Background

Awareness of the importance of helping the disabled participate more fully in everyday life is low in developing countries.  Disabled people customarily stay home or in an institution.  Tools to help the disabled, and even the desire to do it, are practically unknown.  If developing nations are to make significant strides towards dealing with the disabled it is essential that its government and industrial leaders see for themselves what actions have been taken in the United States to assist the handicapped.  They can then make significant strides toward raising awareness of issues concerning the disabled in their own country and successfully address these issues.  

Objective

The objective of this program is to improve the conditions for the disabled by showing government and industry leaders how making available products and services will enable them to live more comfortable and productive lives. There are two facets of this program.  First, a construction study tour shows government and industry leaders how to provide improved access to buildings and facilities.  Second, a manufacturing study tour assists manufacturing companies to provide products that can benefit the handicapped. 

Construction

An important improvement opportunity lies in construction of new buildings and remodeling of existing buildings.  Public buildings and walkways in the United States incorporate features that help disabled people participate more fully in everyday life.  It will be extremely helpful for participants to see how new construction incorporates these features and complies with local building code requirements.  They should learn about accessible building entrances, restrooms, elevators, food service areas, etc. in government offices, hospitals, parks and recreation areas, public structures, and transportation facilities. Depending upon the specific actions taken, the impact on the developing country can be substantial. 

Construction Participants

The program for construction would be directed at all levels of government and industry responsible for creating, maintaining, and implementing Ukrainian building codes. 

• Officials in government planning departments

• Human resources managers in business

• Chief architects in cities and regions

• Representatives of major construction companies

Manufacturing

The second training mission would be targeted at manufacturing companies interested in and capable of producing items for the disabled.  This would include:

• Government officials responsible for the disabled

• High level operational and planning managers of manufacturing companies interested in providing items for the disabilities market

• Marketing and service managers providing equipment and serviced to the impaired

Example Program Benefits

CEI programs help in a number of ways:

• Assist companies to manufacture in locally items such as superior crutches, wheelchairs, ramps, simple motorized transports

• In the area of restrooms, introduce construction and manufacturing engineers to items such as grab bars, modern flush toilets, and the design and positioning of all items including sinks, urinals, mirrors, changing tables, etc.

• For the hearing impaired, we can introduce manufacturers to items such as hearing aids and telephones for the hearing impaired, and books on tape

• In manufacturing operations, learn about preventing hearing loss with on-the-job hearing protection.  Other examples include the use of technology to protect employees and allow them to stay employed as for example in the use of strobe lights and audible fire alarms, and the manufacture of microphones and receiver headsets for use at meetings, theaters, and other large gatherings

• For the sight impaired we can introduce study tour participants to the manufacture of contact and other lenses and frames; the use of large fonts on computers to produce handbills, instructions, large print books; books on tape, and other items.

Program Benefits

A number of benefits can result from this program which will improve the living conditions of the disabled and the economy of Ukraine.

• The program will lead to increased public awareness of the plight of the handicapped

• The disabled will be able to lead more productive lives

• The burden of the disabled on the caregivers will be reduced

• New products and services will be manufactured within the country with the resultant benefit to the economy

• Improved construction standards will help to improve the productivity of the industry and the quality of the construction projects

• Participants will learn the importance of preventing disabilities and making it possible for people with disabilities to hold responsible jobs

Conclusion

It has been CEI’s experience that its training mission program is the best way to have a rapid and comprehensive impact on the nation.  Seeing solutions in practice is significantly superior to “consultants” who lecture.  If people are to learn and understand a topic such as support for the disabled, it is necessary for them to see for themselves practices that really work. They then return home equipped to make improvements and to share their learnings with others who can also help make improvements.

© Copyright CEI World 2006