Friday Fax #158
OCTOBER 1, 1999........................................................................... NO. 158


TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE INCLUDE:


Parent Leaders Visit Uzbekistan

A year after their first trip, Patty Smith, NPND Executive Director, and Linda Shepard, NPND President, returned to Tashkent, Uzbekistan to work with the Kridi Club-a network of parents of disabled children-through a partnership grant provided by Counterpart International with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). A four-day seminar, intended to move the disability movement forward, included five important key points: education, civil rights, health, advocacy support, and parent-to-parent. To achieve each point, a three part plan was devised including: individual plans (IEP), small groups, and societal change. The parent leaders from Kridi were empowered to take this opportunity and apply the principles to fit the needs of their community. While there, Patty and Linda met with leaders from Save the Children, UNESCO, Counterpart, USAID, as well as the education community and non-government organizations. It was a fantastic experience! Coming home is always a time for gratitude...for all of the blessings that we have in the U.S.


NPND Included in International Effort

NPND is included with 40 other NGO's (non-government organizations) to be featured in NetAid. Created by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and Cisco Systems, NetAid is the biggest project in Internet history. It combines the power of the Internet with world-class artists in three overlapping concerts in Geneva, London, and New York in an effort to raise global awareness of poverty. This is the first time that television, radio, and the Internet will be integrated on a global scale for social change - gathered together on the most powerful website ever created.

The UNDP-Cisco initiative website, www.netaid.org, was launched on September 8th. On October 9th, musical stars including Counting Crows, Celine Dion, the Eurythmics, Bono, and George Michael will join in the effort to raise awareness of abject poverty. This momentous musical event will be simultaneously broadcast and netcast from three different sites: Giants Stadium, New York; Wembley Stadium in London; and the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The website will create opportunities for people to learn, contribute time and money, exchange ideas and join with those leading the fight against extreme poverty. Check it out!!!


Legislative Update


For Your Information

For more information, contact Marcie Goldstein: 703-448-6155 or marcieg@cessi.net.

For information, as well as how to apply for a 2000 Eric Fund Grant, contact The Eric Fund at www.ericfund.org; ericfund@aol.com; or call 202-328-7659.

Access www.DEAFEXPO.org for full show information, exhibitor and ticket ordering options, or call the Deaf Expo '99 Info Request TTY line at 1-877-332-3397 (Voice Relay 1-888-877-5379) or DEAFEXPO@aol.com.