Organization
Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability(APCD)
A regional intergovernmental centre established in Bangkok as the legacy of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, jointly supported by the Royal Thai Government and JICA. Endorsed by UN ESCAP as the regional cooperative base for disability-inclusive development across the Asia-Pacific, promoting training, knowledge exchange, and technical cooperation.
About
The Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability (APCD) was established in Bangkok, Thailand in 2002 as a lasting legacy of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons (1993–2002). It operates as a regional cooperative base under joint support from the Royal Thai Government's Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). UN ESCAP has formally endorsed APCD as the regional centre on disability for the Incheon Strategy and its successor framework.
What They Do
APCD delivers technical training, knowledge exchange programmes, and South-South cooperation initiatives aimed at building disability-inclusive societies across the Asia-Pacific. Its work spans capacity building for governments and civil society, promoting the UN CRPD, and providing a networking hub for DPOs and national focal points. APCD also runs employment and entrepreneurship programmes directly supporting persons with disabilities.
Who They Serve
APCD serves persons with all types of disabilities across the Asia-Pacific region, with particular focus on government officials, DPO leaders, rehabilitation professionals, and community organisations in middle- and low-income countries. It acts as an information and resource clearinghouse for the entire region, benefiting both practitioners and disabled people directly through its programmes.
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