Watch the Video at: https://youtu.be/uGhzLtdJRjc?si=9AhSocHXJVFPGKYm
MANIQUE GUNARATNE
Category Archives: Accessibility
WORLD INTERIORS DAY INCLUDES PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
The Sri Lanka Institute of Interior Designers, invited Manique Gunaratne to speak at the World Interiors Day 2022 Programme at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in May 2022.
Sri Lanka Institute of Interior Designers is the apex body and the national organization for Interior Design in Sri Lanka. Founded by a group of interior designers as the Association of Interior Designers in 1984, it was incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1998 as the Sri Lanka Institute of Interior Designers (SLIID). The members consist of MSc. holders to Diplomates and Students in Interior Design.
The International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers Day falls on May 28, 2022. The theme for the year is “Pride of the Past – An Incentive for the Future”. In keeping with this theme, the goal is to build an awareness of disabilities people face from birth and during unexpected situations, and the need to address this issue as designers, through the concept of “Design for All”.
In other words, trying to find the answers to the present crisis in the country through innovative universal designs which would benefit each one of us in the long run.
Manique Gunaratne spoke on:
- Principles of universal design: Equitable use; Flexibility in use; Simple and Intuitive Use. Perceptible Information. Tolerance for Error. Low Physical Effort. Size and Space for Approach and Use.
- Examples of universal design
- A briefing about laws and regulations.
MANIQUE GUNARATNE
Committee Member – SPRINT Committee of Family Planning Association
DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY TRAINING TO ENHANCE THE CAPACITY OF TECHNICAL OFFICERS IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE IN BADULLA DISTRICT
The Disability Accessibility Training programmes include persons with diverse disabilities, ways in which their physical and emotional well-being are fulfilled and legal aspects of accessibility to the built environment.
The objective of the initiative is to develop the capacity of local #authorities and raise awareness among technical officers, officials in the decision-making process, Engineers, Architects, and Officials in the Planning Divisions. It is expected that this intervention will ensure that people with disabilities can access all public buildings and make use of the facilities inside those buildings as Regulations are intended to be accomplished.
The team from EFC led by Manique Gunaratne which included persons with diverse disabilities conducted the Badulla 1 training workshop at the Bandarawela Rest House in Badulla district, in Uva Province in October 2022.
The project is a part of the European Union’s STRIDE (Strengthening Transformation, Reconciliation, and Inclusive Democratic Engagement) programme focused on strengthening the capacities of local government authorities to be inclusive, responsive, and accountable, and improve service delivery.
Together with the Capacity Development of Local Governments (CDLG) Project of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC), implemented this project on Disability accessibility audit and enhancing the capacity of technical officers in the local government structure.
The EFC is the representative employers’ Organisation in Sri Lanka on social issues. It has a membership of 680 plus member Companies. Formed in 1929, it was the first organization to register under the Trade Unions Ordinance and is the principal Trade Union representing employers. The EFC, with funding from the #ILO, developed the Employers’ Network on Disability to facilitate employment and training opportunities in the Private Sector for disabled jobseekers, which was officially launched in the year 1999.
The “Disability Accessibility” project implemented by The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, Specialised Training & Disability Resource Centre is a part of an initiative supported under the Capacity Development of Local Governments (CDLG) project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka with the financial assistance of the European Union (EU).
Disability inclusion is one of the key strategic priorities for UNDP Sri Lanka in keeping with the commitment of UNDP globally and the new initiatives of disability inclusion strategy and their commitment to leave no one behind.
The importance of this workshop was that all resource persons were persons with disabilities. Manique Gunaratne conducted the session on “Technical specifications on accessibility” and Anil Seneviratne conducted the session on “law and access”. People with physical disabilities, hearing impaired persons and vision impaired persons spoke on the barriers faced by persons with disabilities and possible solutions.
Participants with non-disabilities got the opportunity to experience using a wheelchair, walking with a white cane, walking blind folded, wearing socks and shoes without using hands and communicating in sign language.
These efforts are supported by the European Union, and the World Bank.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) have designed a series of awareness programmes to conduct in selected 12 districts to make the technical, senior staff and members of the Local Government Authorities to sensitize on accessibility for Persons with Disabilities.
Unlike most state government institutions, Local Governments are multi-functional, with extensive responsibilities and activities across property, community, and human service areas and, in addition, have the capacity to make policy level decisions at the local level.
MANIQUE GUNARATNE
Country Representative – World Disability and Rehabilitation Professionals’ Association (WDRPA)
ACCESSIBLE PARK FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
The accessible children’s park is a remarkable place where children with disabilities can play and enjoy outdoor activities without any barriers. It features wheelchair-accessible ramps and pathways throughout the park, ensuring that children using mobility aids can move freely and independently. The park boasts specially designed play equipment such as inclusive swings, sensory play zones, and adaptive climbing structures, allowing all children to participate in the fun. Trained staff members are always on hand to provide assistance and support, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for children with various needs. The accessible children’s park is a testament to the community’s commitment to inclusivity, promoting play, socialization, and laughter for children of all abilities.
Manique Gunaratne created the opportunity to a group of persons with disabilities to visit the Sahana Centre Children’s Park in Nochchiyagama in Anuradhapura district in May 2022.
MANIQUE GUNARATNE
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000521211893
ACCESS FOR ALL AT NALLUR PRADESHIYA SABHA
The EFC, with an overall vision statement to promote social harmony through productive employment, is implementing several proactive measures to encourage its members to hire people with disabilities.
The EFC is the representative employers’ Organisation in Sri Lanka on social issues. It has a membership of 700 plus member Companies. Formed in 1929, it was the first Organization to register under the Trade Unions Ordinance and is the principal Trade Union representing employers. The EFC, with funding from the ILO, developed the Employers’ Network on Disability to facilitate employment and training opportunities in the Private Sector for disabled jobseekers, which was officially launched in the year 1999. It has a membership of 700 plus Companies.
The object of forming the Network is to link the business community and the organizations dealing with disability issues to facilitate mainstreaming its work. The Capacity Development for Local Governments (CDLG) Project of UNDP Sri Lanka is part of larger efforts by the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen the local governance system in the country.
These efforts are supported by the European Union, and the World Bank. Disability inclusion is one of the key strategic priorities for UNDP Sri Lanka in keeping with the commitment of UNDP globally and the new initiatives of disability inclusion strategy and their commitment to leave no one behind.
A disability accessibility audit and the advocacy group discussions were held with persons with disabilities belonging to Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha, and staff members (persons with non-disabilities) of the Pradeshiya Sabha on how to have an inclusive approach when providing services which already exists at the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha in Jaffna district in Northern Province in April 2022.
UNDP acknowledges the fact that disability is a crosscutting issue which needs a multi-stakeholder intervention including local government authorities. Local Governments play a vital role in the lives of people with disabilities because of their broad mandate.
MANIQUE GUNARATNE
The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon,
385 J3 Old Kotte Road,
Rajagiriya,
Sri Lanka.
PREPARATION OF MATERIALS IN ACCESSIBLE FORMATS
The Specialized Training and Disability Resource Centre of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon is pleased to inform you that we are undertaking assignments with regard to the preparation of communication materials such as Leaflets, Brochures, Flyers, Notices etc. in Braille, Large print, audio, accessible e-copies, and sign-language in all three languages at a nominal fee.
Access to public information is a basic human right. For corporates, by making such information and communication about your products and services available for your customers or employees with diverse disabilities in #accessible formats will be an impactful exercise.
Manique Gunaratne prepared A leaflet on “Sexual and Reproductive Health” published by the Family Planning Association in accessible formats to be distributed among persons with disabilities in all corners of Sri Lanka in March 2023.
MANIQUE GUNARATNE
Vice Chairperson – South Asian Disability Forum
ACCESS FOR ALL AT KAHATAGASDIGIRIYA PRADESHIYA SABHA
Watch the Video at:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=G4cVm-KCFEY&feature=share
MANIQUE GUNARATNE
DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY TRAINING TO ENHANCE THE CAPACITY OF TECHNICAL OFFICERS IN THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE IN ANURADHAPURA DISTRICT
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) have designed a series of awareness programmes to conduct in selected 12 districts to make the technical, senior staff and members of the Local Government Authorities to sensitise on accessibility for Persons with Disabilities. These programmes include persons with diverse disabilities, ways in which their physical and emotional well-being are fulfilled and legal aspects of accessibility to the built environment.
The objective of the initiative is to develop the capacity of local authorities and raise awareness among technical officers, Officials in the decision-making process, Engineers, Architects, and Officials in the Planning Divisions. It is expected that this intervention will ensure that people with disabilities can access all public buildings and make use of the facilities inside those buildings as Regulations are intended to be accomplished.
The team from EFC led by Manique Gunaratne which included persons with diverse disabilities conducted the Anuradhapura 1 training workshop at the Cooperative Training Resort in Anuradhapura district, in North Central Province in January 2022.
The project is a part of the European Union’s STRIDE (Strengthening Transformation, Reconciliation, and Inclusive Democratic Engagement) programme focused on strengthening the capacities of local government authorities to be #inclusive, responsive, and accountable, and improve service delivery.
Together with the Capacity Development of Local Governments (CDLG) Project of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC), implemented this project on #Disability #accessibility audit and enhancing the capacity of technical officers in the local government structure.
The EFC, with an overall vision statement to promote social harmony through productive employment, is implementing several proactive measures to encourage its members to hire people with disabilities.
The EFC is the representative employers’ Organisation in Sri Lanka on social issues. It has a membership of 680 plus member Companies. Formed in 1929, it was the first Organisation to register under the Trade Unions Ordinance and is the principal Trade Union representing employers. The EFC, with funding from the ILO, developed the Employers’ Network on Disability to facilitate employment and training opportunities in the Private Sector for disabled jobseekers, which was officially launched in the year 1999.
The “Disability Accessibility” project implemented by The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon, Specialised Training & #Disability Resource Centre is a part of an initiative supported under the Capacity Development of Local Governments (CDLG) project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka with the financial assistance of the European Union (#EU).
Disability inclusion is one of the key strategic priorities for UNDP Sri Lanka in keeping with the commitment of UNDP globally and the new initiatives of disability inclusion strategy and their commitment to leave no one behind.
The importance of this workshop was that all resource persons were persons with disabilities. Manique Gunaratne conducted the session on “Technical specifications on accessibility” and Anil Seneviratne conducted the session on “law and access”. People with physical disabilities, hearing impaired persons and vision impaired persons spoke on the barriers faced by persons with disabilities and possible solutions.
Participants with non-disabilities got the opportunity to experience using a wheelchair, walking with a white cane, walking blind folded, wearing socks and shoes without using hands and communicating in sign language.
These efforts are supported by the European Union, and the World Bank.
MANIQUE GUNARATNE
Core Founder – Lanka School on Internet Governance
ACCESS FOR ALL AT MANNAR URBAN COUNCIL
Together with the Capacity Development of Local Governments (CDLG) Project of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC), implemented this project on Disability accessibility #audit and enhancing the capacity of technical officers in the local government structure.
The EFC, with an overall vision statement to promote social harmony through productive employment, is implementing several proactive measures to encourage its members to hire people with disabilities.
The EFC is the representative employers’ organisation in Sri Lanka on social issues. It has a membership of 700 plus member Companies. Formed in 1929, it was the first organization to register under the Trade Unions Ordinance and is the principal Trade Union representing employers. The EFC, with funding from the #ilo, developed the Employers’ Network on Disability to facilitate employment and training opportunities in the Private Sector for disabled jobseekers, which was officially launched in the year 1999. It has a membership of 700 plus Companies.
The object of forming the Network is to link the business community and the organizations dealing with disability issues to facilitate mainstreaming its work. The Capacity Development for Local Governments (CDLG) Project of UNDP Sri Lanka is part of larger efforts by the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen the local governance system in the country.
These efforts are supported by the European Union, and the World Bank. Disability inclusion is one of the key strategic priorities for UNDP Sri Lanka in keeping with the commitment of UNDP globally and the new initiatives of disability inclusion strategy and their commitment to leave no one behind.
A disability accessibility audit and advocacy group discussions were held with persons with disabilities belonging to Mannar Urban Council, and staff members (persons with non-disabilities) of the Urban Council on how to have an inclusive approach when providing services which already exists at the Mannar Urban Council in Mannar district in Northern Province in April 2022. UNDP acknowledges the fact that disability is a crosscutting issue which needs a multi-stakeholder intervention including local government authorities.
MANIQUE GUNARATNE
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMBhDQ516xwVr86zKLM1HUw
ACCESS FOR ALL AT PALAGALA PRADESHIYA SABHA
A disability accessibility audit and a advocacy group discussions were held with persons with disabilities belonging to Palagala Pradeshiya Sabha and staff members (persons with non-disabilities) of the Pradeshiya Sabha on how to have an inclusive approach when providing services which already exists at the Palagala Pradeshiya Sabha in Anuradhapura district in North Central Province in December 2021.
It is part of the European Union’s STRIDE (Strengthening Transformation, Reconciliation, and Inclusive Democratic Engagement) programme focused on strengthening the capacities of local government authorities to be inclusive, responsive, and accountable, and improve service delivery.
Together with the Capacity Development of Local Governments (CDLG) Project of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC), implemented this project on Disability accessibility audit and enhancing the capacity of technical officers in the #local #government structure.
The EFC, with an overall vision statement to promote social harmony through productive employment, is implementing several proactive measures to encourage its members to hire people with disabilities.
The EFC is the representative employers’ Organisation in Sri Lanka on social issues. It has a membership of 700 plus member Companies. Formed in 1929, it was the first organization to register under the Trade Unions Ordinance and is the principal Trade Union representing employers. The EFC, with funding from the ILO, developed the Employers’ Network on Disability to facilitate employment and training opportunities in the Private Sector for disabled jobseekers, which was officially launched in the year 1999. It has a membership of 700 plus Companies.
The object of forming the Network is to link the business community and the organizations dealing with disability issues to facilitate mainstreaming its work.
The Capacity Development for Local Governments (CDLG) Project of UNDP Sri Lanka is part of larger efforts by the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen the local governance system in the country. These efforts are supported by the European Union, and the World Bank.
Disability inclusion is one of the key strategic priorities for UNDP Sri Lanka in keeping with the commitment of UNDP globally and the new initiatives of disability inclusion strategy and their commitment to leave no one behind.
MANIQUE GUNARATNE
Blog: http://efcnetworkondisability.employers.lk/