Following its first conference in 2007, the Centre for Rehabilitation Studies at Stellenbosch University hosted the second African Network for Evidence-to-Action on Disability (AfriNEAD) symposium from 30 November to 3 December 2009 in Cape Town. The theme of the symposium was The ABC of research evidence-to-action: putting UNCRDP principles into action for rights-based change. The symposium had a side session that focused on HIV and disability and presentations are summarised on the HEARD website. For more information about the symposium visit: www.afrinead.org.

HEARD recently launched its Best Practice Collection on disability and HIV and it is available on HEARD's website. This collection is linked to HEARD's disability and HIV resource centre and is aimed at sharing useful material that can be applied in practice. HEARD welcomes submissions of materials to be included in its collection. Please contact Dr Jill Hannass-Hancock in this regard.

The Disability, Sexuality and Rights Online Training provides online training for people working in the fields of development, health and rights, disability and sexuality. The training aims at raising awareness of issues of disability and sexuality. It also includes political perspectives on the sexual rights of people with disabilities. For more info please visit http://www.awid.org/eng/Women-in-Action/Events-around-the-world/Online-Training.

Vienna, Austria will host this year's XVIII International AIDS Conference from 18-23 July. Abstract submissions close on 10 February and we would like to encourage submissions on disability and HIV/AIDS. Particularly look at Track D: Social and Behavioural Science and Track F: Policy, Law, Human Rights, and Political Science. The conference will also be accessible for people with disabilities.For more information please visit the Conference's website here

The Journal of the International AIDS Society and HEARD have launched the first special issue on disability and HIV in November 2009. The following papers can be found under the link: http://www.jiasociety.org/series/hiv_aids_and_disability

Shisana, O., et al.: South African national HIV prevalence, incidence, behaviour and communication survey 2008: A turning tide among teenagers? 2009, HSRC Press: Cape Town.

Liverpool VCT, C.a.T.L. and Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO): A Hanbook on Best Pratices Regarding HIV and AIDS for People with Disabilities. 2009, Nairobi: VSOEmail: vsokenya@vsoint.org or enquiries@liverpoolvct.org

Swartz L. et.al. (2009): HIV/AIDS and sexuality amongst people with disabilities in South Africa. Summary report November 2009. Contact: Disabled People South Africa at sg@dpsa.org.za