Stronger Partners, More Volunteers
An Active Community is the Basis for Success
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- Mike Davies, Regional Representative of Christian Blind Mission (CBM) and coordinator of the advisory working group on CBR. © CBM
In this interview, Mike Davies, Regional Representative of CBM in South-East Asia, and Paul Caswell, Country Coordinator for CBM in Nigeria, answer the question of what community-based rehabilitation (CBR) means in South-East Asia compared to West Africa. Both are experts and institutions in this field of CBM’s work. Mike Davies started in 1993; Paul Caswell in 1968. In October, they were awarded with an Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for their achievements in developing countries.
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- Paul Caswell, CBM Country Coordinator in Nigeria. © CBM
Both of you have been working for CBM for a long time now. What is CBR work like in West Africa and in South-East Asia, respectively? Is it more service delivery or is there a rights-based approach to it?
Davies: CBR work in Asia is tremendously varied. An increasing number of projects are moving into comprehensive CBR—covering people of all ages, with all forms of impairment, and providing or mobilising medical, educational, and vocational services. Inclusive approaches are emphasised, and organisations of people with disabilities and parent groups are being strengthened to act as advocates for human rights and inclusion. The population density, good communication systems, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the presence of back-up specialised services provide fertile ground for CBR work in most parts of Asia.
Most CBR projects use participatory methods in planning and implementation of projects. This involves ground-level meetings with people with disabilities and family members, aimed at finding out what the real needs are. People with disabilities are increasingly working within CBR projects.
Caswell: CBR works by identifying a person and family, asking them what kind of a problem they have, and providing them with appropriate services. With intellectually impaired children, there is a problem of response. Despite that, we encourage disabled people to earn a living for the family and not to become defeated. Advocacy is also important, since people are sometimes being hidden by the family for shame or fear of bad blood. Counselling is needed to teach that a disability has nothing to do with a curse or a punishment.
Read more: What has changed in CBR policies since you started working for CBM?
Go back: Staff Worldwide
Davies: CBR work in Asia is tremendously varied. An increasing number of projects are moving into comprehensive CBR—covering people of all ages, with all forms of impairment, and providing or mobilising medical, educational, and vocational services. Inclusive approaches are emphasised, and organisations of people with disabilities and parent groups are being strengthened to act as advocates for human rights and inclusion. The population density, good communication systems, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the presence of back-up specialised services provide fertile ground for CBR work in most parts of Asia.
Most CBR projects use participatory methods in planning and implementation of projects. This involves ground-level meetings with people with disabilities and family members, aimed at finding out what the real needs are. People with disabilities are increasingly working within CBR projects.
Caswell: CBR works by identifying a person and family, asking them what kind of a problem they have, and providing them with appropriate services. With intellectually impaired children, there is a problem of response. Despite that, we encourage disabled people to earn a living for the family and not to become defeated. Advocacy is also important, since people are sometimes being hidden by the family for shame or fear of bad blood. Counselling is needed to teach that a disability has nothing to do with a curse or a punishment.
Read more: What has changed in CBR policies since you started working for CBM?
Go back: Staff Worldwide
