1. Workshop on Reaching the Unreached Bangkok, Thailand 2-4 Spetember 2008

2. Brief background about DAC
DAC is a semi-autonomous national coordinating body in the disability and rehabilitation sector in Cambodia
Formed in 1997 by Government Prakas No. 308
Coordinates the work of government agencies and non-government organizations having involvement with disability services.
Has an elected Board.
Funded by donors, subscription fees and Gov’t Counterpart Funds.

3. Brief background about DAC
Vision
Individuals and society understand that people with disabilities have equal rights and obligations to those of all citizens of Cambodia. People with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate fully in society, free from physical, social and economic barriers.

4. Brief background about DAC
Mission
DAC’s Mission Statement sets out what it will do to address
that vision.
DAC promotes, coordinates and strengthens the capacity of
its members to initiate and secure the rights and services
necessary for people with disability.

5. Overall Achievements
Actively involvement in the process of including children with disabilities in the Student Enrollment Register and in the Education Management Information System (EMIS)
With participation from MoEYS , developing Child Friendly School Policy, Policy on Education for CWDs, and Education Law
Taking lead Cambodia Global Campaign for Education
Participation in the National Dialogue on Scholarships to advocate the inclusion of CWDs in the proposed scholarships scheme for primary school

6. Overall Achievements
Regular meeting with participation from NGOs working in disabilities sector, MoEYS, and MoSVY in order to bring issues relating to the needs of children with disabilities together and sort out priority issues
Involvement in drafting legislation on Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Developing Training Manual on IE for CWDs
Revising draft National Teacher Standard
Developing household mapping for primary schools

7. Challenges
1- Most CWDs are not in schools at all. Only children with slight disabilities are at public schools. For children with moderate or sever disabilities, if they are at schools, schools are run or supported by NGOs.
2- It is not easy for the government to implement the policy.
- Ministry capacity
- Teachers capacity
- Proper Health Assessment
- Transportation
- Funding
- Assistive devices

8. Challenges 3- Lack of data on CWDs on prevalance rate
However, positive steps have been done like student register and Education Management Information System (EMIS).
4- School curricula not meet the needs of children with disabilities.
5- Not enough primary schools in remote and rural areas
6- Instructional materials still limited