Research on Capacity Development of Pacific Disabled People’s Organisations Progress Report May 2011 Pacific Disability Forum

Tavualevu Branch of Fiji Disabled People’s Organisation

Objectives of research Synthesise relevant existing research and reports Provide opportunities for learning and reflection among DPOs Identify key issues affecting the capacity of DPOs and their capacity development pathways Develop suggested principles and themes Identify range of preferred and appropriate approaches and tools for development partners to contribute

Research elements Literature Survey Meetings with Disabled People’s Organisations (board, staff, members) Meetings with other stakeholders Workshops to discuss and confirm findings and provide opportunities for reflection, learning and planning Case studies

Suva Workshop

Members of Fiji Association of the Deaf at workshop

Members of Fiji Disabled People’s Association at workshop

Fiji Researcher facilitating group discussion

Group discussion in workshop

Fiji findings DPOs have made considerable achievements over 40 years History of exclusion, self-determination & strong leadership They now have a solid foundation of capacity DPOs are motivated, have a healthy confidence and a realistic understanding about the pathways ahead: “our future development starts with ourselves and depends on our own people. It is clear we have lots of skills, resources, networks and potential.” “we need the desire to develop ourselves and then we are best able to get others to support us. Our partners are willing to help but they want us to be the drivers.” Some outsiders focus largely on DPO “gaps” & “weaknesses”

How DPOs would like support: Get to know us first: recognise that each DPO is different, operates in a different context and has different priorities Link us up with like-minded/specialist organisations Include people with all types of impairment, both women and men, and especially young people from urban and rural settings etc. in all planning and activities Listen to us: “so we can explain our priorities and we are not driven by others’ priorities” Be flexible: many factors change after funding has been granted Recognise that many people in the disability sector are volunteers: we need paid staff to undertake professional & management roles

Examples of what DPOs would like: Funding for costs of running offices & employing staff Placements of volunteers Funding for ongoing training in topics such as leadership, proposal writing, advocacy, M&E Funding to enable DPOs to access resources (e.g. mentors, consultants) to follow-up learning from training courses Assistance with establishing employment services Funding for accessible transport Reliable funding for equipment (e.g. wheelchairs, canes)

Cook Islands workshop

Research team in Cook Islands

Mataiti, Jade and George - Interested in establishing a new Disabled People’s Organisation in Cook Islands

Yes, the research is being undertaken in Pacific Islands!!!

Next steps Write up Cook Islands research report Research team in Samoa this week Papua New Guinea visit in July Then Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and Tonga up to early 2012 Reports about each country and whole research will be available on Pacific Disability Forum website and APIDS website

If you are interested: Deborah Rhodes or Robyn James (APIDS) 49 Rubiton Ct, Gisborne, Vic 3437, Australia