What is CBR?

 is a strategy for the inclusion of PWDs in the society.

 Is a rights-based approach that aims to bring PWDs and the community together on an equal basis.
 Wants to remove all barriers that stand in the way of development; address the causes of disability;
and deliver quality services and programs.

VISION

 CBR looks forward to the day when people are living together, respecting differences , and where
people with disabilities enjoy full participation and equal rights in the Phil.

MISSION

Communities are working together with PWDs to remove all kinds of barriersand to respect differences
in order to enhance everyone’s quality of life.

DEFINING DISABILITY

Disability

 traditionally regarded as a result of impairment the loss of function due to blindness, deafness, etc.

Ex: I can’t walk because I have a broken spine.

I can’t read because I am blind.

 also caused by society’s barriers which block and exclude PWDs from activities and services enjoyed
by non-disabled people.

Ex: I cannot walk, but I can use wheelchair to get around but I cannot go to market because there
are too many steps and no ramps.

I can’t see but I can go to the same school as everyone else, but I am not allowed to go to school and
the teacher does not know Braille.

I cannot hear, but I can communicate using sign language but nobody else knows sign language.

Disability therefore is an evolving concept resulting from interaction between persons with
impairment and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinder their full and effective
participation in society on an equal basis with others.

UNDERSTANDING THE ROOT CAUSES OF DISABILITY

- In order to genuinely met the needs of PWDs, it is essential to understand the underlying causes
of disability.
 - DOH has identified malnutrition, overcrowded communities, unsanitary living conditions due to
extreme poverty as the most significant causes of impairment esp. among children.
- Less than 10% of pregnant and lactating women receive iron and iodine supplements. These
supplements can prevent a number of conditions at birth, including intellectual disabilities,
speech impairment, deafness and physical differences.
- Unsafe environment due to pollution, illegal logging, and indiscriminate mining led to man-made
disasters that cause death and disability.
- Vehicular and industrial accidents due to poor safety standards add to numbers.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF CBR

- Inclusion
o When differences are not accepted by society as rights based differences, or when a
child with Low vision is separated from her classmates and enrolled in SPED classes, her
impairment becomes a disability, a label to justify EXCLUSION.
o We remind ourselves of VALUES that we hold dear; that every child matters and we
should make every effort to make sure that society and “persons with differences” can
work together for an inclusive society.
o INCLUSION encompasses cultural, gender, and religious integrity as a VALUE and as a
RIGHT.
 Whether from cultural minorities, indigenous people, muslim, gay.

- Participation
o Means PWDs and their families have the right to decide, plan, evaluate, manage and
implement programs in partnership with the community.
o Means PWDs have CHOICE and decide for themselves. No intervention should be carried
out on them without their consent.
o There must be CHOICE and PARTICIPATION in decision making. (Ownership of the
program).

- Self-Advocacy
o Organize themselves to ensure they are the center of rehabilitation process, to advocate
for change, to lobby for their rights, etc)
o It is when the individual or group speaks on behalf of its own sector.

- Sustainability
o Means coordinated cooperation among government, LGU, civil society, professional,
business sector in order to maintain a high quality program that the community wants.
Meaning not OVERLOADING any one agency, institution, NGO.
o DPOs are PARTNERS in development and decision making.
OWNERSHIP and PARTNERSHIP are integral to sustainability.

- Equal Opportunity
o PWDs are recognized as citizens, voters as having equal rights as everyone. This also
means enabling People with Disabilities to also serve their community to contribute to
the community in order to make development MEANINGFUL FOR ALL.
 - ACCESSIBILITY
o Means removing all physical, attitudinal, technological and communication barriers.
These barriers prevent majority of PWDs from:
 Being dependent
 Going to school
 Getting on transport and into public buildings and places
 Communicating with others
 Being treated equally and being full citizen
o BP 344 – demands strict compliance (building, build environment, road and transpo,
communication tech)
o Is an entry point for an inclusive society.

WHAT CBR CAN DO?

- Partnership in Governance: LGU, PWDO, Community

o CBR builds partnerships among local government, families, civil society, specialists, faith
groups, business establishments, police and the community to make a better, more
inclusive society for all.
o Good governance facilitates community participation and promotes the control of PWDs
over their own development. This will create an atmosphere where people in all
barriers have the opportunity to meet and feedback their concerns and suggestions to
Brgy. Council, SB, Local Chief Executive.
- Alliances
- Services and Programs
o CBR approach de-mystifies the rehabilitation process, brings it to homes and
communities, coaches local people in the essential “INTERVENTION” techniques.
 Professional focus on trainings, supervision and monitoring and deal with
specialist cases.
 PWDs, families, trainers, healers, midwives share their competencies (SKA)
o Appropriate services are delivered using local resources
o Referral systems are developed, as need arises
o Causes of disability are addressed
o CBR provides information on disability
o Community Mental Health

- Attitude and Advocacy

o Need to move away CHARITY MODEL >diminishes the recipient’s worth and create a
power relationship that leads to dependency.
o Legislation should not be interpreted solely on the basis of privilege or welfare but
should focus more on rights.

- Education
- Capacity Building and Community Organizing