In the light of following Brief Report of the Pakistan Disabled Foundation ( PDF ) you are sincerely requested to extend your FINANCIAL SUPPORT so we may continue and promote our services in coming years.

Resolution Passed By The Executive Committee Of Pakistan Disabled Foundation In Its Special Meeting As On 10^th Of May 2008

 In view of the categorical fact that because of the invention of Braille System, specially in a very difficult circumstances, the Blind Community and respective responsible have been able to get almost all the literature in Braille to have and promote the education of Blind Community relating to any language of the world with a maximum linguistic capacity including punctuation and compositions.  

Apart from the ordinary literature, the religious material of the different religions is also available in Braille and can fulfill the thirst of religious and spiritual knowledge/insight ness. In short, the invention of Braille System made all the concerned blind children and adults independent enough to read and write every thing needed to be read or write independently and comfortably. This invention brought commendable change in the educational and otherwise life of the Blind Community.  

Therefore keeping in view the worldwide importance of the invention demand very high tribute to the inventor of the system Mr. Lois Braille by recognizing his high level and far reaching invention and subsequent services.

Mr. Lois Braille who born as a ordinary charming child of golden hair and blue eyes, on 4^th of January 1809 in a very small village “Coupvray”, 44 Kilometers away from Paris, France during the remarkable revolutionary campaign of the Napoleon Bonaparte and died on 5^th of January 1852 at the age of 43. Finally after the recognition of his services to the mankind and specially to the blind, the Government of France re-burried his dead body in a Graveyard of National Dignitaries of France.

The next year i.e. 2009 is the 200^th Anniversaries of Lois Braille and deserves meaningful attention of all the governments of the world together with UNO and other related International and National Agencies. Therefore considering the importance of this enormous occasion the PDF Executive Committee and Supreme Council with firm hope of acknowledgement, suggest the declaration of year 2009 as the “The Year of Lois Braille” by adopting the projects of Braille promotion in the light of the modern age requirement with special reference to the third world. The expansion and promotion of the Braille system and literature will be a real and practical tribute to one of the greatest inventors.          

Majida Nasir

General Secretary

Pakistan Disabled Foundation  

 A brief report of the activities of PDF 2007-2008

Al-HamdoLillah, By the Grace of Almighty Allah and valuable support of the society here and abroad Pakistan Disabled Foundation has been devotedly attentive and active to its agenda for action throughout the year also like previous years. Apart from the already prepared comparatively detailed up-date of PDF for last 15 months, the following activities were carried-out during the period mentioned above.
To achieve its aims & objectives including socio-economic status with equal opportunities for the disabled persons in all walks of life, PDF was engaged all the time by providing & arranging advocacy, Training, Education, Rehabilitation & socially integrated programs.
In addition to our regular programs & services to support disabled students, widows & deserving disabled persons & their depending families including children by providing them scholarship, uniforms, books, equipments, monthly assistance, aid & small loans, sewing machines, cassettes, cassette recorders, mobility canes, wheel chairs, hearing aid & winter bedding to approximately 800 beneficiaries, comprising of deserving disabled persons & children throughout the country, PDF has provided direct and indirect support for 20 wedding ceremonies of disabled men & women or their children. As usual PDF has provided exclusive support comprising of cloths, ration & cash up to 2000 beneficiaries including their dependent during Ramzan whole year.

More than 450 Braille writing frames along with guide books, Abacus, Arithmetic slates and Braille Holy Quran were provided to the deserving students & trainees all over the country and Holy Quran in Braille were sent to different institutions, namely All India Confederation for the Blind of India, National Federation for the Blind, National Association of Disabled People Organization and Bangladesh National Society for the Blind of Bangladesh. Our permanent service of supply of equipment and aids on subsidize rates or free of cost continued through out the year by providing the Braille and Talking Wrist Watches for deserving Blind. Likewise Talking Thermometers, Calculators, Talking Clocks and Self Threading In
Needles were also given on the same basis.

Addition to that a training academy comprising of physiotherapy, speech therapy, computer literacy, home management and Braille is also running under the PDF. The trainees are provided all the training, equipment, and pick and drop free of cost. With the same sprit of sacrification and dedication, Foundation is constantly diligent to achieve its goal with the support of the well-wishers and contributors around the society.

Update of PDF activities 2007-2008

Mr. Memon grace the occasion as the Chief Guest in the inaugural ceremony of two weeks Braille transcription and computer course organized by the PAB Sindh held on 19th of June 2008. On the occasion, apart from other cooperation Mr. Memon announced the support of rupees ten thousand for the courses which was duly handed over by PDF vice chairwoman Miss Shakila Yasmin to Mr. Abdullah Rajpar, president PAB Sindh.

In the third week of May PDF Chairman grace the occasion as the Chief Guest in a function organized by the Awareness Pakistan in collaboration with VERADP in the auditorium of Quaideen Special Education Centre Karachi.

One of our teacher of PDF Quaid-e-Azam Academy for Disabled Persons attended one week course on Braille literacy organized by NISE.

The delegation of Pakistan Disabled Foundation comprising of Mr. Shahid Memon, Mr. Tariq Riaz. Miss Shakila Yasmin and others attended two days celebration of Golden Jubilee of His Highness Agha Khan organized by the National Council of Agha Khan Foundation by involving disabled community has an equal component of the society. The celebrations concluded with the proposal to established network of NGO’s in the field of disability.

Upon a invitation of Ministry of Information Technology and Communication on 5th of May 2008 a delegation comprising of four members including Chairman Shahid Memon, Chief of the PDF Islamabad Mr. Khalid Hussain Bhatti, General Secretary PDF Islamabad Mr. Shahid Rasheed and Hassan Ahmed attended the meeting and submitted project proposal regarding IT for disabled community which is under process.

On 6th of May the PDF delegation headed by Mr. Memon visited the project building of Azad Kashmir Association of the Blind and had a fruitful discussion with the leader ship of AKAB on mutual issues.
The Deputy Consular General of Federal Republic of Germany Madam Gudrun Haider along with her colleagues visited PDF Quaid-e-Azam Academy and have a tour of the classes. She shown keen interest in the activities and extended cooperation by providing skills equipment to up-lift and strengthened the standard, services and activities. A meeting of the leader ship of PDF was held with the Councilor General of Republic of Germany in German Consulate Office Karachi to sign the agreement of cooperation PDF by German Consulate.

Apart from visit to American Embassy Mr. Memon, in connection with the annual grant from DGSE and PDF’s applications of accommodation project to the PBM, met and discussed to get the matters conclusive. He also discussed the submitted scheme under self-help programme to NCSW and met with the Chairman of the Council. He had meeting with the recently promoted DG of DGSE.

The staff and students of PDF Academy as a part of leisure activities had a picnic at sea-view where, specially Disabled Children and their staff enjoyed the walking across the water beside beach together with Horse and Camel riding and playing. Lastly they were entertained by Mc. Donald’s Ice Cream jointly sponsored by the Incharge of Academy and Management of Mc Donald.

Chairman PDF together with Incharge of PDF Academy Miss Shakila Yasmeen and Dr. Younus (Volunteer) attended the preliminary meeting of Pakistan Human Rights Commission with the Minister of Law & Justice Mr. Farooq H Naik in the office of Human Rights Commission. The Federal Minister has very kind to listen the point of view about the affective inclusion of the issues faced by the Disabled Community be assured to have a separate meeting to discuss the problems with special reference to Human Rights and provision of legal protection.

On 9th of April 2008, Dr. Nusrat of Remedial Hospital presently working at Manchester University, visited PDF Quaid-e-Azam Academy for Disabled Persons and donated few training cum educational items from U.K. and given his valuable remarks on the occasion.

On 8th of April 2008, Mr. Memon Chairman PDF including Dr. Mohammed Younus the volunteer of PDF participated In a one day workshop as challenges faced by the NGOs of PWD, jointly organized by the National Council of Social Welfare, Government of Pakistan and Agha Khan Foundation in Hotel Pearl Continental.

On Monday the 31st March Mr. Memon visited Baluchistan Complex for Disabled Persons, he had meetings with the Teachers, In-Charge of the Blind School Mrs. Farkhanda Fazal, Principal of the Complex Madam Musarat and Director Social Welfare Baluchistan Mr. Ahmed Ali. In the same afternoon he had condolence meeting with Mr. Mukhlis-ur-Rehaman and met some of the teachers separately, let in the evening he had meeting with some of the social workers Dr. Fazal of USA.
On the morning of 1st of April 2008 Mr. Memon, a part from other meetings he visited the office of Baluchistan Blind Relief Association and discussed the possibility of permanent accommodation for BBRA with that the week tour of the Chairman of PDF come to an end.

On 26th morning of March, upon his arrival one of the PDF aligned and General Secretary of the Pakistan Association of the Blind Lahore Mr. Mushtaq received Chairman Mr. Memon. Together with Mr. Mushtaq, Mr. Memon visited Sheikh Zaid Hospital to see Professor Ghulam Mohammad leader of the blind community from Panjab who was hospitalize and now expired Allah may keep his soul in peace.

Afterward Mr. Memon visited the newly constructed under finishing building of PAB District Lahore Branch together with officer bearer of PAB District Branch Lahore. After lunch Mr. Memon visited the office of PAB Panjab and had a courtesy talk with Mr. Amir Ashraf and colleagues Finally he attended and expressed his views in a function arranged same evening at Press Club Lahore by PAB District Branch. On 27th morning Mr. Memon had a meeting with the key post officers of PDF Islamabad. Early afternoon on same date Mr. Memon had a meeting on disability issues with Mr. G M Sikandar The Secretary of Federal Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education which was followed by a short courtesy meeting with newly promoted DG of DGSE. He also met with the Director NR Ovais Arshad Qazi and Deputy Director SR to discussed related matter. Later same afternoon Mr. Memon met with Secretary Mr. Aftab and concerned officer Mr. Umeed Ali of National Council of Social
Welfare Government of Pakistan. Rest of the evening was devoted for office work regarding next day News Conference. On 28th afternoon Mr. Memon together with the leaders from Islamabad and Kashmir Disabled Foundation addressed a press conference to welcome Prime Minister, new government and Parliament emphasizing them to include the important issues regarding disabled community in one of the priorities of the government. The News Conference was satisfactorily covered in the media which was followed by discussion with the leaders from Islamabad and Kashmir. Later same evening a dinner was hosted by PDF in the honour of the delegation of IDP comprising of the representative from Norway and Indonesia including Mr. Watterdal. On Saturday 29th March PDF Chief visited National Training Centre for Disabled Persons on the occasion Mr. Memon handed over the donation of Holy Quran and Braille Frame to Professor Madam Mumtaz Malik for girls center. On 29th
afternoon PDF Chief together with Mr. Shahid Rasheed of Islamabad visited the Head Office and Training Centre of Azad Kashmir Association of the Blind (AKAB), inspite of limited contacts the AKAB and its training centre under the abled and influential leadership of Professor Ilyas Ayub together with his energetic team, made Commendable and effective programme progress both qualitatively and quantitatively and deserve to be visited and supported.

Alhamd-o-Lillah! By the grace of Almighty Allah a 5 members delegation comprising of Mr. Shahid Ahmed Memon, Chairman PDF and head of the delegation, Mr. Khalid Hussain Bhatti, Deputy Leader of the delegation and PDF Chief Islamabad, Ms. Shakila Yasmeen, Incharge PDF Quaid-e-Azam Academy for Disabled Persons, Mr. Nasir Jamal and Mr. Hassan Ahmed participated in a 3 days International Conference held from 27th to 29th February 2008 at Dacca, Bangladesh which was Inaugurated by the head of the government of Bangladesh while among others the concluding ceremony was graced by the Finance Minister of Bangladesh and Deputy Minister of Afghanistan. The delegation was warmly welcome by other several organizations dealing with PWD’s.

On his arrival Mr.Shahid Memon held a meeting of the office bearers of PDF Islamabad on 30th evening. On 31st January, Mr. Memon delivered a lecture on “Skills for the Visually Impaired” in 2 days workshop on Inclusion under the Federal Directorate of Education, Islamabad. In afternoon of 31st January Mr. Memon had a meeting with Mr. Simon Country Director of Handicapped International in his office at Islamabad. On 1st of February Mr. Memon visited the Head Office of National Language Authority and met with the concerned officers in connection with the translation of interpretation on terminology of Special Education which was followed by the meeting with the Professor Rafiq Tahir, Director Federal Directorate of Education in connection with the development of liaison for closer cooperation which continued in the afternoon together with the Director General of Federal Education, Brigadier (Rtd) Javed Iqbal and senior partner of IDP Norway Mr.
Watterdal. Apart from that Chairman PDF had a separate meeting with Mr. Watterdal to discuss the IDP support to some of the PDF’s programs. On 2nd of February 2008, the PDF Chairman together with Mr. Watterdal of IDP Norway met with the Federal Ministry of Women Development, Social Welfare & Special Education, Madam Barrister Shahida Jameel along with the Secretary Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education Mr. Rasool Bux Baloch and Mr. Sarfraz, Director General of Special Education. Meeting took more than 2 hours to brief and discuss the policy and programs of the Ministry and International Coordination towards the implementation of the same. In the afternoon PDF Chief had a long meeting of 75 minutes with the Secretary of Social Welfare and Special Education, Mr. Rasool Bux Baloch and his sub-ordinate senior officers to discuss and see the progress towards the already submitted recommendations and issues relating to the services and program of
Ministry and Directorate General of Special Education and required improvement and introduction of seriously required further steps like establishment of Equipment Bank, Issuance of National Identity Card, Advisory and Monitoring Role of the representatives of self help movement and organizations of Disabled Persons permanent and effective liaison and coordination between ministries and departments regarding disability issues. The inclusion of disabled representatives in national and international delegations, improvement and strengthening of the National Braille Press and coordination between the Braille Production Units in the country. The hostels for the disabled persons should be used by the disabled students, trainees and teachers and not for the office purpose as happening to be during last 15 to 20 years. Late in the afternoon. Chairman PDF enjoyed the meeting at Lunch in Rawalpindi Eye Donors Organisation (REDO) which was followed by condolence
meeting at Professor Mumtaz a blind social worker’s residence for her mother’s death. On 4th morning PDF Chairman met with the officers concerned in National Book Foundation, which was followed by the meeting with the officers at DGSE.        

A Short Report Of Activities Of Pakistan Disabled Foundation For The Year 2006-2007

Al-Hamdo Lillah, By the Grace of Almighty Allah and valuable support of the society here and abroad Pakistan Disabled Foundation has been devotedly attentive and active to its agenda for action throughout the year like previous years. Apart from the already prepared comparatively detailed up-date of PDF for last 15 months, the following activities were carried-out during the period mentioned above.

To achieve its aims & objectives including socio-economic status with equal opportunities for the disabled persons, PDF was engaged all the time by providing & arranging advocacy, Training, Education, Rehabilitation & socially integrated programs.

In addition to our regular programs & services to support disabled students, widows & deserving disabled persons & their depending families including children by providing them scholarship, uniforms, books, equipments, monthly assistance, aid & small loans, sewing machines, cassettes, cassette recorders, mobility canes, wheel chairs, hearing aid & winter bedding to approximately 800 beneficiaries ,comprising of deserving disabled persons & children throughout the country, PDF has provided direct and indirect support for approximately 21 wedding ceremonies of disabled men & women or their children. As usual PDF has provided exclusive support comprising of cloths, ration & cash up to 2000 beneficiaries including their dependent during Ramzan whole year.

More than 300 Braille writing frames along with guide books, Abacus, Braillate, Arithmetic slates Braille Holy Quran were provided to the deserving students & trainees from whole  of  Pakistan. The 60 Braille and Talking Wrist Watches for Blind were provided free of cost and subsidized rates for deserving bind. Likewise Talking Thermometers, Calculators, Talking Clocks, Self Threading Needles and Geometry Boxes were also given on the same basis. The Holy Quran were sent to India for the use of Muslim blind students. PDF has continued to get transcribed & recorded books in Braille & on cassette for blind persons.

The course on Braille learning & transcription for the Braille instructors , Braille Transcribers, teachers & proof readers was again conducted and was mostly participated by the seniors from the Institution of Federal Board and University of Karachi.  

The PDF Chief Mr. Shahid Memon Presided Over on 6^th of April 2007 the ceremony arranged by Pakistan Association of the Blind Sindh Branch in collaboration with PAB Nawabshah District Branch to inaugurate the Training Camp for the Training and selection of the Blind Cricketers for forthcoming tournaments in the premises of PAB House Nawabshah. He also participated as a special guest in a closing ceremony of National Tournament of Blind Cricketers arranged by PAB Sindh in collaboration with Sukkar District Branch at Sukkar Sports Complex on 11^th of April 2007.

PDF delegation headed by Chairman participated in the International Conference on Special Education of Federal Directorate of Education Islamabad and National Conference on Special Education organized by University of Punjab.

The one of our nominated trainee successfully completed his 1^st year and continued 2^nd year in one of the institutions in South Africa. On the other once again 2 Blind Girls were sent to India to attend the 6 weeks Management Course on skills for the Visually Impaired. Along with other events mentioned in detailed up-date a delegation of 3 persons headed by the Chief of PDF attended international conference of the international council for the education of visually impaired in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia while Chairman PDF attended the Regional Meeting of UNESCO at New Delhi and international conferences at Amsterdam and Tannakh of Holland on Human Rights of the Disabled Community. Apart from other anniversaries celebrated by PDF as mentioned in up-date a 3 days International cum National Multidimensional Conference on Special Education was held by the PDF in Islamabad which was graced by number of dignitaries including Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir and Senior partner of IDP of Indonesia. The PDF new scheme i.e. PDF Quaid-e-Azam Academy progressed actively by having completed the work of renovation, establishment of classes and arrangement of transport for pick-n-drop with the courtesy of CDGK.

In spite of limited resources, being a National organization, PDF has provided support in cash & kind to  the sister agency working for the PWD’s.

Along with other programs PDF has arranged comprehensive Seerat programs, White cane safety day Programs, program of International Day of the disabled Persons (3^rd Dec.) both in Karachi & Islamabad.

Together with New Islamic year Program, Eid Millan program & Regular meetings of Disabled Women, PDF has arranged 1 day Seminar in Swat, Peshawer and Islamabad to promote the understanding amongs the individuals and NGOs of PWD.

Our female wing of PDF has been actively addressing the Educational, Rehabilitation & social problems including Wedding Ceremonies of Disabled Women through out year by arranging meetings, gatherings & recreational programs.

To continue & enhance its services, & get a permanent accommodation for PDF we constantly continued our efforts actively in this dimension as previous years.

All these activities were possible only because of confidence & close affiliation of our disabled fellow colleagues & of-course with the support of well wishers which we hope to receive increasingly by the grace of Almighty Allah in coming years.

By General Secretary PDF 

The Highlight's Review of PDF During The Year 2006

Al-Hamdo Lillah! Apart from regular activities of PDF regarding the Education, Training, Rehabilitation and Socialization together with Advocacy to protect and ensure the Rights, Privileges and Facilities/Securities for the people with disabilities, PDF has been engaged in below mentioned important activities which can be considered as progressive highlights of the year. 

1. To commemorate the starting of the new Hijrah Year with special reference of scarification and Shahadat, a comprehensive program was arranged in January 2006 which was graced by Religious Scholars including Professor Dr. Ishaq Mansoori Departmental Head of Karachi University. Mr. Watterdal of International Development Partnership also grace the occasion by his valuable expression on the event and on the inclusion as well.

2. The three young Blind Chep were sent to South Africa to attend Modern-cum-Religious Education Course comprising of 3 years.

3. In the month of April to observe the Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) on the occasion of Anniversary of people of Islam to enlightening and thought provoking programs were arranged in Karachi and Islamabad which were graced by Religious Scholars, Parliamentarians, Educators and Social Workers. More than 15 Institutions for the Disabled Children both of GO’s & NGOs took part in different competitions including Debate and Quiz.

4. Furthermore the PDF Chief Mr. Shahid Memon attended the Annual Week Program on Blindness in Multan under the Pakistan Association of the Blind and Muhammad Bin Qasim Welfare Trust Multan, where he inaugurated the program and address the gathering as the Chief Guest.

5. The PDF in collaboration with PAB Multan Hosted the General Assembly of DPIP which was largely attended by the active NGOs of PWD, the elections were also taken place.

6. A delegation of four women including three blind were sent by PDF in the month of May to attend 6 weeks course on Management and skills for the blind at AICB, New Delhi, India.

7. The PDF arranged several meetings to mobilize the resources and support for the sufferers of earthquake with special reference to the disability. As a result of which PDF succeeded to acquire a piece of land to establish permanent based training project in Chakar, Azad Jammu Kashmir for which a comprehensive scheme was submitted to ERRA Committee. The scheme is under consideration at the desk of international donors and sponsors. In this regard a meeting was also arranged with the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Honorable Sardar Ateeq Ahmed Khan which was concluded in many ways.

8. In June 2006, the PDF Chief attended the Annual Seerat (SAW) programme as the chief guest, arranged by the Baluchistan Blind Relief Association in Quetta where Mr. Memon provided the financial support from PDF for the Baluchistan Disabled Community.

9. The PDF Chief Mr. Memon attended the function of Pakistan Association of the Blind Lahore, as a Chief Guest on the occasion Foundation Stone of the PAB Lahore in June 2006 and extended financial support from Pakistan Disabled Foundation.

10. A delegation comprising of Mr. Memon, Mr. Khalid Hussain Bhatti and their guide participated in the 12^th International Conference of  ICEVI held in Kuala Lumpur July 2006.

11. Under the Pakistan Disabled Foundation, first time in the history of Special Education in Pakistan National-cum-International three days multi diamantional conference was held in Islamabad  which was largely participated by the educational components from all sector of education and special education together with the international delegation. The conference was inaugurated by The Honourable Prime Minister of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Sardar Ateeq Ahmed Khan as a Chief Guest while Mr. Raees Jhangeer, Chairman National Council for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons grace the occasion as a Chief Guest in Concluding Ceremony. The Incharge of the Women Section of the Pakistan Disabled Foundation Miss Shakila Yasmin was awarded Gold Medal along with Certificate of Appreciation by Pakistan Disabled Foundation for her outstanding contribution towards the services rendered by the PDF. Meanwhile PDF Chief was awarded Gold Medal and Certificate of Appreciation from Pakistan Association of the Blind, for his  life time achievement and contribution towards the field of disability.

12. Apart from special support in kind and cash to the deserving disabled persons and their families on the occasion of Ramadan and Eid all over the country and Azad Jammu Kashmir, the Educational Scholarship to the children of deserving families of disabled persons.

13. White Cane Safety Day the International Day of the Blind was largely observed under the Pakistan Disabled Foundation in many ways including important programme held on 19^th of October  in Karachi which was graced by large number of disabled persons and Mr. Watterdal of IDP (International Development Partnership).

14. On the occasion of Eid Festival a comprehensive programme was arranged in Karachi to provide the leisure and recreational opportunity to the disabled community along with a large number of disabled persons, disabled children from several institutions presented their performance on the occasion. This programme was attended by the City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal as the Chief Guest announced handsom cooperation in many ways from the City Government including financial support.

15. As usual five thousand appeal for financial support along with Brief Sketch of the activities were sent to educate and motivate the public opinion as well financial support in favor of Disabled Community and Foundation itself.

16. The Pakistan Disabled Foundation Chief Mr. Memon, on invitation of UNESCO, attended three days South East Asian Conference  on Special Education held in New Delhi, India from 21^st to 23^rd of November 2006, Mr. Memon along with group meetings submitted a comprehensive report on work for the education of disabled community in Pakistan with special reference to the efforts of PDF.

17. On the invitation of Dutch Collision on Disability Development Mr. Memon the PDF Chief two consecutive international meetings in Netherlands on 6^th and 7^th of December 2006 where Mr. Memon briefly explained the work being carried-out in Pakistan regarding People With Disabilities. The PDF informative literature was also distributed among to the participants of the conference.

To observe the International Day of the Disabled Persons and the  International Day of Human Rights, a big  programme was organized by Pakistan Disabled Foundation in Hotel Sheraton in collaboration with the well-wishers and the Institution of Special Education. The Chief Minister’s designated Minister of Revenue Sindh Dr. Irfan Gul Magsi grace the occasion and made encouraging announcement on behalf of the Chief Minister Sindh while Mr. Ameem Akhter Senior Executive Vice President of National Bank of Pakistan as the representative of Mr. Ali Raza the President of National Bank of Pakistan, Presided Over the Ceremony and announced the encouraging  and forthcoming support of the Bank for the PDF and disabled community as a whole. The Disabled Children and Artists exercised their performances which were highly appreciated by the dignitaries and participants of the event.

Al-hamdu Lillah, by the Grace of Almighty Allah Pakistan Disabled Foundation has been devotedly attentive to its agenda for action throughout the year as previous years.

To achieve its aims & objectives including socio-economic status with equal opportunities for the disabled persons, PDF was engaged all the time by providing &arranging advocacy, Training, Education, Rehabilitation & socially integrated programs.

A part from the regular programs &services to support disabled students, widows &deserving disabled persons & their depending families including children by providing them scholarship, uniforms, books, equipments, monthly assistance, aid & small loans, sewing machines, cassettes, cassette recorders, mobility canes, wheel chairs, hearing aid & winter bedding to approximately 400 beneficiaries ,comprising of deserving disabled persons & children, PDF has provided direct and indirect support for approximately 12 wedding ceremonies of disabled men &women or their children. As usual PDF has provided exclusive support comprising of cloths, ration &cash to up to 2000 beneficiaries including dependent during Ramzan whole year.

More than 450 Braille writing frames along with guide books, Abacus, Brail late, Arithmetic slates Braille Holy Quran were provided to the deserving students & trainees from whole  of  Pakistan. The 30 wrist watches for Blind were donated for deserving blind students of Bangladesh. The Holy Quran were sent to India for the use of Muslim blind students. PDF has got transcribed &recorded books in Braille & on cassette for blind persons.

The course on Braille learning & transcription for the Braille instructors , Braille  transcribers ,teachers & proof readers was organized under the PDF in newly established  PDF Quaid-e- Azam  Academy for disabled Persons Karachi.  

It is an important advancement that during the year on one hand 3 young  Blind students were sent to South Africa for 3years Training Course based on Modern Education together with Religious Training, on the other 3 Blind Girls were sent to India to attends 6 weeks Management Course & skills for the visually Impaired.

In spite of limiting resources, being a National organization, PDF has provided support in cash & kind to  the sister agency working for the PWD’s  namely  PAB Lahore, Karachi Association of special persons, Education Foundation Karachi, Baluchistan Blind Relief Organization, PAB Swabi, PAB Swat, PAB Bhawalnagar , PAB Noshero Feroz & PAB Nawabshah .

In addition to that Chairman PDF & other Board Members attended National & local Programs, Course & Seminars including the event of 26 countries of Capacity building of Self help Organization of  Disabled Persons (CBSHOD) where Chairman of PDF presented the address of  Welcome in his Capacity as the Chairman of Advisory for CBSHOD on behalf of PWD’ s  of  Pakistan .

Along with other programs PDF has arranged comprehensive Seerat programs, White cane safety day Programs, program of International Day of the disabled Persons (3^rd Dec.) both in Karachi & Islamabad.

Together with New Islamic year Program, Eid Milan program &Regular meetings of Disabled Women, PDF has arranged 3 days National Seminar on Work for disabled in Northern District of Swat. Among other dignitaries Mr. Watterdal of Norway from International Aid & Mr. Hassan Murchie of Madrassa Noor of South Africa grace the occasion. While PDF hosted the dinner Reception at Islamabad in the honor of Madam Kiki Northstorm of World Blind Union & the Foreign delegation comprising of CBSHOD & JICA in Islamabad.

The Chairman PDF was invited to be the Chief guest & grace the occasion  by expressing his views by General sister Organizations including the Inaugural Ceremony of Baluchistan Blind Relief Association, The Building Foundation Ceremony of PAB Lahore, White cane Safety Day in PAB Noshero Feroz & annual National Festival of Mohammad Bin Qasim Welfare Center of PAB Multan. PDF together with PAB Multan hosted the General Assembly of DPIP in Multan.

The Chairman PDF has chaired different meetings of advisory of DPIP through out the year. One female wing of PDF has been actively addressing the Educational, Rehabilitation & social problems including Wedding Ceremonies of Disabled Women through out year by arranging meetings, gatherings & recreational programs. The 3 Female Blind as a result of the special effort of Women Wing has been appointed Braille Instructors in ordinary schools.

To continue & enhance its services, & get a permanent accommodation for PDF we constantly continued our efforts actively in this dimension as previous years.

 All these activities were possible only because of confidence & close affiliation of our disabled fellow colleagues &of course with support of well wishers which we hope to receive increasingly by the grace of Almighty Allah.  

Report of the activities and work on special education including Inclusion and Enabling Education.

Apart from the activities and programme going on through out the country under the Federal, Provincial and local GO’s and NGO’s including universities about which my colleagues in the conference are informing as per their knowledge and sphere of their action, I will confined myself very briefly about the activities and programmes under the special education programme of Pakistan Disabled Foundation specially during last few months.

It is very obvious from the brief report of activities of PDF that the authorities of PDF have full time agenda specially about the promotion of training and education on the basis of integration by arranging training courses, seminars, courses and by providing required literature and equipment on specialize techniques and skills for the disabled persons. To accommodate the idea of inclusion and enabling education together with education for all PDF has arranged informative lectures to introduce the modern approach under the title Inclusion and Enabling Education. Mr. Watterdall (Senior Partner of International Development Programme of Norway) has been very kind to deliver thought provoking lecture in PDF Quaid-e-Azam Academy for Disabled Persons. The lecture was so impressive, inspiring and enlightening   that the participants requested the  PDF to arrange a multi dimensional and comprehensive conference covering all the related aspects, topics and components involve and dealing directly and indirectly in the education of disabled community either in specialize system, institutions and atmosphere or in a ordinary educational institutions and environment. As such the executive board of PDF practically acknowledge the request and arranged three days conference on special education in collaboration with international Development Programme of Norway and Enabling Education Network Indonesia from 31^st of August to 2^nd of September 2006 in Islamabad. The Recommendation of the same are also attached to understand the nature and area of the conference to promote the special education on most modern and scientific line. To get the recommendations and idea behind them implemented, on one hand recommendations along with the briefing were largely sent to all the concern and academic administrative sectors, on the other PDF has modified the on going programmes and services and introduce few more programmes and accordance with the modern requirements of special education by involving the equally the ordinary trainees and students in its programmers and by arranging the programme of public education and motivation on the basis of modern concept to get the society motivated  and educated towards the need of inclusion,  enabling education and education for all. Meanwhile the PDF delegation had an opportunity to participate in the 12^th ICEVI International Conference on Special Education to get them fully acquainted with the up-date of special education in global prospectus both developed and developing status and requirements of special education.

Shahid Ahmed Memon

Chairman Pakistan Disabled Foundation.

Highlights of the Activities of Paksitan Disabled Foundation and its Subsidiary "PDF Quaid - e - Azam Academy for Disabled Person" during last few months.

After the renovation and repairing work at the PDF Academy Building, the activities on cross disabilities have been re-started. Library and Research section has also been started and activated. To continue the series of Training Courses of different skills, the two weeks course on Braille Transcription of Urdu & English Braille Learning was conducted from 26th of February to 13th of March 2007 under the PDF in the premises of PDF Quaid-e-Azam Academy for Disabled Persons. The course was attended by the Teachers and Senior Students of even Post Graduate Classes of Special Education of University of Karachi together with the participants from Shaheed-e-Millat Centre of Special Education of Federal Directorate. The total participants who qualified the course were 38.

The Senior Partner of International Development Partnership of Norway Mr. Watterdal visited the PDF Academy on 10th of March 2007 physically and extended practical financial cooperation on behalf of IDP Norway as a matter of appreciation and acknowledgement of the services of PDF. On 13th of March 2007 The City District Nazim of Karachi as the Head of the City Government has very kindly and generously provided on behalf of City District Government Karachi a “32 Seater Bus” to support the services and activities of PDF for the Pick-n-Drop to the Trainees, Students and Other Concerned Disabled Persons. The General Council and Executive Board highly appreciated and acknowledge by adopting Resolution of Appreciation and gratitude to the City Nazim and City District Government Karachi. 

To observe the Millad-un-Nabi (SAW), Pakistan Day and Celebration of Renovated Building along with its activities, a two days program comprising of competitions of Naat-e-Rasool-e-Maqbool (SAW), Quiz, Speeches and Essay Writing on Seerat and Pakistan Day, was organized on 28th & 29th of March 2007 which was largely participated by Students, Teachers, Trainees, Dignitaries and Others. The PDF Chief Mr. Shahid Memon along with Head of Islamabad PDF Mr. Khalid Hussain Bhatti attended two days workshop on Special Education with special reference to the “INCLUSION”, sponsored by the Federal Directorate of Education in collaboration with the International Agencies by practical participation. Mr. Shahid Memon also presented the paper on “ROLE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION” towards the promotion of Inclusion. 

The PDF Chairman Mr. Shahid Memon also presented paper as a guest speaker in a two days National Conference on special education organized by the Department of Special Education, University of Panjab with the support of World Bank in Lahore on 26 and 27th of March 2007. 

To observe the Seerat and Pakistan Day program a gathering was arranged by PDF Islamabad Branch in Hotel Best Western Islamabad on 22nd of March 2007. Along with participants from different Institutions and NGOs the dignitaries including social workers grace the occasion by their physical presence. The participants were entertained by Naat National Songs and Refreshment as well. 

Under the Head Office Karachi a one day seminar on Seerat, Pakistan Day and Problems was held in Peshawer on 24th of March 2007 which was participated by Chairman PDF Mr. Shahid Memon, PDF delegation from Islamabad, the delegation from Swat, Swabi, Mardan and Peshawer participated in the program. Along with PDF Chairman, Mr. Abdul Baseer and Mr. Hameedullah grace the occasion by their valuable expression. Prior to that a delegation comprising of representatives from Peshawer and Head Office PDF met with the Chairman Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Peshawer and Head of the Academy to discuss the introduction of Braille Subject as an Optional Subject in the syllabus of Intermediate and Secondary Education. Both the authorities were fully convinced and assure to take-up matter with the concerned groups and sectors.

5 deserving Disabled Persons during these two months have applied for support regarding Marriage Program of their children. In the light of the scrutiny of each case, these five applicants are being supported in Cash & Kind with help of Well Wishers. 

The PDF Chief Mr. Shahid Memon Presided Over on 6th of April 2007 the ceremony arranged by Pakistan Association of the Blind Sindh Branch in collaboration with PAB Nawabshah District Branch to inaugurate the Training Camp for the Training and selection of the Blind Cricketers for forthcoming tournaments in the premises of PAB House Nawabshah. He also participated as a special guest in a closing ceremony of National Tournament of Blind Cricketers arranged by PAB Sindh in collaboration with Sukkar District Branch at Sukkar Sports Complex on 11th of April 2007. 

A group of students of Department of Social Work, of Usmania Government Girls College under the supervision of Lecturers of Department of Social Work, Home Economics and Library Science (The Practical Subjects) had a tour of the activities and classes of PDF Quaid-e-Azam Academy for Disabled Persons to get the practical knowledge about Disabled Persons, their activities and their role in the society as the Equal Citizen. Ms. Shakila briefed the students and teachers about the activities going on. Prior to that the PDF Chief Mr. Memon in his lecture explained and emphasize the need of coordination and collaboration with the ordinary educational institutions to promote the idea of Integration and Inclusion of the Disabled Persons in the society. The teachers and students expressed their interest and appreciation through their questions and comments.

PDF Chief Mr. Memon visited Agha Khan Health & Welfare Centre at Sultanabad on 9th of April 2007 to discuss the means and ways for mutual cooperation, coordinative Efforts and Collaboration towards the betterment of Disabled Community by utilizing Bi-literal resources. He also met one of the Blind Visitor with his parents and discussed his future program with special reference to counseling and guidance. 

The PDF in collaboration with Baluchistan Blind Relief Association has arranged three fold program on Seerat (SAW), Pakistan Day and Affairs of the Disabled Persons in Idara-e-Saqafat Quetta on Saturday the 14th of April 2007. Madam Nasreen Khateran, Provincial Minister for Population, Welfare and Zakat, Government of Baluchistan grace the occasion as the Chief Guest while number of dignitaries including Principal Government Girls College Quetta, Social Workers and Disabled themselves. Chairman PDF Mr. Memon who was to Preside Over the program, couldn’t turned-up, however his Presidential Address as a Message was presented during the program. The program concluded at Hi-tea. 

APCD 

To, 

The Chief Controller of the Policy & Program.APCD. 

Dear Sir,

Thankyou for all the kind information and updating through your Newsletter, on behalf of Pakistan Disabled Foundation I appreciate the efforts of APCD on the whole. However I have to point out that PDF is also one of the strongest and active organization constantly diligent towards the Advocacy, Betterment of the Disabled Community, may be involved in programming and selection of the participants to maintain Justice, Equality and to provide the repetition of the same person of organization. Hopefully proposed change in the policy will make APCD and its program more effective, intensive and wide ranged. Looking forward to have an active and practical response. 

Thanking You. 

Sincerely Yours, 

Shahid Ahmed Memon

Chairman Pakistan Disabled Foundation  

To, 

Mr./Ms. Monique Verwey, 

Office Manager, DCDD. 

Dear Monique, 

Thankyou for the Newsletter I believe that I have already sent our e-mail because of which I received your invitation to attend the International Conferences held on 6th & 7th of December 2006 in Amsterdam and Tannakh which I physically and practically attended. I went through all the expressions regarding the powerfulness of the recently adopted convention and to conclude that I couldn’t trace-out the instruments of needed pressure of UN Agencies upon the implementing GOs at National level because implementation is only in the hands of National Governments where pressure groups like Self Help Movements require the Joining Hands of the UN Agencies to make joint efforts to encounter the defusing tactics through the Beaurecratic tactics of the national authorities of GOs. Anyhow I have planned to present full text paper hopefully in the next General Assembly of DPI to be held later this year in Korea.

Thanking You.

Sincerely Yours, 

Shahid Ahmed Memon

Chairman Pakistan Disabled Foundation