Disability inclusion and disaster risk reduction training program with CRS in Philippines
Blog, News-iag, Project | July 9, 2024
CBM Global’s Inclusion Advisory Group (IAG) is pleased to be working more closely with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Philippines to ensure disaster risk reduction (DRR) is inclusive of persons with disabilities.
Our Philippines team recently worked together to provide a 2.5-day training for CRS staff on disability inclusive DRR.
The training aimed to equip participants with a reflective understanding of the rights of persons with disabilities, and integrate inclusive practices into disaster risk reduction strategies.
Some highlights were using our signature Choose Your Own Adventure game to explore what it means to make DRR disability inclusive. The game allows people to walk in the shoes of a program manager who has to make decisions throughout the life of a program to embed disability inclusion (or not). It was a fun, interactive way to explore the concepts and we all enjoyed seeing all the different endings to the story based on what choices were made by the program manager. Through interactive activities and open forums we were able to discuss what it means to be inclusive within key DRR processes, including:
- Community disaster preparedness committees
- Community mapping and vulnerability assessments
- Community preparedness plans
- Early warning systems
- Evacuation procedures and simulations
- Integrating climate change in disaster event planning
- Post-disaster needs assessment
- Psychosocial support in disaster events
An open forum allowed participants to share insights and address queries, encouraging collaborative learning.
We explored the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with particular focus on general obligations and article 11, which refers to the rights of persons with disabilities in situations of risk.
“The training provides us knowledge on the basic concept of disability and gives us clearer view of entry points for program integration”. – Workshop participant
The workshop also explored positioning disability inclusive within wider DRR landscapes. Key legal, policy, and framework considerations were explored, along with the obligations of key stakeholders. Participants gained insights into the role of data on persons with disabilities and the principles of accessibility, reasonable accommodation, and universal design.
“Thank you very much for this learning filled training. This has increased my knowledge, understanding and commitment of disability inclusive development.” – Workshop participant
This workshop was a great start to our collaboration and step towards inclusive DRR in the Philippines. We look forward to further engagement with CRS, supporting them to make their work more inclusive.
https://cbm-global.org/news-iag/disability-inclusion-and-disaster-risk-reduction-training-program-with-crs-in-philippines