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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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