December 3 is celebrated as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This day promoted by the UN is a good opportunity to reiterate once again that due to the stereotypes in our country person with disabilities are often not regarded as a right holder, full members of society. The thing is that due to the medical model of disability implemented for many years, persons with disabilities were not considered as full-fledged subject of law and their right to live independently was not emphasized. Therefore, the transition from the medical model to the social or as it is also called, to the human rights model is highly important, as a result of which the existing stereotypes will be destroyed.
The protection of rights of persons with disabilities is always under the attention of the Human Rights Defender.
The Defender always raises the issues in field of protection of rights of persons with disabilities in his annual reports, as well as during public discussions with state bodies, NGO’s and representatives of international organizations.
Today, there are still state institutions, educational institutions and cultural objects that are not adapted for persons with disabilities. The state should create equal opportunities and conditions so that persons with disabilities as full-fledged subjects of law could exercise their rights independently.
It is necessary to ensure the active involvement of persons with disabilities in political, cultural and economic life.
Access to information for people with disabilities is also extremely important, as it contributes to decision-making, awareness about rights and opportunities, as well as full integration into society.
Special attention should be paid to the problems of children with disabilities.
Today, the disability early detection and free rehabilitation services, inclusive education, especially at preschool stage are not accessible or fully accessible for children yet.
Joint and careful work is required to find fundamental solutions for the issues with regard to exercising the rights of persons with disabilities.
Arman Tatoyan
The Human Rights Defender of Armenia