marriage between severe unequals, particularly so in economic and financial might. The system has globalised too quickly and regulation and oversight has not kept pace and the whole world pays a high price for irresponsible transactions, excessive risk-taking and indiscretions. The current crisis is a good example. Revamping regulatory mechanism is a mighty task and this is true of the rating system as well. A common code globally applicable needs to be devised.
Banks and financial institutions need to raise fresh equity to maintain and/or bolster capital adequacy ratios to take care of piles of toxic assets. Private sector cooperation and support has to be enlisted in sale of such assets either through joint ventures with governments or on their own. Cash-rich corporates, funds and individuals who have held back their productive use due to erosion in confidence have to join the rescue operation.
Export Credit Insurance needs a boost to partially take care of collapsing export trade finance. Lavish pay, allowances and bonus to corporate executives has caused distress and discontent in U.S.A.; bonus, in particular, should be related to the unit as a whole and profitability and avoidance of risk factors; it should be payable over 3 years subject to reduction if profit margin is adversely affected; retention and severance bonuses and based on discounted profit should be frowned upon. Stock market regulatory bodies must be entrusted with oversight responsibility.
I am genuinely worried about the susceptibility of the poorer economies and the rapidly increasing stress and strain being inflicted on them. They are severely handicapped due to paucity of resources to stimulate economies and cushion the downfall. They need to be especially vigilant about the following factors:
- reduced fiscal revenues and urgent need to block leakages and tapping every available avenue..
- revenue and long-gestation capital expenditure be cut to the bone.
- free bites to people to stimulate demand be eschewed. Instead, infrastructure development and productive investment be taken up to promote employment too.
- deficit financing should be strictly controlled to fight inflation.
- private foreign investment being at a low ebb, indigenous investment should be promoted with fiscal and other concessions. Cash withheld for lack of confidence by quite a few corporates and individuals needs to be enticed to productive channels.
- unified campaign should be lodged to unearth unaccounted deposits in foreign banks now protected by secrecy laws. G-20 has given the lead to be pursued with strength and vigour.
-supervisory watchdog statutory bodies must be made to act vigorously and diligently to enable governments to take corrective measures forthwith.
CONCLUSIONS
The G-20 decisions, except the one relative to boosting IMF resources, are direct indications of the need to strengthen existing and/or devising new national or global supervisory and overseeing mechanisms to correct irregularities and infirmities that led to the current crisis and avoid a future recurrence. The follow-up is primarily the responsibility of developed countries. How far they are sincere, honest and quick in devising, augmenting and forcefully implementing in letter and in spirit, the contemplated measures has to be watched carefully with open eyes. I apprehend dragging of feet by some countries and diluting the spirit.
Not only G-20 but all countries have to be vigilant and persevering. If not, the optimistic scenario of a 4% increase in world output by end of next year is unlikely to be attained. It is worth recalling that a much lesser crisis in Japan in 1990s took as long as 4-5 years and 9% of its GDP to return to even keel. The world, more so the poor developing and under developed countries, can ill-afford to wait for that long and at that high cost.
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3. U.S. GOVERNMENT SPENT 37.3 CENTS OF EVERY 2008 FEDERAL TAX DOLLAR ON MILITARY; ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND SCIENCE SPLIT 2.8 CENTS
NORTHAMPTON, MA – As taxes come due on April 15, taxpayers can take stock of how the federal government spent each 2008 income tax dollar: 37.3 cents went towards military-related spending, while environment, energy and science-related projects split 2.8 cents, according to a new analysis released by National Priorities Project (NPP). In its annual release, Where Do Your Tax Dollars Go?, NPP offers a breakdown of how the federal government spent the median income family's 2008 tax payments in each state and 200 cities.
According to National Priorities Project, 37.3 cents for military-related spending breaks down as follows: 29.4 cents for current military and war spending coupled with 7.9 cents for military-related debt. At 3.8 cents of each dollar, veterans' benefits receive similar proportions of a federal tax dollar as housing and community programs and food-related programs.
"The first page of our tax publication offers a look at Bush-era spending. The second page – focused on the environment, energy and science – looks forward to promising Obama administration shifts," notes Jo Comerford, Executive Director of National Priorities Project. "Funding for the environment, energy and science decreased relative to budget spending as a whole during the Bush presidency, while President Obama's February overview of his first budget indicates these priorities are likely to change."
Comerford continues, "Secretary Gates has begun ringing in 'the new day for defense spending' heralded by President Obama by cutting Cold War weapons systems, putting others on hold for further review and promising greater budget oversight. Yet, the total U.S. military budget continues to exceed $600 billion annually, making it imperative that we take a closer look at Pentagon spending in the months ahead – especially now as Congress and the Obama administration begin preparing for the Quadrennial Defense Review."
National Priorities Project is the leading source for the cost of the Iraq War, offering breakdowns of the cost by state, city and congressional district. Spring 2009 releases include a calculation of war costs for Afghanistan and Iraq and associated trade-offs based on analyses of the $75.5 billion FY2009 war supplemental and the $130 billion allocated for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars allocated in the FY2010 defense budget. Visit www.nationalpriorities.org for more information.
The National Priorities Project (NPP) is a 501(c)(3) research organization that analyzes and clarifies federal data so that people can understand and influence how their tax dollars are spent. Located in Northampton , MA , since 1983, NPP focuses on the impact of federal spending and other policies at the national, state, congressional district and local levels. For more information, go to http://nationalpriorities.org.
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4. WORLD BANK LOWERS REMITTANCES FORECAST FOR 2009 AS FINANCIAL CRISIS DEEPENS
Unemployment in Calfa , Moldova , is high. The few jobs available pay little, and government pensions are as low as $10 dollars a month. The money that flows back from those who left, most often for Russia or Italy , is a lifesaver. "If those working abroad came back, our living standards would drop below the poverty level," says Calfa Mayor Ludmila Ceaglic.
Like Moldova , many developing countries depend heavily on the money millions of workers send home from abroad. Yet migrant workers are facing more difficult circumstances—job losses, anti-migrant sentiment, even violence—as the financial crisis deepens around the world.
World Bank researchers predict remittances will fall more than originally expected this year—from $305 billion last year to an amount closer to $290 billion in 2009. Even with a drop of between 5 and 8 percent, remittances will still outstrip private capital flows, expected to fall by half in 2009, and official development aid, typically around $100 billion.
Stock of Migrants Will Keep Remittances Resilient
Remittance flows will stay "resilient" because many countries have a well-established "stock" of migrants who are unlikely to leave their adopted countries. They will continue to send money home, even if they have to reduce the amount they send, says economist Dilip Ratha, who leads the World Bank's Migration and Remittances team.
Top 5 Recipients of Remittances in 2008
• India : $45 billion
• China : $34 billion
• Mexico : $26 billion
• Philippines : $18 billion
• Poland : $11 billion
Although newspapers are reporting a large number of migrants returning home, migrant workers are still moving to destination countries, although at a slower pace. They, too, will add to the flow of remittances, says Ratha. A new study by Centre for Cities finds that migrant workers from Eastern Europe are mostly staying put in the United Kingdom even as unemployment rises.
Workers' Earnings Declining
Ratha's team predicts remittances will amount to about 1.8 percent of GDP for developing countries in 2009, a slight drop from 1.9 percent of GDP in 2008. However, considering that officially recorded remittances registered double-digit annual growth in the past few years, the expected fall will cause hardships in many poor countries, says the Bank's revised Migration and Development Brief (pdf).
Remittances flowing to developing countries from Russia , South Africa , Malaysia and India are "especially vulnerable to the rolling economic crisis," says the brief.. Remittances decelerated sharply in the second half of 2008, with the steepest drop expected for Europe and Central Asia . Countries such as Tajikistan , Moldova and Kyrgyz Republic with large numbers of workers in Russia will see remittances declining as a share of GDP "by much higher numbers," says Ratha.
One reason for the overall decline is migrant workers' salaries are expected to fall more steeply than those of native born workers. In preparing the remittance forecasts, the team has assumed that migrant workers' salaries would fall by an additional 5 percentage points compared to the decline in the salaries of native born workers. The decline is assumed to be even larger in Russia , Malaysia , and the Gulf countries, says Ratha.
Official Statistics Don't Tell the Full Story
Ratha says employment of foreign-born workers in the United States is holding steady in wholesale and retail and going up in the restaurant and hotel sector, though their employment in construction has fallen faster than that of native born workers, based on new US Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
But the official statistics perhaps don't tell the full story, he adds. "Migrant workers are more flexible. They are cheaper. They work harder and they don't insist on all the right employment conditions. They don't ask for too much. And I think there is an additional reason –a lot of workers that have dropped out of the payroll officially continue working off the books. I suspect a lot of construction workers, undocumented workers and unskilled workers have lost their documentation status and are still staying. So employers would find them easier to employ also because of tax reasons."
Tapping the Potential of Remittances
Ratha has urged developing countries to tap the wealth of their overseas diasporas by issuing diaspora bonds. In Africa , for instance, such bonds could help countries dependent on limited official development assistance. Countries should also make it easier and cheaper for migrants to send remittances home, he says.
Currently, the average cost of sending money through official channels is over 10 percent of the value of the transaction. In some places, the cost rises to 25 to 30 percent. A World Bank Group online remittances database tracks the costs of such transactions. "At this time of crisis, we want countries to have more resources, and remittances are a great way to help countries because remittances flow directly to the people and are very well targeted to the needs of the people," says Ratha.
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5. TAT ROADSHOW BREAKS INTO SECONDARY INDIAN CITIES
The Tourism Authority of Thailand last month held its first marketing roadshow in two of India 's key secondary cities, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh , as part of a strategy to diversify the sources of its visitor arrivals beyond the main Indian gateways.
A total of about 230 travel agents turned up in the two cities for what many said was their first direct sales briefing on Thai tourism products. Another 170 agents turned up in Delhi , the third stop on the TAT roadshow.
Visitor arrivals from India to Thailand (by nationality) totalled 538,157 in 2008, a small increase of 0.34% over 2007. The arrivals were affected significantly by a sharp downturn in the first-half of December 2009 in the aftermath of the airport closure crisis but have now returned to normal levels.
Thanks to regular and direct flights by Thai Airways and other airlines, Thailand is enjoying a regular flow of visitors from mainstream cities like Mumbai, Delhi , Chennai and Kolkata as well as the two I.T. cities of Bangalore and Hyderabad .
According to Mr Prakit Piriyakiet, Director of the TAT's ASEAN division, the first phase of Indian travel, which consisted mainly of the traditional Bangkok-Pattaya combination, is now set to graduate up to a new level, with the addition of krabi, Phuket, Hua Hin and other South Thailand beach resorts..
Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat state, is home to the large Gujarati business community, which has extensive interests in industry, manufacturing, and gems and jewellery. In turn, Chandigarh is the capital of both Haryana and Punjab states. It has a very high percentage of government offices and a large university.
A total of 20 Thai sellers joined the roadshow, ranging from attractions like Siam Niramit and Phuket Fantasea to independent hotel properties like A-One, tour operators like Oriental Travels, an online website (Shaadionline) specializing in the weddings market, and many more.
India is a quantity-cum-quality source market for Thailand , with huge future potential. This is now the Indian summer school holiday season coming up from 15 May in June in Delhi, but from April to June in places like Mumbai. >From a timing perspective, the roadshow was perfect.
The TAT is targetting the 300 million-strong emerging middle class, especially the millions of young people.
Due to its large domestic demand, the Indian economy has averted the major brunt of the global financial crisis. According to one agent, a major saving grace for the Indian economy has been its parallel economy, the so-called cash-only "black market".
Said this agent, "Anyone who invested one million rupees in the stock market has now got Rs 300,000 left. But anyone who has one million rupees in cash, still has one million rupees in cash."
Another Indian agent noted Bangkok is only four hours flying time from most Indian cities. Thai Airways has double daily flights to Delhi and Mumbai, daily to Chennai and Kolkata, nine a week to Bangalore , and four a week to Hyderabad -- a total of 23,000 seats a week, excluding the four flights a week to the Buddhist circuit cities of Gaya and Varanasi , which operate only during the winter season.
The privately-owned Indian airline Kingfisher is expected to start flying to Thailand this summer. As of March 29, Cathay Pacific has started flying daily from Delhi to Bangkok .
Indian visitors get visa on arrival at all international gateways in Thailand . The Thai government's recent move to waive the visa fee until June 4 has been marketed as an additional incentive to visit Thailand . However Indian travel agents said that although it would help, it would not be a significant influence in the decision making process.
Compared to many other destinations in Asia, Thailand offers great value for money. The Indian rupee is slightly weaker than the baht but Thailand is certainly affordable by the vast majority of first time Indian travellers.
Thailand also has a great "snob appeal" amongst the status-conscious Indians.
According to one agent, if one Indian family visits Thailand , the neighbours and relatives want to go, too. If one child boasts in school that he has just holidayed in Thailand , his/her friends nag their parents to follow suit. Same applies with women in the various social functions.
Due to its geographical location, Thailand is perfectly suited for being packaged with neighbouring destinations like Hong Kong , Singapore , Kuala Lumpur and even Macau . Airlines generally provide what are known as group fares to the travel agents around which they build their tour packages.
Thailand is also perfect for stopover, city-break tours of two to three days. This is particularly useful for students and their families seeking to break journey while travelling to and from onward destinations like Australia and New Zealand .
One promising new market is for Indian weddings. According to one agent, many Indian families are taking their wedding functions and ceremonies abroad in order to avoid catching the taxman's eye with an ostentatious show of wealth in India itself. Thailand offers a perfect place as it is both exotic, close-by and affordable.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
ABOUT TRAVEL IMPACT NEWSWIRE
Set up in August 1998, Travel Impact Newswire is the Asia-Pacific's first email travel industry news feature and analysis service. Mission Statement: Dedicated to reporting with Integrity, Trust, Accuracy and Respect the issues that impact on the Asia-Pacific Travel & Tourism industry. Distributed every week to 45,000 senior industry readers worldwide, mainly in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East .
Advertorial sponsorship messages cost 1,000 Euro per dispatch. Please contact: Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor, 24 Soi Chidlom, Bangkok , Thailand 10330. T: (66-2) 2551480, 2537590. Fax: (66-2) 2544316. Email: imtiaz@travel-impact-newswire.com
-----Original Message-----
From: karel@phoenixkm.eu [mailto:karel@phoenixkm.eu]
Sent: Wednesday, April 08, 2009 10:49 PM
To: saowalak@dpiap.org
Subject: Kind reminder: AEGIS first pan European User Forum and Workshop 4&5
June 2009
Dear colleague,
Hereby a kind reminder for following upcoming event to which we kindly
invite you.
ÆGIS (Open Source-based Generalised Accessibility Support for Mainstream ICT
- http://www..aegis-project.eu/), supported by the 7th Framework Programme on
Research and Technological Development of the European Union, aims to
develop an Open Accessibility Framework (OAF) through which aspects of the
design, development and deployment of accessible mainstream ICT are
addressed. The OAF will provide developers with embedded and built-in
accessibility solutions, as well as toolkits for "engraving" accessibility
in existing and emerging mass-market ICT-based products, thus making
accessibility open, plug and play, personalised and configurable, realistic
and applicable in various contexts. Simultaneously, the project will provide
Open Source Accessible Desktop Applications to the end-users (people with
disabilities, older people).
ÆGIS is placing users and their needs at the centre of all its ICT
developments. This is why the project is inviting end-users of assistive
technology (related to usage on PC, mobiles and the internet) to their first
pan-European User Forum on Thursday 4th June 2009 at Research In Motion UK
Ltd, Slough, Berkshire , United Kingdom . The project aims at having fruitful
discussions between both end-users and application developers, thus better
understanding their needs when wanting to use accessible desktop, mobile and
internet applications. It will ensure that future technologies and services
will meet the needs of the end-users, and both mainstream and assistive
technology developers.
The next day, Friday 5th of June, they organize their first Pan-European
Workshop at the same premises. This workshop will present the preliminary
findings of the project, and will stimulate discussions between both
end-users and application developers. Its outcome will be taken into account
by the Consortium during the further course of the project. Key stakeholders
from relevant areas are expected to participate (such as end users'
representatives and organisations, EC representatives, technologies
developers, etc.). This workshop therefore is an excellent chance to meet
experts from relevant fields.
To participate, please download the invitation letters and complete the
registration form for each event (see below links). Participation is free of
any charge.
Invitation letter and agenda User Forum, Thursday 4 June 2009:
* http://www.aegis-project.eu/docs/AEGIS_User_Forum_invitation_letter.doc
Invitation letter and agenda Workshop, Friday 5 June 2009:
* http://www.aegis-project.eu/docs/AEGIS_Workshop_invitation_letter.doc
You can equally register online via
http://www.aegis-project.eu/user_forum.html.
Best regards,
Karel Van Isacker
=============================
PhoenixKM BVBA
Mr. Karel Van Isacker
Projects & Business Developer
www.PhoenixKM.eu
=============================
From: info@karmayog.org [mailto:info@karmayog.org]
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 6:54 PM
To: saowalak@dpiap.org
Subject: Please comment on the draft National Health Bill, 2009
Importance: High
The Draft National Health Bill, 2009 is at
http://www.karmayog.org/redirect/strred.asp?docId=23282
This is a "Bill to provide for protection and fulfilment of rights in
relation to health and wellbeing, health equity and justice, including those
related to all the underlying determinants of health as well as health care;
and for achieving the goal of health for all; and for matters connected
therewith or incidental thereto."
This working draft has been prepared by the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare, Government of India (http://mohfw.nic.in/)
Please send your comments and feedback to the Ministry directly at
resp-health@hub.nic.in with a copy to info@karmayog.org for circulation and discussion.
www.karmayog.org -- public health, public prosperity
From: CSID [mailto:info@csiddidnet.org]
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 9:56 AM
To: info@csiddidnet.org
Subject: [1205] "Call for Proposals: UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women"
***********************************************************************************************
The "Disability Information Dissemination Network" is managed by the "Centre for Services and Information on Disability"(CSID), Bangladesh and currently sponsored by Handicap International and Sightsavers International.
***********************************************************************************************
Subject: [1205] "Call for Proposals: UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women"
Dear Readers,
Greetings from Disability Information Dissemination Network , Bangladesh .
Please find the following attachment title "Call for Proposals: UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women". Hope the attachment will be useful for you.
Regards,
Moderator
Disability Information Dissemination Network, Bangladesh
"Call for Proposals: UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women"
The United Nations Trust Fund in Support of Actions to Eliminate Violence against Women ("The UN Trust Fund") is a leading global multi-lateral mechanism supporting national efforts to end one of the most widespread human rights violations in the world. Established in 1996 by UN General Assembly Resolution 50/166,1 the UN Trust Fund is administered by the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) on behalf of the UN System.
Since its inception, the UN Trust Fund has been a catalyst for new ideas, a source of support for strategic action and a hub of knowledge on emerging good practices. It has contributed to breaking the once nearly universal silence on violence against women through grants to broaden awareness, advocate for passage and implementation of laws grounded in human rights standards, promote access to services and develop sustainable capacities for continued progress. Grantees, comprising government and non-governmental organizations, have engaged diverse actors, such as women's, men's and adolescents and youth groups, indigenous communities, religious and traditional leaders, human rights organizations and the media. To date, the UN Trust Fund has supported 291 initiatives in 119 countries and territories with more than US$44 million.
The UN Trust Fund awards grants through an annual open and competitive process. In order to address the serious gaps in the realization of national and international commitments and recommendations to end violence against women and girls2, UN Trust Fund grant-making focuses on supporting the implementation of national and local laws, policies and action plans. The UN Trust Fund places particular emphasis on documentation, monitoring and evaluation, in order to contribute to the global knowledge base on effective approaches to end violence against women and girls. It is also a vehicle for meeting the Secretary-General's challenge to make violence against women "never acceptable, never excusable, never tolerable", in the context of the UNite to End Violence against Women Campaign, 3 launched in 2008.
The UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women is accepting applications for its 14th grant cycle (2009) from government authorities at the national and local levels, civil society organizations and networks — including non-governmental, women's and community-based organizations, coalitions and operational research institutions — and UN Country Teams in partnership with governments and civil society organizations. Applications should be centered on supporting implementation of national and local policies, laws and action plans on ending violence against women.
Read more:
http://cambodiajobs.blogspot.com/2009/04/call-for-proposals-un-trust-fund-to-end.html
-----Original Message-----
From: Frank Mulcahy [mailto:fmulcahy@iol.ie]
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 4:45 PM
Subject: BBC Ouch! Newsletter - 09 April 2009
Frank Mulcahy
Franmar
2 Castle Village Court
Celbridge
Co Kildare
Ireland
Tel: +353 1627 1314
Mobile/Cell Phone: +353 8723 44934
E-mail 1: fmulcahy@iol.ie
E-mail 2: frank.mulcahy@hotmail.com
No trees were harmed in the transmission of this email, although a few
electrons were mildly inconvenienced.
Le do thoil, cuimhnigh ar an imshaol roimh priontáil an ríomhphost seo.
Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
BBC OUCH! NEWSLETTER
Thursday 09 April, 2009
Ouch! It's a disability thing.
BBC Ouch! is updated throughout the week, so be sure to bookmark us at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/
If you received a copy of this newsletter from someone else and would like
to subscribe to it yourself, visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/newsletter/
What better way to enjoy the longest weekend of the year, than with a cup of
your favourite beverage and the Ouch! newsletter. This week, DB hates
getting tested, Samantha Ellis remembers some of her seizures on the streets
of London, Andre Jordan is back and so much more ...
________________________________
** Disability B1tch hates being tested
'Early warning' tests to spot medical problems are in the news. But DB is
far from impressed. All she wants is a quick and simple method of proving
how
disabled she is!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/opinion/b1tch/db_hates_being_tested.shtml
* DB, every Thursday. All her columns here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/opinion/b1tch/
** Andre Jordan: The Disablist #5
Andre Jordan's sinister creation accepts a 'brave' disability award.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/play/the_disablist/andre_jordan_the_disablist_5.sh
tml
* All of Andre's The Disablist doodles:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/play/the/disablist/
** My chaotic alter ego
In her first article for Ouch!, Samantha Ellis muses on the public seizures
on the streets of London that result in police questioning.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/opinion/my_chaotic_alter_ego.shtml
** 13 Questions: Gautam Lewis
He's been a high-flying music manager, but now Gautam's interests lie more
in flying for disabled people, and pursuing the fight to eradicate polio. He
answers our questions.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/interviews/13_questions_gautam_lewis.shtml
** Vote
This week, we got to wondering which bit of Easter is least accessible to
you. Is it opening eggs, or dressing up as your favourite holiday
character? Take part in the vote by finding it in the right-hand column of
every page on the main Ouch! site.
** Ouch Podcast #38
Mat Fraser and Kiruna Stamell present, our guest is US comedian Josh Blue
who 'puts the cerebral in Cerebral Palsy.' Disability life from the Post
Office to Namibia and more!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/podcast/ouch_podcast_38.shtml
* Find all our previous Podcasts at this URL:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/podcast/
* View our Podcast pics on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ouchwebsite/
* View our YouTube videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ouchwebsite
________________________________
THE OUCH! BLOG
Ouch's blog is where we bring you frequent entries about all things
disability - from news snippets, gossip and trivia through to interesting
links from all over the web.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/blogs.shtml
* Google touchscreen phone goes 'eyes-free'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ouch/2009/04/google_touchscreen_phone_goes..html
See *all* our blog entries here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ouch/
__________________________________
MESSAGE BOARD
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! Drop in for disability
related chat, questions or just plain old fun!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbouch/
We're trying out a new section of the messageboard, Ouch! Creative is a
space for you to share your writing and art. Get involved here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbouch/F12752030
Here are some recent discussions you can read and join in with:
* Are we our own worst enemies?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbouch/F2322273?thread=6472457
* Dignity, "professionalism" and disability
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbouch/F2322273?thread=6458966
* Lumbar puncture panic
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbouch/F3611783?thread=6410901
* Sweat
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbouch/F3611783?thread=6449938
* To statement or not
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbouch/F8146589?thread=6458007
__________________________________
NEWS
** Making the news on Ouch this week:
Study finds stress link to asthma; Wales tops anti-depressant table; Mouse
gene aids allergy research; More with learning disabilities forced to wed;
Stem cell hope for bowel cancer; Google solve touchscreen dialling for
visually impaired (video); Recession forces treatment charge; Asperger's
stress hormone 'link'; Brain scan 'could diagnose PTSD'; ... and more.
Visit the news page for all the headlines: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/news/
__________________________________
INTERACT WITH OUCH
Email us: ouch@bbc.co.uk
Read and comment on our blog:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/blogs.shtml
Chat on our messageboard (open 24 hours):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbouch
Become our 'friend' on Facebook:
Ouch Bbc - http://www.facebook.com/people/Ouch-Bbc/694536314
Disability Bit ch -
http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Disability-Bit-ch/772429833
We are off to spend the weekend attempting to open our Easter eggs. We mean
the whole weekend!
Cheers,
The Ouch! Team
__________________________________
From: Frank Mulcahy [mailto:fmulcahy@iol.ie]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 4:47 PM
Subject: New Publication
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
Please find enclosed with this mail an update version of the International Service for Human Rights has just released its updated document 'Simple Guide to UN Treaty Bodies. The link for the document is at:
http://www.ishr.ch/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=108&Itemid=419
The document is published as a PDF document but if anyone wishes to have it in Word, please mail me off list and I shall send it on.
Best wishes,
Frank
Frank Mulcahy
Franmar
2 Castle Village Court
Celbridge
Co Kildare
Ireland
Tel: +353 1627 1314
Mobile/Cell Phone: +353 8723 44934
E-mail 1: fmulcahy@iol.ie
E-mail 2: frank.mulcahy@hotmail.com
No trees were harmed in the transmission of this email, although a few electrons were mildly inconvenienced.
Le do thoil, cuimhnigh ar an imshaol roimh priontáil an ríomhphost seo.
Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
From: Frank Mulcahy [mailto:fmulcahy@iol.ie]
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2009 5:22 PM
Subject: New US Director of HHS Office on Disability is a Wheelchair User
See Press release below.
Best wishes,
Frank
Frank Mulcahy
Franmar
2 Castle Village Court
Celbridge
Co Kildare
Ireland
Tel: +353 1627 1314
Mobile/Cell Phone: +353 8723 44934
E-mail 1: fmulcahy@iol.ie
E-mail 2: frank.mulcahy@hotmail.com
No trees were harmed in the transmission of this email, although a few electrons were mildly inconvenienced.
Le do thoil, cuimhnigh ar an imshaol roimh priontáil an ríomhphost seo.
Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
Press Release Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
HHS Names Henry Claypool as Director of Office on Disability
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Department of Health and Human Services today announced the selection of Henry Claypool as director of the HHS Office on Disability. Mr.. Claypool has 25 years of experience developing and implementing disability policy at the federal, state, and local levels, and he has personal experience with the nation's health care system from the perspective of an individual with a disability.
"President Obama is committed to ensuring that the 54 million Americans with disabilities have an equal opportunity to achieve the American dream," said HHS Chief of Staff Laura Petrou. "Henry Claypool is uniquely prepared to expand and improve services that will empower more Americans with disabilities."
"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve President Obama and the American people as we work together to make certain that Americans with disabilities have access to the services and supports they need to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of their communities," said Mr. Claypool. "My commitment to working on behalf of Americans with disabilities is a deeply personal one."
Mr. Claypool sustained a spinal injury more than 25 years ago. In the years following his injury, he relied on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, which enabled him to complete his bachelor's degree at the University of Colorado . After completing his degree, he spent five years working for a Center for Independent Living, after which he became the Director of the Disability Services office at the University of Colorado-Boulder .
Mr. Claypool currently serves as the Policy Director at Independence Care System, a managed long-term care provider in New York City . Mr. Claypool has advised the federal government on disability policy for several years. From 1998-2002, he held various advisory positions at HHS, including Senior Advisor for Disability Policy to the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services during the Clinton administration. From 2005-2006, he served as a Senior Advisor in the Social Security Administration's Office of Disability and Income Support Programs. Mr. Claypool was also appointed by Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia to serve on the Commonwealth's Health Reform Commission in 2007.
As Director of the Office on Disability, Mr. Claypool will serve as the primary advisor to the HHS Secretary on disability policy and will oversee the implementation of all HHS programs and initiatives pertaining to Americans with disabilities..
Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.
Contact:
HHS Press Office
202-690-6343
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