Everything from stigma to statistics-experts hash it out in Voices Report

Doha, Qatar, The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development (DIIFSD) would like to announce the completion of project CHILD Voices from Around the World Special Report. In 2009 the DIIFSD, in partnership with the Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) at Texas A&M University, initiated an international study on the status o children with disabilities and their families entitled Children and the International Landscape of Disabilities (Project CHILD). Findings from the study were recently presented at the United Nations Headquarters in New York (May 2010).

Over the course of Project CHILD, 102 disability experts were interviewed in 57 countries whose combined populations represent 71 percent of the world’s people. One of the most striking discoveries was that when talking about children with disabilities and their families, there are more similarities than differences.

This report, while documenting positive, transformational change, also reveals that children with disabilities around the world, especially those in developing countries, face significant barriers with respect to social inclusion, education and access to medical care. said Hissa Al Thani, Special Rapporteur on Disability to the United Nations (2003 – 2009).

DIIFSD anticipates that Project CHILD will increase understanding regarding the effects of disability on children and their families; provide helpful information regarding available assistance and resources; encourage increased cooperative action by local, regional and international stakeholders; and spur much-needed action. This report can be accessed at http://fsd.org.qa/doha/home/projectchild.asp and findings are scheduled to be presented to the United Nations Headquarters in New York on May 18th, 2010.

The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development, established in 2005, serves as a global center for providing academic research, interdisciplinary studies, and policy initiatives in support, development, and implementation of family-friendly policies and programs around the world. The Public Policy Research Institute (PPRI) at Texas A&M University serves as a key collaborative partner of the Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development (DIIFSD). The PPRI is a social problem research institute, focusing on critical societal issues such as education, health and the welfare of families and children.

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If you would like more information about this report, or to schedule an interview, please call Dr. Charles Johnson at 979-845-8800 or email projectchild@ppri.tamu.edu.

PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Texas A&M University