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WFOT has received a request from the WHO Disability and Rehabilitation Team (DAR) in relation to the writing of the World Report on Disability and Rehabilitation (WRDR). The report is at first draft stage and should be launched in 2009. . They need information and materials listed below to strengthen their report, but they also wish to have contributions to fill the gaps that they have already identified in the preliminary report. Please help! With your expertise in the area of Accessibility and Participation, WFOT would appreciate help in gathering particularly the areas highlighted below.

Please send me anything that you can think of-references, case studies, statistics. I must have a response to WHO by July 15th so we do not have much time.

Please send to wfot@multiline.com.au subject line: WHO World Report on Disability and Rehabilitation.

Chapter 1 - The Universal Experience.

Topics - Examples of mental health and cognitive impairments.
More information about ethical issues.
case study of comprehensive, interconnected rehabilitation efforts.

Chapter 2A - A Global Disabilities Picture.

Topics - data on quality of life for people with disabilities.
case study on design of disability related research in a developing country.

Chapter 2B - Prevention

Topics - more evidence-based characterization of disability risks over lifespan.
more evidence-based characterization of strategies to reduce disability risks.

Chapter 3A - Medical Care.

Topics - examples of comprehensive, well-delivered medical care & Health Systems & well organized medical systems for people with disabilities.
examples of impact of financing structures and health systems on health of people with disabilities, especially in low and middle income countries.
evidence about health consequences of aging with a disability.
evidence about why health maintenance and preventative health are particularly important for people with disabilities.
global need for medical rehabilitation.
information about who gets medical rehab & who doesn't, and why?
evidence about and examples of referral &coordination of care with healthcare team.

Chapter 3B - Beyond Rehabilitation Therapies.

Topics - case studies of different therapy specialties pt/ot/slt/psych.
more on nonprofessional therapeutic interventions.
more on access to therapies in developing countries.
information about coordination between health care team members.

Chapter 3C - Assistive Technologies.

Topics - evidence about barriers to local manufacturing of devices.
case study of local manufacturing of devices.
technologies for people with low vision / blindness.
technologies for people with cognitive impairments.
taxation of AT and impact on users.
how specific funding strategies impact access to ATs.
case study of AT's impact on participation.

Chapter 4 - Support of Services

Topics - history of/background on support services outside of Europe & USA. data on need for services especially in developing countries.
more data about support service provision in the developing world case studies of service provision and support service programs.
information on efficacy of different delivery models, including community based and institutional care.
more evidence on strategies to support and train non-professional support people.
impact of support services on participation.more on autonomy/agency of people with disabilities in support services.
case studies from developing countries about support services.

Chapter 5 - Transportation and Housing.

Topics - evidence of impact of built environment on activities and participation of people with disabilities. strategies for increasing accessibility in resource-poor environments. more on involvement of people with disabilities in design. more on the implementation of accessibility laws & standards. more on home accessibility case studies from developing countries.

Chapter 6 - Information

Topics - access to information and communication for people with deaf / blindness.
access to information and communication for people with cognitive impairments.
more information about legislation, policies, and their implementation, especially in the developing world.
evidence on the effect of access to information and communication on participation, particularly in education and employment.
more evidence on "what works" for improving access to information and communication.
more information about design and standards issues, particularly internationally.

Chapter 7- Education & Training.

Topics - evidence about educational outcomes under different models of education for people with disabilities.
more evidence about the impact on assessment strategies and identification of students with disabilities on educational placement and outcomes.
adult education.
vocational training, transitions from education to employment/work.
involvement of families and people with disabilities in determining educational strategies at all levels.

Chapter 8 - Work & Employment.

Topics - case studies of work & employment programmes.
evidence of impact of employment on other domains of participation.

Chapter 9 - Justice & Rights

Topics - case studies from developing countries.
evidence from developing countries.
evidence on participation in the political process by people with disabilities.

Chapter 10 - Conclusions & Recommendations.

Electronic documents and documents in English would be especially appreciated. Please supply your name and contact information, so WHO can properly acknowledge each contributor

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