Youth Perspective on Mainstreaming Disability into HIV Programs

Youth Perspective on Mainstreaming Disability into HIV Programs

Integrating Comprehension and Advocacy: How the disability and HIV rights movements can support each other at the country-level

Walter E. Washington Convention CenterWashington D.C

26 July, 2012

Chona M. SaboRegional Officer for Asia PacificDisability Rights Promotion International (DRPI)Email: chona_drpi@dpiap.org Website: www.drpi.yorku.ca

Content Overview

YoungKey Affected Populations

Gaps and

Challenges

TheWays

Forward

UN Description of Disability

Defining HIV/AIDS

Youth with

Disabilities

Disability and

HIV/AIDS

• Describing Disability

Disability : UN CRPD

results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective participation in the society on an equal basis with others.

• Defining HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS

(Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

HIV infects cells of the human immune system, and destroys or impairs their function. Unlike other viruses such as cold and flu viruses, HIV remains permanently in the body. Left alone, it slowly destroys the body’s immune system and leads to AIDS. There is no cure for AIDS, but treatments can extend life expectancy for many years.

Disability HIV/AIDS

Cross-cutting Issues

• Young Key Affected Populations

Young people who use drugs

Young Migrants

Young Sex Workers

Young Men who have sex with men

Young Transgender

Young Girls

• Youth with Disabilities

Young people with disabilities who use drugs

Young Migrants with disabilities

Young Sex Workers with disabilities

Young Men with disabilities who have sex with men

Young Transgender with disabilities

Young Girls with disabilities

• Gaps and Challenges

Poverty

Stigma

Multiple Discrimination

Isolation among young people

Universal access to health, care & treatment is not reached

Being part of the “Invisible Population”

• The Ways Forward

To achieve full recognition of Youth with Disabilities as rights-holders in HIV/AIDS issues, people must understand that:

the needs of youth with disabilities are not “special”

the Disability and HIV/AIDS issues must not be politicized

separate but equal is not equal

Youth with Disabilities have to be recognized as decision-makers

Do you know us?

Do you see us?

Can you hear us?

Can you help us?

Can you save us?

Thank you!!!

Count on Us…