Theme: Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
A major outcome of the International Year of Disabled Persons was
the formulation of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by
the General Assembly in December 1982. (General Assembly resolution 37/52 )
The World Programme of Action (WPA) is a global strategy to enhance disability
prevention, rehabilitation and equalization of opportunities, which pertains to full
participation of persons with disabilities in social life and national development. The
WPA also emphasizes the need to approach disability from a human rights perspective.
Its three chapters provide an analysis of principles, concepts and definitions relating
to disabilities; an overview of the world situation regarding persons with disabilities;
and set out recommendations for action at the national, regional and international levels.
"Equalization of opportunities" is a central theme of the WPA and its guiding
philosophy for the achievement of full participation of persons with disabilities in all
aspects of social and economic life. An important principle underlying this theme is that
issues concerning persons with disabilities should not be treated in isolation, but within
the context of normal community services.
