I am kicking off this webpage with an assignment I did early in March for my International Development course. UN Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities (CRPD) will go into force in May and this is a good opportunity to share resources and information.
Enjoy this resource file and feel free to post queries, comments, and input...
This Resource File may not be static because this is new and with the recognition of disability inclusion in the workplace and international development in recent times –few organizations such as MIUSA and International Labour Organization have guidelines to empower PWDs to be employed or run their own businesses in developed countries.
My project is strictly those who are Deaf living in the developed country who seek guidelines and resources to make their business vision successful and be collaborative with the local Deaf communities in the developing countries. We have a large number of Deaf Diasporas who may have ideas to work with those back home.
The following information begins with local resources at home (in the US), then international websites with more particular information and forms, on establishing and conducting businesses overseas, employment policy on inclusive workplace and disability resources and themes, participating development banks, organizations and agencies (both disabled and able bodied), literature on Deaf and Disabled issues, and lastly, a miscellaneous list of literature and contact information of global issues and Deaf organizations.
National Deaf Business Institute (NDBI)
“NDBI was founded in July 2001 with the purpose of helping deaf people of all ages develop skills they can use to start, manage, and grow a successful business or organization. NDBI's vision is to become an organization that will develop and serve a community of deaf business leaders.” (Website introduction)
I recognize top three names in “who we are” and these Deaf men are reputable in the Washington, D.C. Deaf community for their business and legal expertise. For those who need to hone or upgrade their business knowledge and skills, they may benefit in starting out with NDBI. It offers mentorship programs for both Deaf business professionals and undergraduate business students, and outreach to schools. The site has links to Gallaudet University’s Leadership Institute and Business departments at Gallaudet and NTID, and Small Business Administration. Top Deaf Businesses such as Schwarz Financial Services and Harris Communication Services are included.
This website is relatively new and not all information is available – it is best to contact them at the provided address for inquiries or information.
US Department of State
US Department of State’s Business FAQ
http://www.state.gov/e/eeb/cba/c599.htm
The US Department of State provides links to various offices and websites within the US government such as passports for business associates, authenticating business documents, Minority Business Development Agency, Country Commercial Guides (political and economic climates, advice on exports, recommended actions or warnings), making investments in accordance with US policy interests, and links to various application forms. Some links do not exist or is outdated.
US Department of State’s Travel and Business
http://www.state.gov/travelandbusiness/
The State Department provides current information on travel conditions, political and economic situations, immunization, travel tips, emergency information, business visas and more. (An Embassy is more likely to have updated information since some links doesn’t go beyond 2001)
Embassy
It is ideal to go to a country’s embassy in nearest city to where you live since the embassy often communicates with the country back home and may be best placed to advise you of DO’s and DON’Ts and provide needed materials. They can also assist with VISA requirements.
The embassyworld.com is a huge resource directory and search engines of cities in the US hosting embassy and consulate offices with side information such as rentals, classifieds, and finding the nearest cybercafés. The directory and search engine is not limited to US.
International Labour Organization
SEED – Small Enterprise Development
http://www.ilo.org/dyn/empent/empent.portal?p_prog=S
SEED works with governments, organizations, and local communities to research and implement what works best in small enterprise development in certain regions for PWDs to succeed with their businesses. SEED envisions this as a goal to reduce poverty.
ILO Resource Guide on Disability: http://www.ilo.org/public/english/support/lib/resource/subject/disability.htm
A resource on various themes and in regions pertaining to ILO’s role with disabilities, employment, organizations, medical care, discrimination, and more.
PDF file – Managing Disability in the workplace
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/skills/disability/download/codeeng.pdf
A manual on interviewing, hiring, communicating and training with PWDs in a workplace
ILO Equity Issues
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/skills/equity/index.htm
To build knowledge, advocacy and technological issues to address inequities at the workplace
ILO news article “Disabled People Deserve Jobs”
http://wecando.wordpress.com/2007/12/05/ilo-report-says-disabled-people-deserve-jobs/
A link from Andrea Shettle’s We Can Do website: ILO and a number of countries are recognizing the untapped potential skills of PWDs and a way out of poverty. However barriers and discrimination remain. The report states that social exclusion from the workplace causes between 1.37 and 1.94 trillion USD in GDP losses annually.
Mobility International USA (MIUSA)
Mobility International USA’s “Building an Inclusive Development Community”
http://www.miusa.org/idd/inclusive-development-projects
MIUSA often collaborates with USAID work on goals in eliminating barriers that prevent PWDs and PWDs women from working and participating in the development process. MIUSA and USAID are committed to local (or rural) resources by providing technical assistance and partnerships with disability organizations. There is couple of grants and awards honoring a country or an organization’s work.
The World Bank
Related Links or Who’s Who in Disability and Development:
A comprehensive (and growing) list separated into categories such as: regional development banks, national development agencies and other government affiliated development agencies (equivalent to USAID), business sector/corporate social responsibility, journals, and statistics. It appears to be a good source to find institutions to work with to seek funding or guidance to establish business, in policy regarding employment and inclusion at work, and literature.
Other –Misc
The Economist – online magazine
This is a magazine that I try to read regularly – it’s a good source of how economics and businesses are impacted by political and social issues around the world.
European Union of the Deaf
A DVD produced by the EUD – “Non-Discrimination of Deaf People in Employment” as well as news articles about EUD and European Union’s disability positions and policy.
Global Issues
A comprehensive website of literature and media on all aspects of issues such as the arms trade, global warming, poverty, children, racism, AIDS and more, to be aware of political issues that may affect your goal to implement or operate a business in another country.
We Can Do – Andrea Shettle
An online journal constructed by Andrea Shettle, a Deaf Professional with news, postings of training, conferences and so on in the world of disability development and research. It can be translated into other languages.
World Federation of the Deaf
WFD has a list of national Deaf organizations (or NADs) as country members and affiliated members with addresses, contact information, and websites. I strongly encourage you to contact the country’s NAD and a regional deaf organization or service – find out how they can collaborate and provide local information.
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