I. Outline of the Proposed Project

1. Country

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan

2. Title of the Project

Project on Promoting Independent Living of Persons with Severe Disabilities by Utilizing Electric Wheelchairs in Lahore, Pakistan

3. Background and Necessity of the Project

Lives of persons with disabilities are hard in any country, but they are particularly so in Pakistan, where poverty is ubiquitous and cultural traditions mark a disabled member as a shame on the family. In such environment, persons with severe disabilities are especially vulnerable and deprived as they are completely homebound and inevitably dependant on their family members in pursuing daily activities from eating to toileting to moving. Many of them are exposed to discrimination even at their own home and treated as if they had no human rights, but severity of their disabilities leaves them invisible and unheard in society.

The Pakistani government ratified the UNCRPD in June 2011 and has been demonstrating its will to protect its disabled population. However, changes have been relatively slow and certainly have not reached out to those with severe disabilities. Furthermore, motor accidents, natural disasters and ethnic strife that are of frequent occurrence in Pakistan continue to increase the number of persons with acquired disabilities.

Thus it is both important and urgent to help those with severe disabilities in Pakistan. They need to be recognized, reassured and accepted. By providing electronic wheelchairs, the project aims to enable them to be mobile and less dependant on their families. Obtaining physical mobility is a first and significant step towards Independent Living (IL) and is expected to lead to their social participation and psychological wellbeing.

4. Project Purpose

To enable persons with severe disabilities living in greater Lahore to achieve a degree of IL and to enjoy social participation with a use of an electronic wheelchair. To develop an IL model for persons with severe disabilities living in Lahore, Pakistan.

5. Target Area

The city and suburban areas of Lahore, Pakistan

6. Target Group

200 individuals with severe disabilities living in and around Lahore City are primary beneficiaries. Their family members and supporters will also receive benefit Moreover, by users of electric wheelchairs going out, the project is expected to facilitate barrier freeing of public spaces in Lahore City, which will eventually benefit its residents. Indirect beneficiaries are estimated to be 2000 persons.

7. Expected Outcomes and Activities

〈Expected Outcomes〉

1) Capacity development of persons with severe disabilities to promote Independent Living.

2) Japanese skills and experiences with electric wheelchairs are transferred to Pakistan and local technicians acquire necessary repairing techniques so that wheelchairs adjusted to individual physical conditions to be distributed to individuals with severe disabilities.

3) Awareness on possibilities and effectiveness of IL of persons with severe disabilities is raised among governments and general public.

8. Project Duration

3 years and 0 month (September 2013- August 2016)

9. Amount of Estimate

\49,955,257

10. Implementation Structure of the Project

The Japan Council on Independent Living Centers (JIL) takes responsibility for the project. It will export all necessary technologies to Pakistan, supervises the project and serves as the communication bridge between Japan and Pakistan. In Lahore, the Milestone Society for Special Persons (Milestone) will act as the local coordinator and coordinate specific tasks that need to be carried out locally. Milestone is a disabled people’s organization and serves not only in Lahore but also the nationwide. They have the experience of conducting a project of Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) through The World Bank, Pakistan that was to support people with disabilities in the affected area of the North Pakistan Earthquake, 2005. In addition, the Sakura Wheelchair Project will be in charge of supplying second-hand wheelchairs. It will also support the JIL through dispatching Japanese technicians and sharing repairing techniques and knowledge.

II. Outline of the Proposing Organization

1. Name of the Organization

The Japan Council on Independent Living Centers

2. Main Activities

As the umbrella organization for Centers for Independent Living across Japan, the JIL provides information to its member CILs and organizes training on personnel development. It also promotes the establishment of CILs in Japan and Asia, conducts research on IL and publishes policy proposals.