NETWORKING AMONG AGENCIES 2 ND DbI ASIAN CONFERENCE 31ST JANUARY, DHAKA, BANGLADESH. PRESENTATION BY NANDINI RAWAL SECRETARY INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR EDUCATION OF PEOPLE WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & PROJECT DIRECTOR BLIND PEOPLE’S ASSOCIATION

WINDS OF CHANGE THE WORLD HAS BECOME SMALLER THANKS TO TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATION

CHANGING DISABILITY SCENARIO NO LONGER BEHIND CLOSED DOORS VERY OPEN AND PROFESSIONAL FROM CHARITY TO RIGHTS

- The key word that enables people to reach out through cooperation – whether electronic, technical or human. - Network is defined by the Dictionary as “A Group of People who exchange information, contacts and experience for professional or social purposes”. NET WORKING

 We are social and gregarious  We need people around us  Our existence is based on interdependence  We need symbiotic relationships SOCIAL ANIMALS

STAKEHOLDERS IN OUR NETWORK deafblind persons their families, carers, and communities professionals working with and for deafblind

 Funding agencies  Local administration,  Local, State and National Government;  International NGOs  Other funding agencies such as Corporate bodies,  Service Clubs STAKEHOLDERS IN OUR NETWORK

STEREO TYPES Stereo types from NGO point of view People in NGOs think they are flexible, open, dynamic and committed NGO staff thinks Government is rigid, powerful, not very effective INGOs are rich, powerful and ladders for NGO staff Families of deafblind are ill informed We have developed our ideas and perceptions about the different stakeholders

NGOS THINK OF INGOS AS SANTA CLAUS READY TO DISTRIBUTE PRESENTS

 Stereo types from Government point of view  People in NGOs are go getters, bad in keeping records,  Not very accountable  High flying STEREO TYPES

 Stereo types from INGO point of view  Beneficiary organisation  Totally dependent on INGO  Lacking in technical soundness STEREO TYPES

Stereo types from Parents point of view  Awed by NGOs and INGOs  Have unrealistic expectations from INGO  Think that INGOs are miracle workers STEREO TYPES

 This debate can continue for ever  Our job is to rise above and build upon the strengths and competencies  Appreciate differences  Complement one another through exchange of ideas ENDLESS DEBATE

 While we argue, the stark reality remains - < 10% of persons with deafblindness in this part of the world have access to services - Our duty is to build a system by which we increase our coverage BLEAK STATISTICS

The All partners should know what is involved All partners should be informed and continually updated Transparency in practice Openness of heart and mind Adherence to principles PRINCIPLES OF GOOD NETWORKING AND PARTNERSHIP PRACTICE

Cultural Appropriateness should be understood !!!! PRINCIPLES OF GOOD NETWORKING AND PARTNERSHIP PRACTICE

Single Disability Prevention Integrated Education CBR IBR Multiple Disabilities SERVICE AREAS OF INGOs & NGOs

NETWORK OF INGOs Priority area of funding Geographical area for funding Criteria for funding Tenure of funding etc. Networking

Need of a Network between NGOs geographical areas priority areas –. specific mission Better planning

What is “good” development? results in increase in awareness of rights results in empowerment of persons with disabilities and their families Ignites a chain of social and attitudinal change Creates local capacity Creates programmes that are sustainable Helps to influence government policy Creation of equitable opportunities

What is “bad” development? Creation of pockets of haves & have nots Unrealistic expectations amongst stakeholders Creates projects that are not sustainable Creates dissonance amongst family members Creates highly paid staff Creates a gap between funded staff and NGOs own staff

Basis of Partnerships Based on mutual trust and respect Slavish attitude of NGOs should be removed INGOs must not be patronising INGOs must not think of themselves as benefactors Use of local talent knowledge and skills

Exit Strategy INGOs should leave the tendency of holding on or possessing Exit strategy should be planned Collaboration should be clearly spelt out – monetary, technical, physical Exit should not result in paralysis or stoppage of programme

Empowerment of Local People Awareness creation Sustained and intensive training Access to information Access to rehabilitation services Ultimate sustainability

Change in Mentality NGOs should not link programme to funds INGOs should insist on sustainability commitment Sliding scale funding Full freedom to NGO

Contribution to National Development Through policy formulation By influencing current trends Preparing rehabilitation professionals for implementation of above

Benefits of Network cost-effectiveness would foster excellence would help builds capacities would promote equality and access

Benefits of Network would help services to grow

Benefits of Network would reduce duplication and hence save money

NEVER DOUBT THAT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL,COMMITTED CITIZENS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD; INDEED IT’S THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS” Margaret Mead.

CHANGING TIMES The 21 st Century is here Technology has made the world smaller We are now in a global village There is change everywhere