The Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities

CONTENTS

Introduction

• Background and current needs
• Previous international action
• Towards standard rules
• Purpose and content of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
• Fundamental concepts in disability policy

Preamble

I. Preconditions for Equal Participation

• Rule 1. Awareness-raising
• Rule 2. Medical care
• Rule 3. Rehabilitation
• Rule 4. Support services

II. Target Areas for Equal Participation

• Rule 5. Accessibility
• Rule 6. Education
• Rule 7. Employment
• Rule 8. Income maintenance and social security
• Rule 9. Family life and personal integrity
• Rule 10. Culture
• Rule 11. Recreation and sports
• Rule 12. Religion

III. Implementation Measures

• Rule 13. Information and research
• Rule 14. Policy-making and planning
• Rule 15. Legislation
• Rule 16. Economic policies
• Rule 17. Coordination of work
• Rule 18. Organizations of persons with disabilities
• Rule 19. Personnel training
• Rule 20. National monitoring and evaluation of disability programmes
• in the implementation of the Rules
• Rule 21. Technical and economic cooperation
• Rule 22. International cooperation

IV. Monitoring Mechanism

Abstract

Among the major outcomes of the Decade of Disabled Persons was the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in 1994. Although not a legally binding instrument, the Standard Rules represent a strong moral and political commitment of Governments to take action to attain equalization of opportunities for persons with disabilities. The rules serve as an instrument for policy-making and as a basis for technical and economic cooperation.

The Standard Rules consists of 22 rules summarizing the message of the World Programme of Action. The Rules incorporate the human rights perspective which had developed during the Decade. The 22 rules concerning disabled persons consist of four chapters - preconditions for equal participation, target areas for equal participation, implementation measures, and the monitoring mechanism - and cover all aspects of life of disabled persons.