 3 December 2012 -- The International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992. The annual observance of the Day aims to increase awareness and understanding of disability issues and trends, and to mobilise support for practical action at all levels by, with and for persons with disabilities.
With the coming into force on 3 May 2008 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, advocates for disability rights have a powerful tool at their disposal. The Convention by the UN General Assembly reflects an attitudinal change towards people with disabilities. The Convention recognises that persons with disabilities have the same inherent dignity as persons without them, are capable of claiming their rights, and should be participating members of society. As of November 2010, 147 countries have signed the Convention, and 96 have ratified it.
This year's theme of removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society is a reminder of how much needs to be done to ensure that people with disabilities can live an independent and active life
Sources: UN Department of Public Information, UN Enable
Selected learning materials
Study guide on the rights of persons with disabilities
A quick introduction in the human rights of persons with disabilities, and ways to promote and protect them.
Guide to Disability Rights (and dealing with the system) (The Council for Disability Rights)
This guide provides practical information on employment, free medication, social security benefits, special education, and tax benefits.
Ten messages about children with disabilities (UNICEF)
Practical tips for to help children with disabilities learn in a safe and equitable environment.
The Disabled: "Making Our Own Charter"
This is a highly participatory exercise and can be adapted to diverse settings and cultures.
Training Materials for Lawyers and NGOs on the European Convention on Human Rights and the rights of people with mental health problems and/or intellectual disabilities
This training manual was written for lawyers and NGOs attending training seminars organised by the Mental Disability Advocacy Center (MDAC) and partner NGOs during 2002.
International and regional treaties on the rights of persons with disabilities:
- Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons
- Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol
- Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
- ILO Convention (No. 159) concerning Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons)
- Declaration on the Rights of Mentally Retarded Persons (1971)
Useful links
Web Accessibility: tools and useful links (HREA)
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (UN Enable)
Suggestions on how the Day may be observed
Map of countries that have signed and/or ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol (UN Enable)
"Keeping the Promise: Realising MDGs for Persons with Disabilities Towards 2015 and Beyond" (UN Secretary-General's report to the General Assembly)
World Health Organisation (WHO) Disability and Rehabilitation Team
Organisations advocating for disability rights
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