In October 2015, U.S. experts worked alongside local professionals to conduct five-day intensive trainings in two RightsNow! countries. Participants examined national and international laws and policies, identified principles of effective legislation, explored tactics for advocacy, and created collaborative action plans to promote enforcement of laws to protect disability rights. Trainings built on a core curriculum developed by the RightsNow! team and country partners with tailored sessions that addressed specific priorities identified in each country.
Drawing from the U.S. experience and regional best practices, the trainings strengthened efforts by disability rights activists to leverage laws and policies to promote the rights of people with disabilities.
You can read more information about trainings in each country below and learn about the RightsNow! project here.
VIETNAM
U.S. Trainers
- Susan Henderson, Executive Director, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF)
- Lynnae Ruttledge, International Consultant
- Lydia Shula, Project Manager, MIUSA
Priority Topics
- Leadership of Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs), advocacy, networking, and coalition building
- The Vietnam Law on Persons with Disabilities, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
- Effective advocacy with government stakeholders
MEXICO
RightsNow! is working closely with the Mexico Coalition for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COAMEX) to implement the training and support ongoing in-country project activities.
U.S. Trainers
- David Morrissey, Executive Director, the U.S. International Council on Disabilities (USICD)
- Silvia Yee, Attorney, DREDF
- Ana Santos, Program Manager, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)
Priority Topics
- DPO and civil society coalition building
- The General Law for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Mexico, the ADA, and the CRPD
- Strengthening political advocacy and enforcement in Mexico
