Press Release
For Immediate Release.

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World Bank Conference:  Disability and Development
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in celebration of the UN International Day of Disabled Persons

December 3, 2002

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- FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT -
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The World Bank is inviting you and your colleagues to a
Conference on Disability and Development, in celebration
of the UN International Day of Disabled Persons.
The event will be held on December 3rd ,
at the World Bank Headquarters, 1818 H Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C., U.S.A.

The World Bank is increasing its work with and for
the more than 400 million poor people with disabilities
in developing countries.  A full-time Advisor for
Disability and Development, Judith Heumann,
assumed her newly created position in June.
To jump start the Bank's activities, we are staging this conference.

Disability and Poverty

World Bank President James Wolfensohn will open the event.
Morning and afternoon panels will be composed of
distinguished speakers from the World Bank and other
development agencies and NGOs.  The sessions will examine
the links between disability and poverty and the role the Bank
and other development agencies can play in alleviating poverty,
including concrete ways forward.  The event will conclude with
a keynote speaker and a reception in the late afternoon.

Exhibits

In addition to this main event, we will expand knowledge sharing
in innovation and networking through exhibitor kiosks.
During three days, these kiosks will provide an opportunity
for participants and World Bank staff to experience low to high
technology available to enable the full participation of
persons with disabilities in society, see examples of
good practices in such areas as education in various parts of
the world, and obtain an understanding of
international disability organizations.

Registration & Exhibitors Application

Attendance is free of charge but participants MUST register
in advance for security procedures. Individual registration
and exhibitor registration forms are enclosed.  Once registered,
participants will receive more detailed information about the
conference and activities organized in connection with the event.
Likewise, when we receive your exhibitor registration form,
we will forward detailed information about the exhibit space layout,
and set-up/breakdown procedures.
Please note that exhibit space is limited.

Sponsorship

Unfortunately, the World Bank will not be able to cover travel
expenses or hotel accommodations for participants or exhibitors.

Contact Information


This Conference announces the World Bank's intention
to move aggressively forward to integrate disability concerns
into its mainstream poverty alleviation efforts.
Please join us for this important event.
Your input will be valuable!

World Bank Disability Group,
Social Protection Division