Cover

2005-2015APIDS

Australia Pacific Islands Disability Support

10 years of stories from the Pacific

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Welcome From the Directors of APIDS

Welcome to the 10th Anniversary booklet for Australia Pacific Islands Disability Support! We are delighted to be celebrating this milestone with you – our partners, members and supporters.

This booklet is a collection of stories from those who have worked with APIDS over the past 10 years. There are stories from APIDS partners in Pacific Island countries, as well as reflections from our Directors and members. We all share a common interest in contributing to the work of disabled people’s organisations which seek to improve the lives of people with disabilities in the Pacific. We believe these stories celebrate the power of partnerships and we hope you enjoy reading them.

The voices of people with disabilities in the region are increasingly heard loud and clear in many meetings, processes and policies.  We feel very honoured to be able to contribute to this, albeit from a distance and in small ways!  We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your valuable support over the past 10 years.  We are particularly grateful for our generous donors, loyal members and the ongoing support provided by World Relief Australia.  You have all contributed to some fabulous changes.  We look forward to another 10 years of collaboration, friendships and achievements in this important journey.

Dan, Deborah, Robyn, Bill, Maryanne, Sally and Kate November 2015

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APIDS TimelineLate 2005

Official Registration of APIDS and Election of first office bearers – Dan Stubbs, Deborah Rhodes, Robyn James, Maryanne Diamond and Bill Jolley

2006 APIDS joined Our Community2007 Agreements made with Fiji Disabled People’s Federation, People With

Disability Solomon Islands, Disability Promotion and Advocacy in Vanuatu

2008 Agreements with Ra’es Hadomi Timor Oan in Timor Leste, Naunau’o e Alamaite Tonga Association, Te Toa Matoa in Kiribati, Papua New Guinea National Assembly Of Disabled Persons and Nuanua O le Alofa in Samoa

Leadership Development Program in Mt Macedon for DPO leaders

Launch of Australian Government’s ‘Development For All: Towards a disability-inclusive Australian aid program 2009–2014’

2009 Registration of Trust for APIDS Foundation Fund (requirement for tax deductibility status)

1st Pacific Disability Forum Regional Conference on Disability, Port Vila

Contract with World Relief Australia signed

Agreement with Fusi Alofa in Tuvalu

Two new Directors joined – Sally Baker and Kate Matairavula2010 Agreements with Pacific Disability Forum, Nauru Disabled People’s

Association, Pohnpei Consumers Organization in Federated States of Micronesia

2011 Beginning of research project between PDF and APIDS on capacity of DPOs in Pacific Island countries

2nd Pacific Disability Forum Regional Conference on Disability, Auckland

Agreements with Omekesang in Palau, United Blind Persons in Fiji, Psychiatric Survivors Association in Fiji, Spinal Injuries Association in Fiji, Fiji Association of the Deaf

2012 Agreement with Cook Islands National Disability Council2013 PDF/APIDS Research Report launched at 3rd Disability Forum Pacific

Disability Conference, Noumea

2015 Launch of Australian Government’s ‘Development For All: Strategy for strengthening disability-inclusive development in Australia’s aid program 2015-20’

4th Pacific Disability Forum Pacific Disability Conference, Fiji

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What is APIDS

The APIDS story

Ten years ago, Robyn James came up with the idea to support Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) in Pacific countries.  This followed her experience as a volunteer with Fiji Disabled People’s Association (now Federation) and support from Setareki Macanawai and Angeline Chand.  After rounding up a bunch of people with some relevant experience in this area and great enthusiasm, APIDS was born!

APIDS is committed to the idea that people with disabilities are able to achieve their own objectives for inclusive, rights-based, barrier-free societies. We contribute by supporting DPOs’ work professionally and personally and contributing small grants.  We also take opportunities to deepen understanding in Australia about disability inclusive development.  We apply strengths-based, partnership-orientated and rights-based approaches to our work and are committed to respectful, relevant and responsive collaboration.After a year-long merry-go-round of bureaucratic processes, our organisation took shape.  We quickly became part of a new interest in disability issues within the Australian Government’s aid program. We were able to contribute our understanding about the interface between disability inclusion and international development to early policy development. This helped us to hone our own advocacy messages.

We have gradually formed partnerships with 18 Pacific DPOs after meeting their officials at regional meetings or country visits.  The photo on the front cover for example, is of the Chairman of Te Toa Matoa in Kiribati, Baitongo Tirikai.  Te Toa Matoa hosted a lovely beach picnic for Deborah to meet members in 2013.

APIDS’ relationship with the Pacific Disability Forum is very important.  PDF is the regional body for DPOs, representing them internationally, supporting members and contributing to capacity.  APIDS was delighted to have the opportunity to undertake some major research with PDF in 2011-13 about the capacity of DPOs in the region.

Despite significant changes in the broader environment since 2005, APIDS has remained a small and voluntary organization. We work through World Relief Australia and benefit from their systems and expertise.  We have often been told that we ‘punch above our weight’. If we do, it is because of combination of networks, supporters, skills and enthusiasm.

In the past 10 years, Pacific DPOs have been reaching out to more people with disabilities and raising awareness at community level. Also, they have become more included in their national governance systems, as more Governments sign the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Pacific DPOs now have better access to funding and technical and capacity-strengthening support than ever before.  We are pleased to continue to contribute to their work.

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Directors’ stories

Daniel Stubbs & Deborah Rhodes

Living in the Pacific showed me how resilient, resourceful and caring Pacific Islanders can be. People with disabilities clearly have these qualities in spades. When the group of us, now known as APIDS, got together, we were motivated by the realisation that with some small support these impressive people with disabilities and their organisations could do amazing things. And oh how they did!On one occasion, when I was living in Fiji, the FDPA Chair asked me to come with him to purchase a computer being paid for by APIDS as he did not feel confident to negotiate himself. So I thought, a little naively, that this was something I could help with. Well, that day I got taken to school and was shown Negotiation 101 by a skilled expert whose blindness had stopped him from finishing high school but whose natural talent and determination gave him the people skills and finesse of any CEO or barrister. APIDS always punches above its weight and is constantly looking for the next opportunity to support Pacific DPOs to do what they do. It’s an honour to chair this impressive organisation.- Daniel Stubbs

Personally, my engagement with APIDS has been entirely positive in terms of learning, building relationships and contributing to a better world!  I have totally enjoyed working with the other directors, contributing our respective strengths, learning and taking initiatives in ways consistent with our shared

values.   I have also loved working with and learning about the wonderful people who are members and office bearers in our partner organisations.  We have been ‘strategically lucky’ to have had opportunities to meet up in many countries, for research, meetings, conferences and other events.  APIDS has been successful also because of collaboration with others, for example, through the Australian Disability and Development Consortium.   These and other opportunities have helped inform APIDS’ collective understanding about ways to support the rights of people with disabilities and disability inclusive approaches. I’ve learned some great lessons through my involvement with APIDS. Setareki Macanawai from PDF once told me that a good partner is one who is ‘on tap, not on top’ and I have found it a very helpful concept in the broader world of development and change.  Realising that one’s values and integrity are critically important for any advocacy message, not just the message content, has also been helpful.  Thank you to all those who have joined with, supported and touched APIDS in the last 10 years and shared the journey, especially fellow Directors, Robyn, Dan, Maryanne, Bill, Sally and Kate for their commitment, contributions and friendship.  

- Deborah Rhodes

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Directors’ Stories

My Second Family by Robyn James

There is a photo of Robyn James with Joaozito from RHTO, Timor Leste

The traditional definition of family is a group of people who are related to each other. I have one of those families, but I also have the APIDS family gathered over the last 12 years – the 2 years spent in Fiji which was the inspiration for APIDS and the 10 years since.My family in the traditional sense have been very supportive members of APIDS since its inception. My parents, when they were alive, recruited many of their friends to be members and my father – Albert – was honoured to be the founder of the APIDS Trust when we required a person who would be willing to donate $100 without a tax concession to start it. APIDS has seen me adopted into a Timor Leste clan, the result of the leader of Rais Hadomi Timor Oan – Joaozito dos Santos (John) - asking to call me Mum in 2008. Initially I thought that it was the same as many Pacific Islander friends calling me Grandma, Mum, Sister in their own languages. However John wanted me to be his mother, after his birth mother had died in 2003 and

he missed that special relationship. I have since been adopted into his Tutuala family and have shared many special moments.APIDS has also brought me close friendships with the Pacific Disability Forum “family”. Regular meetings and the research visits of 2011 have led to sister and brother relationships with people from Cook Islands, FSM, Kiribati, Nuie, Palau, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. And of course spending 2 years in Fiji and frequent visits since means that I am bubu (Grandma), nana (Mum), sister and friend to many people with disabilities and their family members.It has also been a joy and privilege to get to know my fellow Directors of the APIDS family. What a wonderful journey!

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Our Partners

APIDS stories

FIJIFiji Disabled People’s Federation is the umbrella body for DPOs in Fiji. Established in 1984, its purpose is to advocate for the full recognition of the rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities in the country, their active participation in all areas and at all levels of society as well as to provide essential services that are otherwise unavailable. It now has four major affiliates (see below) and community branches throughout Fiji. It has actively advocated for the signing of CRPD by the Government of Fiji in 2010 and contributed to the national disability policy of Fiji, with its affiliated organisations. FDPF is involved in a wide range of advocacy and training programs and has been recognized for its work on disability and human rights by the Pacific Regional Rights Resource Team.  ‘APIDS has supported efforts to build the capacity of our organisation through funding and other assistance from APIDS Directors, including: joint research with PDF on capacity of Pacific DPOs; the development and maintenance of DPO offices; and funding for office rent, equipment and furnishings as well as training in advocacy, media, accessibility auditing and financial literacy. Funds have also helped with staff salary, promotional materials, reviving our website, support to community branches and other short-term activities. FDPF appreciates APIDS’ commitment to shared goals.  This helps us to be confident, motivated, strong and effective in our planning and work.  We are able to encourage more disability champions, break down barriers, push boundaries and change attitudes towards more inclusive Fijian communities.’   

Spinal Injuries Association (Fiji) joined other DPOs in the move to Brown Street in 2005 and now has full time staff.  The organisation has implemented many advocacy and service provision activities.  ‘We are grateful for APIDS support which has enabled us to raise other funds for our organisation and run workshops and training for women to gain skills related to income generation.  Today we are focused on advocating for accessible public spaces, services, transport, education and employment for people in wheelchairs or other mobility impairments.’  

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Photo of Fijians using sign language

The idea of Psychiatric Survivors Association began in Fiji in 2004 after Setareki Macanawai, President of FDPA, met people from an organisation called World Psychiatric Survivors at an international conference. He discussed the idea of setting up a DPO with staff from St Giles Hospital in Suva and they agreed to support people who attended outpatients and inpatients to start their own DPO. FDPA provided an Australian volunteer (Robyn James) to work with people who had a psychiatric disability to establish PSA. PSA was officially registered as an NGO in 2006.  APIDS provided the first grant to PSA in 2012 and the organisation has grown in confidence since then.  Today PSA focuses its efforts on recruiting and training members, including as part of an employment program.  It also conducts awareness campaigns and home visits to promote knowledge on stigma and inclusion of survivors in the community.

United Blind Persons would like to extend our deepest gratitude to APIDS for their  funding  which  has benefited our organisation in many ways. With APIDS funding, we were able to: identify new members in rural areas; develop a booklet with stories about the lives of our members, including about their employment, income-generation and studies; provide computer classes for our members, some of whom went on to University studies; and also strengthen our group in Western Fiji.’  APIDS funding has also helped UBP participate in the World Blind Union. UBP told us ‘we  hope  that APIDS would continuously  support UBP   to be an effective  DPO in meeting  the needs of its members and also improving  the lives of  Blind and vision  impairment members in Fiji.

Fiji Association for the Deaf was officially registered in 2003, and ten years ago when APIDS started, had an active Committee and one full time paid staff member.  Over the years, major changes have taken place and now FAD has around 500 members, two staff and its own office.  They also have active sub-committees focused on sign language, sports, interpreters, youth and Oceania links. ‘We want to specifically acknowledge the assistance of Mrs Kate Matairavula (nee Nelson) who was instrumental in guiding our advocacy

to government and stakeholders during her time with us as an Australian Volunteer.  She also helped us with managing everyday operations of the office – we have passed the skills for this on to new staff.’  FAD has been pushing for the recognition of sign language nationwide and the provision of accessible formats of services in all areas of our lives.  ‘We focus on advocacy work to raise awareness at government and community levels about CRPD.  We also assist our members to find employment, collect data, empower our members through training and participate in inclusive programs such as education and sports. ‘APIDS has assisted us with finances and human resources.  We have benefitted a lot from funds which have enabled us to undertake activities to contribute to our members’ capacity across Fiji. APIDS’ board has provided us with advice and suggestions that help us think holistically when planning for an activity to benefit the whole Deaf community. We want to acknowledge the partnership with APIDS in providing training and funds to enable programs that educate our members on their rights, enhance their capacities and create awareness to the communities and government on inclusive society.  This is with the vision for sustainable development and independent livelihoods for each Deaf person.  Fiji Association of the Deaf wants to wish APIDS and its board and donors a hearty congratulations on their 10 years of existence.

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Photo of Fijian blind person learning to use a white stick

TIMOR LESTE

From Ra’es Hadomi Timor Oan (RHTO): ‘My name is Joaozito dos Santos and I was born in Tutuala village, in Lautem district in 1982.  I was healthy until I developed polio when I was 12 months old. My parents encouraged me to go to school and then I went to University until the political crisis in Dili in 2006, when I had to stop my studies.  While selling goods in a small shop, I met Mr José Manuel do Carmo, who invited me to come to the Leprosy Mission.  I commenced part-time work with The Leprosy Mission Timor Leste (TLMTL) and was supported to start a DPO, called Ra’es Hadomi Timor Oan (RHTO). To establish a new organization is a difficult task. There are many obstacles and challenges.  We started by trying to hold regular meetings with small funding support from TLMTL and APIDS. Women, men and children with disabilities and their families came to our meetings. Sometimes representatives attended from government, such as Ministry of Social Solidarity (MSS).Although RHTO was registered as an organization in 2006, we did not yet have staff or a place to work from: I worked as a volunteer to 2010. In mid-2010, I asked Silvia Soares to join me at RHTO and APIDS’ funding helped pay her salary. TLMTL also started providing RHTO a small space from which Silvia and I could work, and I received a salary from TLMTL

for my work on disability advocacy in their community based rehabilitation (CBR) project.

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Photo of staff and members of RHTO

I learned many things on this project which have helped me in organizing RHTO. In 2010, RHTO was successful in winning funding from the Australian Embassy in Timor-Leste, through ETCAS (East Timor Community Assistance Scheme) and since then, other funding for a variety of projects, including five-year grant to enable us to employ 21 staff, most of whom are people with disability. RHTO now has more than 500 members in the 13 municipalities in Timor-Leste. We have many partners and organized many events to raise awareness of disability rights, including International Day for Person with Disability (IDPD) and participated in local and international processes to talk about disability issues. We deliver training for our members and their families, NGO partners and communities, as well as teachers, about how to understand issues of disability, social inclusion and inclusive development. Around 5,000 people are benefiting from RHTO’s projects. For example about 100 people with disabilities get scholarships from RHTO from kindergarten and primary school until university. There also around 20 self-help groups that been organized by RHTO with different activities in the 13 municipalities. The members of these groups are people with disabilities and families understanding how to save money for them to support their families and children. RHTO plans to organize cooperatives and focus on marketing for these groups. And from this project as well, the Disability Association Timor-Leste (ADTL) has also implemented the Community Based Rehabilitation Diploma;  about 20 students graduated last year, and another 20 will do so this year. RHTO has always actively participated in national efforts on disability issues. For example, we contributed to National Disability Policy, the Plan of Action and formation of the National Disability Council.            

Finally, I would like use this opportunity to thank APIDS which has continued to support RHTO from 2006 until now. We very much appreciate your kind support and commitment. We would also would like to thank other partners and donors who have been supporting RHTO through funds, support and friendship too. Sincerely yours, Joaozito dos Santos, RHTO Executive Director.

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Photo of Nelly Caleb, Coordinator of Disability Promotion and Advocacy Association of Vanuatu

VANUATU ‘I first met APIDS Directors in 2008 as a participant in a training program in Australia, which included one week on leadership run by APIDS.  Our Disablity Promotion and Advocacy Association members got to know APIDS Directors more, especially Daniel Stubbs, Robyn James and Deborah Rhodes, during the Pacific Disability Forum meeting in 2009 in Port Vila. In that year, the role of National Coordinator was handed to me when the former Coordinator became ill. I had many skills to learn – the leadership training course helped with theory, but now I had to practice the skills in reality. In 2010, DPA staff, volunteers and members had to find funds to pay for the office rent and internet, so we were doing some local fundraising.  There was no money for my salary and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my family members in supporting my family with local food at this time.APIDS called one evening when I was on my island, wondering why we hadn’t replied to emails.  I told Robyn that while DPA had funds to contribute to the transport of members to meetings (donated from APIDS), we did not have enough to pay the rent and internet fees.  I told her I was on the island to bring local food and kava to Santo to sell to raise funds for DPA as well as family. Robyn advised that if this was a priority, APIDS was flexible and we could use the money for office rent, plus part of the money for my allowance. This helped DPA to get up and running again.The partnership between DPA and APIDS is much more than providing money. For example, DPA was encouraged to apply for funding from Disability Rights Fund some years ago.  I drafted a proposal and then APIDS assisted us to complete it - I was so happy that I shared the achievement with our volunteers during a kava ceremony. I told them it’s my first time to send a project proposal and I don’t care if we don’t succeed, but at least we tried. DPA was successful in achieving this first grant, and more since then.  The islands in Vanuatu are scattered and it very expensive to travel between them.  We run our Annual General Meetings in different provinces, partly as a way to raise awareness across the country.  In 2013, we planned to have our AGM in Tafea Province in southern Vanuatu. We raised some funds and APIDS contributed some more to enable us to cover the costs. The AGM was very effective for everyone and particularly to inform Provincial authorities about disability issues and inclusive approaches. APIDS has funded us to take quarterly visits to Port Vila to undertake advocacy on disability issues with Government Ministries, including the Prime Minister’s Office. We have been trying to get disability included in the Government’s Priority Action Agenda review. A great result is that DPA has made a presentation at the review meeting. Our office is fully equipped because of APIDS, including office chairs, a computer and a projector.  Our Affiliate, Rainbow Theatre, has also benefited. APIDS funds are now funding our new Communications Officer, who is helping our advocacy work reach across the country through the media. DPA Vanuatu wishes to acknowledge APIDS for their tremendous

support, both financial and physical. To quote Helen Keller’s words: ‘alone we can do little, and together we can do more.’ From Nelly Caleb, Coordinator.

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Group photo of iKiribati

KIRIBATI‘In 2005, just as APIDS was starting up, Te Toa Matoa in Kiribati undertook a survey of people with disabilities in Kiribati.  Since then, the survey has informed TTM’s work in raising awareness on disability rights at community level, including on outer islands and in churches.  TTM also advocates to Government, participating in meetings to inform various agencies about disability priorities.  TTM was instrumental in encouraging the Government to sign CRPD in 2013 and in contributing to policy development.’ TTM is famous for its use of drama and music as tools to deliver messages and has a reputation for high quality shows throughout the country. ‘TTM has raised the voices of people with disabilities, including women and youth, in addressing their rights and priorities. Some branches of TTM are helpful for groups of people with specific impairments.’ TTM now has an Executive Committee and an office with some paid staff, thanks to support from PDF and others.  They have a strategic plan and work hard to achieve a disability inclusive society in Kiribati. ‘We are very grateful for the assistance we have received from our friends to undertake activities because this makes our work more effective. Over the last 10 years, APIDS has provided support in a range of ways including funds for training for women members; for transport costs to outer islands for raising awareness about CRPD; for celebrations for International Disability Day in 2012 and for office equipment. In particular, we have benefited from learning about the use of a strengths-based approach from APIDS.  This has helped us be motivated to achieve our goals.  We thank APIDs for its ongoing support to TTM.’

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Photo of Robyn James and Deborah Rhodes with staff of Cook Islands National Disability Council

COOK ISLANDS‘The Cook Islands National Disability Council (CINDC) was established as a DPO in 2002, when it worked as an advocacy and lobbying entity on behalf of persons with disabilities.  Cook Islands was the first Pacific country to sign the CRPD in 2009 and CINDC was actively involved in this Government-led process.  CINDC is the umbrella organisation for disability service providers on Rarotonga who, whilst they keep their autonomy, can be supported in

programs and funding applications.  From 2009, we struggled to maintain our DPO Status because the numbers of people with disability in the country were low: for 2 years the office was not staffed full time. But in early 2013, we received funding for 3 years from NZAid and the Cook Islands Government which supports a full-time Coordinator in our office in the capital Raratonga and Disability Centres in northern islands of Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Mauke and Pukapuka.  Today, advocates for groups and individuals, is a source of funding information and a networking centre between NGOs and Government. We work with the Government, for example contributing to the new national policy called Cook Islands Disability Inclusive Development Policy and Action Plan 2014-2019. Our Committee comprises all people with disabilities and we have links with the Women and Girls with Disabilities Organisation.  In April 2015, our President and Secretary attended meetings with the CRPD Committee in Geneva, to give the ‘grass roots’ view of CRPD Implementation. Our current project is Disaster Risk Management and Disability. APIDS has contributed to the work of CINDC since 2012 in several ways including: equipment to set up our new office; printing of awareness-raising materials for the Disability and Disaster campaign; airing of End The Cycle video clips on television; and production of information materials on CRPD in local language for every home and most offices in Cook Islands.’

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Photo of two blind Solomon Islands women sitting together

SOLOMON ISLANDSPeople with Disability Solomon Islands would like to congratulate APIDS on its 10th Anniversary!   In 2005, the PWDSI office was run out of a Committee member’s son’s bedroom, with no staff, but some active volunteers.  At that time, it was just after the ‘ethnic unrest’ so we were just slowly picking up the pieces and re-establishing ourselves as a DPO. The DPO was established in early 1990s, registered in Oct 2003. The Solomon Islands Government signed CRPD in September 2008 and the optional protocol in Sept 2009. There is now a Disability Inclusive Development Policy 2014-2018 and PWDSI carried out consultations related to the policy review, with representatives from our self-help groups from the 7 provinces. Since 2010, through various partnerships and funding, our staff have worked on a variety of projects and today, we have much stronger voice in advocacy and awareness at the national and provincial level. We continue to lobby for the ratification of the CRPD and review government policies towards mainstreaming disability in all sectors of development. APIDS was the very first partner to support us way back in 2006 and has since supported us through funding for advocacy and supporting the board as well. The support that APIDS gave has (including from Aspen Medical) enabled us to visit self-

help groups in the provinces and meet expenses of the board meetings. Technical advice and opportunities for training given by APIDS directors over the years have been invaluable. Our relationship with APIDS is unique as we knew most of the directors and felt more like a family or friends supporting each other through the years. The journey has been challenging but with the support, we have become an organization that is increasingly consulted for advice on inclusive approaches in policy reviews and consultations. PWDSI would like to thank APIDS for their tireless support to all DPOs in the region. In your 10 years, you have made positive contributions to people with disabilities and their organizations in all countries. The passion for a better life for people with disabilities is evident in the work you all do for and with DPOs in our region. We salute you for walking with us in the last 10 years and for the next years more.TAGIO TUMAS LO UFALA EVRI WAN LO APIDS (Thanks to you all in APIDS).

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Photo of Kate Maitaravula using sign language with Fijians

Directors’ stories

Sally Baker & Kate MaitaravulaIn 2005, I was living in the Solomon Islands, when I heard about an Australian woman called Robyn James putting together a not-for-profit to support DPOs in the Pacific. A lightbulb went on in my head and I got very excited. had been working with Pacific partners towards disability inclusion for a few years, in Samoa and the Solomon Islands. I could see how critical the role of these DPOs were in raising awareness about the rights of people with disability, and advocating for changes at the community and policy levels. However, there wasn’t much funding around to support their work. I joined APIDS and watched as Robyn and the Directors began providing grants to Pacific DPOs. I saw APIDS fund leadership training and watched as Pacific DPO leaders increasingly took the stage at national, regional and international events, making their voices heard. In 2009 I was nominated to join the APIDS board. In 2012 I moved to Vanuatu, where I have worked closely with Nelly Caleb and her colleagues at Disability Promotion Advocacy and Awareness (DPA). My role with APIDS also keeps me in close touch with my friends and colleagues in Samoa. Back in 2005, Pacific DPOs didn’t have access to much funding or support. APIDS has contributed towards changing that, enabling Pacific islanders with disability to choose and advocate for their own destinies, and I am honoured and proud to have been involved. I look forward to APIDS’ next ten years.

-Sally Baker

My long held dream to work in Fiji came true when I was selected to be an AVI volunteer in 2005. I was told that I would be sharing a house with a current volunteer by the name of Robyn James. Robyn is an inspiring person, with a passion for the Pacific Islands, advocacy and empowering those who are treated as less than equal to get their rights met. I was intrigued by her concept of setting up an organisation to partner with DPOs to give small grants so they could become sustainable and achieve their goals.

Some 4 years later I was invited to seek nomination to become a Director. hoped that I would be able to contribute at the least the lived experience of being deaf. As they often say about being a volunteer, you are more likely to be doing the learning than the people you are working with. That has been the case in my journey with APIDS. Concepts such as capacity building and the strengths-based approach have been given greater depth of meaning for me. Really listening to what DPOs want and letting them make their own decisions and decide what is best for them is also something I have learnt. I wish APIDS another 10 years of success and look forward to seeing our partner DPOs go from strength to strength.

- Kate Matairavula

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Directors Stories

Maryanne Diamond & Bill Jolley

I felt very honoured when Robyn James approached me to join her and a small group to form the APIDS board ten years ago. I have had the opportunity to learn, build relationships and contribute to some amazing work undertaken by very special people. I have many fond memories over the last 10 years. One that stands out is from 2005, when I was CEO of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations and we were working to establish a work experience program for Australians with disabilities as volunteers in the Pacific. I have some great memories of visiting the region with Deborah Rhodes and working with Australian Volunteers International to ensure their programs were accessible and trialing a pilot of volunteers with disabilities. I

have learned a great deal about development and was able to share my knowledge and experience about disability.To witness individuals I first met at the Australian Disability and Development Consortium conference in Canberra 2008 now in leadership roles in their own organisations and in the Pacific Disability Forum is a sign of the progress and growth of the region.It has been a pleasure to work with my board colleagues here in Australia who I have learned a great deal from and am pleased to call my friends.- Maryanne Diamond

I have stayed in the background as an APIDS Director, carrying out the role of treasurer and providing advice on governance and risk management. Pretty boring, I know! But it’s the mainstay of a healthy organisation.I have been spiritually enriched by my involvement with APIDS, seeing the positive difference that small, flexible grants can make to local organisations and the people they serve. APIDS, especially through the commitment and professionalism of Robyn James and Deborah Rhodes, has helped our partners to develop and gain self-belief to bid for larger grants from other organisations. From 1995 I was a regular visitor to Fiji, providing training and support to United Blind Persons to help with administration and fundraising. I became friends with and was inspired by the organisation’s young leaders—Seta, Angie, Rakesh, Sai and La—who were so determined to improve the living conditions of their peers. I saw very special people working with their colleagues from other organisations towards recognition by the government of the welfare needs and human rights of all people with disabilities throughout the Fiji Islands. Through my APIDS involvement I know that this story is replicated in other Pacific Island countries, with DPOs working so hard to improve the lives of their members.Keep up the good work everyone—it’s been a great ten-year journey, a real privilege to ride on the APIDS bus.- Bill Jolley

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Messages from our supporters

Sue Salthouse, Women with Disabilities, ACTI am proud to support APIDS: it epitomises a large number of the ideals of partnership development which set an example for larger development organisations. Partnership is a key word in APIDS’ philosophy of operation. Much of the funding goes to leadership and capacity building of the DPOs which then have autonomy to run their projects, yet have access to support

and advice where needed. Since it began operation, APIDS has been able to foster changes in advocacy capacity of DPOs and ultimately this results in changes to the lives and status of large numbers of people with disabilities. DPOs have been able to improve the calibre of their engagement with governments, and in their ability to be represented at Pacific Disability Forum and other regional meetings. They are consulted as equal partners and provide expertise to meetings in Australia, New Zealand and beyond. APIDS’ co-development methodology is one which bears repeating in other spheres of international cooperation. I add my sincere congratulations on their anniversary.

Jackie Lauff, Sports MattersCongratulations APIDS on your 10th Birthday! It's been a pleasure to watch the organisation take shape over the past ten years. The team at APIDS stands by your values of inclusion, consultation and respect and that's reflected in the activities you choose and the impact you've made across the Pacific. APIDS has given DPOs across the Pacific strong shoulders to stand on to advocate for their rights. We're excited to see what the next 10 years will bring!

Rob PutlandI really can't recall when I became a member of APIDS but I clearly remember I was single at the time. I'm now happily married and I have APIDS, in particular Robyn, to thank for that. Kim and I originally met while travelling about in Portugal way back in 1988. We had kept in contact via mail but, as typically happens, we fell out of touch. Around Christmas 2010 I received an email from Robyn saying that a friend of mine from the US was trying to get in touch. I was very pleased to hear it was Kim who had looked me up online, seen a link to APIDS on my Facebook page, and emailed them directly. Robyn got the message to me without hesitation. From then on, we were then in email contact catching up on what had gone on in our lives in our respective parts of the world. After a couple of visits we were together full time and by March 2013 we were married.I’m understandably grateful for Robyn’s part in helping me to connect with the love of my life, but I’m also very grateful to my good friend Sally Baker who pointed me in the direction of APIDS in the first place. I congratulate the whole team for their hard work, compassion and determination in developing APIDS to its present status. Happy tenth birthday APIDS, I feel very privileged to be part of the story.

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Elena Jenkin and Philip Waters

As Australians, the Pacific Island countries are paradise. We all love to visit, have holidays there and some even get married there. However it’s important to be aware that it isn’t paradise for all. Pacific children and adults with disability are a long way off from achieving their human rights. This means that children and adults with disability are denied access to basic things like school, health services, justice or employment and they may be exploited or abused. Having had the privilege to volunteer and work with incredible children and adults with disability in Samoa, PNG and Vanuatu, we strongly feel we must do more and this is where APIDS comes in. The wonderful and unique thing about APIDS is that it supports Pacific people with disability to advocate about human rights issues that affect them. People with disability are experts on their own lives. We would encourage any interested donors to meet these leaders with disability in the Pacific - they are dynamite! Through the DPOs, APIDS listens to people with disability and supports them in flexible ways so they can get on with their advocacy work, getting rid of red tape that makes applying for grants inaccessible to many. APIDS is made up of a humble group of people whose funds go a long way to enable and protect the human rights of children and adults with a disability and we are thrilled to support them.

DPOs in the Pacific

Not all our partners were able to provide stories about their work for this publication. They are all listed here in recognition of the amazing work they do every day for disabled people in the Pacific.

Cook Islands National Disability Council

Disability Promotion and Advocacy, Vanuatu

Fiji Disabled People’s Federation

Fiji Association of the Deaf

Fusi Alofa Tuvalu

Naunau’o e Alamaite Tonga Association

Nauru Disabled People’s Association

Nuanua O Le Alofa Inc, Samoa

Omekesang, Palau

People with Disability Solomon Islands

Papua New Guinea National Assembly of Disabled Persons

Pohnpei Consumers Organization, Federated States of Micronesia

Psychiatric Survivors’ Association, Fiji

Ra’es Hadomi Timor Oan, Timor Leste

Spinal Injuries Association, Fiji

Te Toa Matoa, Kiribati

United Blind Persons of Fiji

Pacific Disability Forum

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A message from the Pacific Disability Forum, Setareki Macanawai, CEO

The APIDS Board members bring something important to the Pacific as they’ve all worked with DPOs in the region and they are very familiar with the challenges that DPOs face.  With this awareness, APIDS is able to provide important partnership support to PDF, including where there are funding gaps. APIDS has been able to help us, our member DPOs and people with disabilities generally in a wide range of ways such as advocacy,  research, funding and organisational development support.  There are many important processes and events which we couldn’t have done without APIDS.

We have a strong trusting relationship which I find important.  This made it possible to successfully undertake a major research project in 2011-12: we couldn’t have found a more important partner. APIDS particularly brought in deep understanding about development concepts and practices, such as the strengths-based approach.  This approach has been very much valued both by PDF and our member DPOs as it is consistent with the disability rights perspective.

APIDS continues to provide a wide range of resources on tap – even sometimes at short notice.  We often have unusual requests and APIDS’ flexibility means they can respond with just the kind of support we need.

Our relationship started formally with APIDS signing up as an Associate Member of PDF but we realised that PDF and APIDS are actually partners in the work of supporting Pacific DPOs and promoting the rights of Pacific Islanders with disabilities.  We look forward to continuing this precious partnership in future.

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Photo of smiling people sat in the floor of a village hall in Fiji

Photo of Robyn James, Lanieta Tuimabo and Christine Walton dancing at a PDF meeting

For more information visit apids.org

© 2015 Australian Pacific Islands Disability Support

Material in this booklet may be used with permission. Please contact apids2009@gmail.com.This publication was conceived by the APIDS Board members and created by Antonia Mochan (antoniamochan.com)