1. Global Situation on Independent Living for Persons Affected by Leprosy José Ramirez, Jr. International Working Group on Leprosy and Human Rights: Nippon Foundation, Japan United States

2. KNOWLEDGE ABOUT LEPORSY IS POWERFUL We are all human beings IGNORANCE ABOUT LEPROSY IS MORE POWERFUL Images lead to stigma LEPROSY CAN CAUSE BLINDNESS Inability to blink darkens sight SOCIETY IS BLINDED BY MYTHS AND FEAR OF LEPROSY Inability to blink darkens sight Creates “Eye of Exclusion” PERSONS AFFECTED AND IMPACTED ARE STARTING TO BOND Creates “Eye of Inclusion”

3. Education Limited Education Lack of Intellectual Stimulation Low Occupational Level Media INDIVIDUAL FAMILY NEIGHBORHOOD SYSTEM Exclusion from mainstream Stereotypes Limited or Inaccurate Information Politics Exclusion from Power Inhibiting Development of Political Power Lack of Political Power Limited Knowledge Stereotypes lead to fear Social Isolation Unemployment Employment Discrimination Low Income Economics Housing Exclusion Overcrowded Rental or Homeless Health Lack of Health Services Few Visits to M.D. Life Expectancy may be Affected Law of Silence José Ramirez, Jr.

4. Education Individualized Education/ Training Intellectual Stimulation Higher Occupational Level Media INDIVIDUAL FAMILY NEIGHBORHOOD SYSTEM Inclusion Eliminate Stereotypes Accurate Information Politics Inclusion Development of Political Power Political Power Training Eliminate Stereotypes Social Opportunity Employment Diversity in Employment Higher Income Economics Housing Inclusion Community Living Ownership Health Services Visits to M.D. Higher Life Expectancy Law of Knowledge José Ramirez, Jr.