AGENDA-ADF 1st Online Regional Meeting on COVID-19

On April 1, AGENDA conducted an online meeting with ASEAN Disability Forum (ADF) and all DPO partners for knowledge-sharing on current situations in their countries in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Facilitated by Rebecca Aaberg, IFES Inclusion Specialist, the online meeting was participated by 26 participants from Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia and also colleagues from IFES Headquarter. DPO partners shared their views on the current state of persons with disabilities in their respective countries and the government’s relevant responses and policies to ensure people with disabilities are not left behind during the outbreak. They also updated on their current efforts with other local DPOs in advocating the rights of persons with disabilities utilizing the Enabling Masterplan and advocacy techniques learned during an AGENDA-led strategic communication and advocacy training as well as how the outbreak impact on each partner’s programmatic activities. To continue the coordination among the participants, it is agreed to establish a group chat where DPOs can share updates on COVID-19 and disability-related information.