Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities

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The concept of disability has always evolved and will continue to evolve over time. Generally speaking disabled people are still victims of a negative image and social invisibility. They are too often victims of violations of fundamental rights.
However, it is now understood that disability is a Human rights issue. Therefore the Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities defines disability as an interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers.

This paper provides information on:

• Some KEY FIGURES related to the theme of disability.
• The various APPROACHES TO DISABILITY which have existed and continue to exist in human society.
• The change from a medical representation of disability to a HUMAN RIGHTS BASED MODEL which clearly acknowledges the part of responsibility society has in the disadvantages faced by persons with disabilities.
• The benefits of regarding disability as a HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENT issue so that it may create equal opportunities and provide access to the same rights for all, without discrimination.