To assist the MENA Region in developing a cross-sectoral action plan for mainstreaming disability, the event brought together experts from transport, education, skills development, social protection, health and social development sectors. It focused on two themes:

1. Opportunities: - Advancing and Promoting Employment
2. Accessibility: - Removing Physical Barriers to Ensure Opportunities
                   
The expected outcome was a roadmap for mainstreaming disability in World Bank-MENA operations and knowledge products. Speakers and participants included representatives from disability organizations, US Government, UN agencies, civil society organizations and members of academia.

Agenda & Presentations

Background Note (MS Word 61KB)

Agenda (MS Word 97KB)

Session 1: Introduction and Keynote Remarks

Opening Remarks
by Daniela Gressani, Regional Vice President, MENA Region

Keynote Speech
by John D. Kemp, CEO, ACCSES and HalfthePlanet Foundation; Member, Advisory Committee on Persons with Disabilities, U.S. Department of State

Session 2: Issues and Options for the Bank in the MENA Region

Overview of Regional Disability Issues (PPT 354KB)
by Nedim Jaganjac, Co-Author, MENA Disability Note

Including Disability into Bank's Operational Work (PPT 97KB)
by Aleksandra Posarac, Lead Economist and Disability & Development Team Leader, World Bank

Session 3: Challenges of Equal Opportunity for Persons with Disabilities - Employment and Poverty Reduction

Employment for People with Disabilities (PPT 2.3MB)
by David Morrissey, Executive Director, U.S. International Council on Disabilities

Unlocking the Economic Potential of Persons with Disabilities in MENA (PPT 104KB)
by Gustavo Demarco, Senior Economist, Human Development, MENA Region

Session 4: Advancing Inclusive Growth - Removing Barriers

Promoting Accessibility in Transport (PPT 729KB)
by Ziad Nakat, Transport Specialist, Sustainable Development Department, MENA Region

Making Infrastructure Accessible and Principles of Universal Design (PPT 2.1MB)
by Karen Peffley, Program Assistant and Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, Senior Operations Officer, Disability & Development Team, HDNSP

Promoting Accessibility in Communications and Technology - Effectiveness of 21st century Assistive Technology
by Lily Bandak, CEO, Assistive Technologies Means Independence and Achievement - ATMIA

Session 5: Youth with Disabilities: Accessibility and Training

Employment Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities in the Middle East (PPT 1.5MB)
by Ola Abu Alghaib, Founder, Stars of Hope Center & Middle East Regional Project Coordinator, Handicap International

Youth with Disabilities Ramping the Road Map of the Middle East (PPT 5.1MB)
by Karen Saba, Consultant, Mercy Corps

Session 6: Looking Forward - Towards an Integrated Framework and Action Plan for Mainstreaming Disability

Recap of Key issues and Next Steps: Establishment of MENA Disability Working Group and Planned Action Plan for Mainstreaming Disability (PPT 280KB)
by Jonathan Walters, Sector Manager, Energy and Transport, Sustainable Development, MENA Region and Gustavo Demarco, Senior Economist, Human Development, MENA Region