In 2019, RI aiming to draw more attention to disability affairs and inspire greater contributions to a more equal, inclusive, and accessible society worldwide, initiated the Rehabilitation International Award for Outstanding Achievements, recognizing individuals and/or organizations who/which have made outstanding contributions to or exerted far-reaching impact on the work for persons with disabilities worldwide.
The Award is intended to promote the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and advance the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities globally.
Championing the concept of enabling and empowering persons with disabilities, the RI Awards for Outstanding Achievements 2019 will emphasize achievements and contributions in the following three categories:
The Award in Humanitarianism: will be given to an individual or organization who or which has made outstanding achievements in humanitarian activities. Such achievements include but are not limited to demonstrating outstanding humanitarianism by continuously taking care of people with disabilities, substantial contribution in safeguarding the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities, and advocating inclusion and equal participation for people with disabilities.
The Award in Rehabilitation: will be given to an individual or organization who or which has made outstanding achievements in rehabilitation. Such achievements include but are not limited to facilitating rehabilitation with excellent medical expertise, boosted rehabilitation-related industries, etc.
The Award in Innovation: will be given to an individual or organization who or which has made outstanding achievements in innovation. Such achievements include but are not limited to breakthroughs in the concept, application, or methodology of the work for people with disabilities, technology innovation in areas such as rehabilitation, accessibility, assistive technology, etc.
Laureates of the Rehabilitation International Award for Outstanding Achievements 2019
On September 27, 2019, the Award Committee of Rehabilitation International (RI) Award for Outstanding Achievements convened in Beijing and announced the Award winners.
In total, the Award Secretariat received 64 applications out of which 22 failed the preliminary selection reviews process due to not providing the requested documents as per the Award Announcement, as a result 42 applications were carefully reviewed by the RI Award Jury Committee.
Mme. Zhang Haidi, President of RI, said that there are one billion persons with disabilities in the world. Most of them, especially those in developing countries, still live in hardships. They need help. The Award will draw more attention to disability affairs and inspire greater contributions to a more equal, inclusive and accessible society.
Through recognizing individuals and organizations who/which have made outstanding contributions to or exerted far-reaching impact on the work for persons with disabilities, the Award is an endeavor to promote the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to encourage rights protection of persons with disabilities, and to advance disability-inclusive development worldwide. Each laureate will be awarded a prize of USD 200,000.
The three laureates are from Ecuador, Ethiopia and Sri Lanka respectively.
The Award Committee of Rehabilitation International
has decided to award
the 2019 RI Award for Outstanding Achievements in Innovation to
Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa
“for her Innovative work in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities globally”
The Award Committee of Rehabilitation International
has decided to award
the 2019 RI Award for Outstanding Achievements in Rehabilitation to
Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society
“for bringing light to many in need”
The Award Committee of Rehabilitation International
has decided to award
the 2019 RI Award for Outstanding Achievements in Humanitarianism to
Alpha Special School for the Deaf
“for composing symphony in the world without sound”
