The Mainstream Association is an inspiring organization of persons with disabilities in Japan and has a history of developing leaderships amongst persons with disabilities in Asian and European countries. The Mainstream Association exceptionally works on cross disabilities with its professional approach towards disabilities and the attendant system for severe persons with disabilities. It is a great source of learning.

The Mainstream has history of having close ties with Milestone Society for the Special Persons in Pakistan and their yearly visit proves to be a source of sharing the scenario and activities of the Milestone in disability movements concerning Independent Living for persons with disabilities. The delegation of 7 leaders in the leadership of Mr. Satoshi Sato visited Milestone from 14th to 19th January, 2014. The delegates included Mr. Satoshi Sato San, Mr. Dai San, Mr. Kirima San, Mr. Yanasai San, Ms. Zakki San, Ms. Harauchi San and Ms. Yamaguchi San.

The Milestone Society for the Special Persons is the largest and most active organization of persons with disabilities in Pakistan. It has served persons with disabilities for the last 21 years and enjoys the status of introducing the Independent Living philosophy to persons having disabilities in general and persons with severe disabilities, in particular. It is a fact that with efforts of the Milestone there is ray of positive change in the society, as it is continuously producing leaders who are agents of change in Pakistan. For achieving this mission and noble goals, the great contribution and generous support from Mainstream Association can never be denied.

The Milestone Society for the Special Persons paid warm welcome to the Mainstream Association at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, on 14th January. Slogans were enchanted for the long association of the Mainstream Association and the Milestone Society for the creation of a rights-based, barrier-free and inclusive society for all.

The respected delegation visited the Milestone’s current office where a discussion on disability scenario in Pakistan was observed and it was resolved to keep making efforts for the creation of an inclusive and rights-based society. Then a presentation on the Milestone’s activities was made to unfold the situation of persons with disabilities in Pakistan.

Akhuwat was established in 2001 with the objective of providing interest free microfinance to the poor so as to enhance their standard of living. Drawing on the principles of social justice and brotherhood, Akhuwat strives to alleviate poverty by creating a system based on mutual support in society. To this end, Akhuwat has adopted microfinance as its operational strategy with the loans being offered in accordance with the doctrines of Qarz-e-Hassan. Akhuwat levies no interest on its loans, operates through religious places and seeks to inspire and harness the spirit of volunteerism in society. The mandate of Akhuwat extends beyond financial transactions as it makes every effort to guide, support and empower the poor.

Ms. Shamsa Kanwal, a former Duskin Trainee and President of Saffiya Independent Living Center, has established an Independent Living center in her native city of Sialkot. Being a blind woman with disability she has vision and commitment to serve persons with disabilities. The Milestone has history of supporting DPOs.

The Milestone Society conducted a one-day International Training Program at the Milestone Office where the ‘Attendant’ (Personal Assistant) experts from the Mainstream shared their professional techniques of attending persons with different types of disabilities. In the first session lectures were delivered by the delegate members on empowering persons with disabilities and moreover the importance of attendance services for persons with severe disabilities. While Japan has a system of paying attendants, Pakistan does not, and its government must be encouraged to adopt this system as it will protect the fundamental right of persons with disabilities to be treated and accepted based on equality and respect, and enable them to come contributing part of society as their non-disabled counterparts.

Following the tradition of the Milestone to entertain its guests after hectic days, a routine cooking evening was celebrated where the Milestone staff members cooked delicious Continental Dishes. Music was also played to entertain the guests.

NEWS LINK: http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-5-227278-Call-for-rights-to-persons-with-disabilities

A Seminar to highlight the problems and needs of persons with intellectual disabilities was held at Fountain House on Saturday, 18 January.

The seminar, organized by the Milestone, Fountain House and CBID Network Pakistan, was addressed by Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, Executive Director Akhuwat, Dr. Maryam Mallick, disability adviser, WHO and Dr. Shahnawaz Munami, national coordinator, CBID Network Pakistan.

The speakers referred to problems and challenges commonly faced by persons with disabilities in the world and said that there were certain measures and systems that could be followed. In countries like Japan and the US, persons with disabilities enjoy independent life with full dignity and equal status. They are treated and accepted as the equally respectable part of society, the speakers said, adding, “We must stop this ubiquitous discrimination in Pakistan and create an inclusive development for all.”

The delegation made visit to WAGHA BORDER between Pakistan and India to see the flag ceremony which is held daily in the afternoon. They observed the flag changing ceremony and watched slogans “Pakistan Zindabad.”

A savor traditional dinner was arranged at famous traditional Food Street, Lahore, where a discussion on different disability issues was also made during dinner. The greetings were made and remarks were passed for the honored visit of the Mainstream Association in Pakistan. The Milestone owns its relation with the Mainstream Association.

After the 5 day long visit to Pakistan, the Mainstream delegates departed back to Japan. The Milestone people bade their Mainstream friends a farewell with the commitment to continue working for the creation of a barrier-free, rights-based and inclusive society for all.