What is the GDRL project?

The Global Disability Rights Library project is currently accepting applications from organizations, universities, government agencies, and individual advocates to receive a free digital Global Disability Rights Library (GDRL).  Read more about the GDRL project at:
 http://www.usicd.org/index.cfm/global-disability-rights-library

What does it mean to be a GDRL Deployment Site?

What will I receive when chosen to become a GDRL deployment site?

Selection as a deployment site does NOT include: 

• Internet access
• Computers, keyboards, monitors
• Funding to pay for staff, rent, computer equipment, etc

What is expected of selected GDRL deployment sites?

• Dissemination of resources and advocacy for the equal rights of people with disabilities
• Monthly reports for the GDRL team in the U.S. describing all activities related to the GDRL.
• Allow the public free access to the GDRL
• Providing trainings to the public on how to access the information on the GDRL
• Immediately notifying the GDRL team when you experience technical difficulties

How do we apply?

Interested organizations are encouraged to review the on-line application and full eligibility criteria posted on WiderNet's website at: http://www.widernet.org/digitallibrary/GDRLSiteSelection

Deadlines

Apply by March 1, 2011, to be considered for deployment by June 30, 2011
Apply by September 1, 2011, to be considered for deployment by December 31, 2011
Apply by May 1, 2012, to be considered for deployment by August 31, 2012

The GDRL team has received many applications from organizations, universities, government agencies, and individual advocates that wish to receive an off-line copy of the digital Global Disability Rights Library.  It is clear that the application process will be very competitive for everyone: under current funding we can disseminate a free library to 60 locations.  The strongest applications are those that clearly demonstrate how the library will be used and how these resources will be shared with your community.  

What follows are a few suggestions to help you strengthen your applications.  Remember: Any applicant may retrieve your application and edit or update it at any time even after it is "complete," as long as you do this before the application deadline. 

1)       Provide a valid email address. If you have started an application and have not received a confirmation email, please send an email to applications@gdrl.org to inquire about your application ID and status.

                Provide the following in your email:

                Your name

                Your organizations name

                Country you are located in and

                Application ID (if known)

2)      Please provide specific examples when asked to "Describe your commitment to gender equality in providing services and training."  Give details about programs you have already implemented, and specific steps your organization will take in the next few months to improve gender equity in your programs, services, training, or activities. 

3)      Provide specific examples when asked to "Describe your commitment to ensuring that people with a wide range of physical, sensory, and mental disabilities are able to access your services or use your computers."  Give concrete examples of what you have done so far to learn more about the barriers that different disability groups may experience and how to remove them.

We recognize that equity in services is a challenging and complex task.  However, we will consider it a positive sign if we know your organization has taken specific steps to make improvements in these areas and will continue to do more.

To read more about how to improve your application, visit:

http://www.usicd.org/index.cfm/news_tips-to-improve-your-gdrl-site-deployment-application

          My name is Kayleigh Marshall, and I am an intern with the GDRL. I am a senior at American University, in Washington, DC, studying Law and Society. My fields of interest are human rights and disability rights. I accepted this internship because the experience will help me understand what specific necessities are needed for a person with disability to function in the daily life, the workplace, and in the community. At the library, I am working on searching for materials on disabled prisoners' rights inside and outside of the prisons. I have discovered how many different DPOs exist in developing countries but are not accessible to a large section of the population. I am proud of knowing that I might assist someone in a developing country get access to the rights they are entitled to.                                 -Kayleigh Marshall