Thailand to host two global conferences for the blind in 2012

BANGKOK, January 11 (TNA) - Thailand Association of the Blind will host two global conferences for the first time in Thailand and in Asia in November 2012. The simultaneous forums, entitled the “General Assemblies for the 8th World Blind Union” and the "International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment” or “WBU-ICEVI 2012”, are aimed at building understanding and uplifting the potential of the blind to the same recognition internationally. Participants can utilize the conferences as a platform for sharing and exchange of knowledge, technologies, as well as development of society and relevant laws. The real goal, however, is to change perception of the public towards the blind from sympathy to equality and to focus more on building a global inclusive community for all. The assemblies’ press briefing on Tuesday was held under the theme “Lunch in the Dark”, enabling the participating press to better understand blind people's potential and their restrictions. Several other highlights of the twin assemblies include Asia’s Biggest Exhibition for the Blind, International Blind Music Festival, the World’s Blind Leaders Assembly. Taking this opportunity to proclaim to the world regarding the potential of disabled people in Thailand who are also part of the ASEAN Single Community by 2015, Thailand’s Ministry of Social Development and Human Security offers financial assistance of 13 million baht to fund the project; while Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will also work closely with relevant agencies to help promote the global twin conferences for the blind. More than 2,000 attendants from 190 countries worldwide are expected to participate in the global conferences. The WBU-ICEVI 2012, to be fully supported by both public and private sectors, are scheduled to be held from 8-18 November, 2012 at the Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel in Bangkok. (TNA)