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Reviews the background and recommendations for the communication component of DFIDs new research strategy. Concludes that policy processes are complex and that research-based evidence is only one of the many competing influences on policy makers, development practitioners and end users. Outlines a number of gaps in flows of research information and how these may be addressed. Acknowledges the vital role of communication while also noting the importance of context and enabling environments in which the repackaging and circulation of information takes place and that intermediaries and networks are a vital part of this process. The political context and the complex relationships between people are key. Highlights a number of initiatives of European donors to strengthen southern research capacity and initiatives to facilitate knowledge and research sharing by a range of intermediary communication organisations

This paper is about the connection between strategies to reduce poverty and strategies to maximize ICT benefit. It reviews the evolution of ICT strategies region by region and analyses the connection between e-strategies and poverty reduction strategies

This paper argues that while UK NGOs and donors claim to support downward accountability and promote local ownership and control of development, the policies and procedures that surround the disbursement and accounting for aid money ensure upward accountability dominates. This domination is part of a wider problem of domination by donors of their recipients, which skews the relationship and undermines the potential for these relationships to work well as partnerships

Discusses the tension and synergy of culture and participatory development through examples of theatre for development experiences in Mali and Namibia. The author describes performances and processes for setting up performance activities in villages, some of which had their own forms of narrative drama, and others which developed these with external support. The article discusses the implications of importing and imposing cultural forms to achieve project goals, and contrasts this with the ethos of theatre for development, which seeks to engage community members in a dialogue with development workers in order to foster participation in and ownership of development activities

This report gives an overview about the activities of USAID in the field of international development. After identifying the major issues in the field of inclusive development, it examines the role disability plays in the different departments of USAID. The report is complemented with the mission reports to different countries.
The report is of interest for organisations which are cooperating with USAID and organisations who want to learn about the role USAID is playing in influencing in the field of disability in international development

This toolbox provides information, strategies and resources for development organisations to become more inclusive in their hiring practices, administration and policies. It focuses on practical tips and resources for organisations seeking to become more inclusive at headquarter offices and though organisational policies. Although it was designed for US-based agencies and refers to the Americans with Disabilities Act, it includes practical and useful guidance which will be adaptable to many contexts. It deals with workplace accessibility, communication, Internet accessibility, recruitment of disabled people, budgeting for inclusion, and more. The "budgeting for inclusion" section provides an innovative strategy for ensuring that your organisation has the funds it needs to accommodate people with disabilities in both offices and the projects the organisation supports

"Mental health legislation is essential for protecting the rights of people with mental disorders, who comprise a vulnerable section of society. This module provides information to help guide the development of mental health legislation. The module begins by setting out the activities that are required before legislation is formulated. The content of legislation is then described, including substantive provisions for specific mental health legislation and substantive provisions for other legislation impacting on mental health. Process issues in mental health legislation are then outlined, including drafting procedures, consultation and the implementation of legislation"
Note: This module is part of the WHO Mental Health Policy and Service Guidance Package. The package consists of a series of interrelated user-friendly modules designed to address the wide variety of needs and priorities in policy development and service planning. Each module addresses a core aspect of mental health