A group of organizations working for the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs) is set to launch a campaign that aims to increase PWDs participation in the coming national elections and in other democratic processes. 
PWD champions from the academe, disabled peoples’ (DPOs) and non-government organizations (NGOs), development work sector, international donor organizations, and key government agencies are expected to attend the event dubbed, “Fully Abled Nation.”
A recent Social Weather Stations survey of PWDs and Filipino Adults shows a drop in the participation of PWDs in elections. The number of PWDs who voted decreased from 60 percent in 2007 to 54 percent in 2010.Those who registered but did not vote rose from 14 percent to 21 percent. PWDs of voting age but did not register also increased from 20 percent to 22 percent, the survey showed.SWS found that among those who did not vote in the 2010 elections, 17 percent were ashamed to vote because of their disability, another 17 percent because of mobility problems, 16 percent because they were either sick or bedridden, and 10 percent because nobody would shade or read the ballot for them.
WHAT:
Launch of Fully Abled Nation
A campaign that aims to Increase Participation of PWDs in the 2013 Philippine Midterm Elections
WHEN:
Today, Wednesday 18 April 2012
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
WHERE:
Makati Shangri-La, Ayala Corner Makati Avenue, Makati City
WHO:
Fully Abled Nation Campaign is hosted by the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hon. Bill Twedell and The Asia Foundation Acting Country Representative Ky Johnson.
Guest speakers are Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Chairman Sixto Brillantes, Jr. of COMELEC.
DETAILS:
The event is spearheaded by The Asia Foundation with the support of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID).
For your clarifications and attendance, please contact: Vigie Benosa-Llorin at Mobile 0918-2936786.
MEDIA COVERAGE IS REQUESTED. INTERVIEWS CAN BE ARRANGED.
This is an invitation from the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD)