The current Disability KaR Programme Advisory Group (PAG) was established in June 2004, following a review of the advisory structure of the programme.

Ray Lang and AK Dube, both well known and respected for their work on disability, advised on the composition, mandate and responsibilities of a PAG, and a group of seven voting members was formed, of which four are disabled people.

AK Dube says of involving people from developing countries in the Programme's decision-making: "I am quite confident that this objective was achieved" He explains: "It is important that we take into account technical expertise from the South in any future strategies that address the needs of disabled people in the South. It is essential to build and sustain people-to-people relationships between the North and South on issues related to disability and sharing of expertise."

Another PAG member, Setareki Macanawai, concurs: "As someone from a developing country ... I had the opportunity to share my views, express my concerns and declare that we, especially Southern DPOs, can be potential partners to Northern DPOs in addressing our development needs, and [take] the lead to move our issues forward."

The PAG has met twice since June 2004, and once by teleconference, also making ongoing input in the form of feedback on written outputs of the Programme. During the final meeting in May 2005 the managers of the commissioned research (see p. 11) presented their preliminary research findings. The PAG commented first hand and debated some of the key points raised.

They also discussed the research with Simon Anderson from DFID's Central Research Department, thereby feeding directly into DFID's consultation on the future of its disabilityresearch strategy.

The PAG has played a significant role in providing advice and expertise to the programme. This has been appreciated and the Programme would like to thank all the PAG members for their time and support.