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The importance of OPD collaboration across organizations
Wed, March 13, 6:30 to 8:00pm, Hyatt Regency Miami, Floor: Terrace Level, Gardenia A+BProposal
When the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted by the United Nations, it asked that countries closely consult and actively involve people with disabilities, while making a distinction between organizations OF persons with disabilities (OPDs) and organizations FOR persons with disabilities (civil society organizations or non-profits). Under the former, people with disabilities governed, led and operated the OPD, as well as formed the majority of the persons within the OPD. In addition, many countries created umbrella organizations, wherein one OPD represents the interests of several OPDs. For example, in Malawi, the Federation of Disability Organizations in Malawi (FEDOMA) represents 12 different OPDs. While the individual member OPDs often represent a certain group, such as individuals who are blind, FEDOMA works to unify their OPD members and advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities within Malawi.
Research has shown that OPDs are most effective when they collaborate and cooperate with each other and speak with a unified voice on issues related to disability. In addition to the collective work done under umbrella organizations, often several DPOs will come together to work on a specific advocacy or implementation issue. For example, many education projects will work with a disability-specific disability organization as well as an organization representing the interests of parents with disabilities.
This presentation utilizes the feedback from the OPDs surveyed as part of a white paper funded by School-to-School International, as well as other leading research, to provide the audience with information on how OPDs are currently working together to implement or advocate for inclusive education issues. Additionally, the presentation will share considerations for how implementation can continue to support the unified efforts of OPDs within projects.