On April 15, 2010, Center for Citizens with Disabilities – Access for Elections (PPUA – PENCA) in cooperation with Indonesia Disabled People’s Association (PPCI) and with the support of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) introduced an advocacy toolkit for persons with disabilities (PwDs). The toolkit provides information on the social and political rights that people with disabilities have under the law in Indonesia. IFES President and CEO Bill Sweeney was present and spoke at the presentation which took place at the Nikko Hotel in Jakarta.

The toolkit is comprised of 4 books and a CD/DVD of practical materials that can be used to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities at the national and local levels. Approximately 75 people attended the event, including representatives from PwD groups, civil society organizations, several print and broadcast media outlets, government officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS), and the Ministry of Social Affairs. Four National Election commissioners and Walter North, Director of USAID Indonesia, were also present.

IFES has worked with PPUA – PENCA on numerous occasions to increase the political access of disabled voters. Among our collaborations are: development of electoral guidelines for disabled accessibility; production of informational materials to increase public awareness of disability rights; and, provision of technical and advisory support on how to ensure a voice for disabled voters in the planning and preparations for the 2009 elections.