Proposals to the draft text - South Africa

Article Three: Definitions

The South Africa delegation wishes to align itself to the proposal made by one of the previous delegations that proposed that definitions be done by respective countries that will ratify to the Convention. However we are also of the opinion that some guidelines and framework is necessary in order to ensure that member states follow the proper protocols when they develop working definitions for their particular needs. To this end chair, the SA delegation wishes to propose the following guidelines as a means of providing framework to other member states.

Accessibility:
Accessibility shall include aspects and/or services that are inclusive, equal, appropriately used or readily reached and benefit people with disabilities, including promoting safe, healthy and barrier free access to physical environments and public transportation as a standard. These aspects include, social and economic empowerment, information, communication and assistive technologies, universal design and adaptation.

Communication:
Communication shall include oral-aural communication, sign language, tactile communication, Braille, large print, audio, accessible multimedia, human reader and other augmentative or alternative modes of communication, including accessible information and communication technology.

DEFINITION ON DISABILITY

Disability is the loss or elimination of opportunities to take part in the life of the community; equitably with others that is encountered by persons having physical, sensory, psychological, developmental, learning, neurological or other impairments, which may be permanent, temporary or episodic in nature, thereby causing activity limitations and participation restriction within the mainstream society. These barriers may be due to economic, physical, social, attitudinal and/or cultural factors.

Persons with Disabilities:
Are people who have long-term or recurring, physical or sensory impairment which substantially limits the prospects of equitable participation in society

Discrimination: Discrimination shall mean any distinction, exclusion, additional obligations or burdens, restrictions or acts which have the purpose or effect of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by persons with disabilities, on a basis of equality with others, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Language:
Language shall include oral-aural language and sign-language.

Reasonable Accommodation:
Any modification or adjustment to an environment that will enable a person from a designated group to have access to and/or participate equitably as part of mainstream society.

Universal Design:
Universal design is a worldwide concept, which promotes a holistic design such that all products, environments and communications are to designed to consider and provide for the needs of the widest possible array of users. It is considered as a design for all, as an inclusive design and also as a lifespan design.

Lastly chair we wish to propose a new definition of Rehabilitation. We are of the opinion that it is important for the Convention to ensure that Rehabilitation is not only presented in the context of medical rehabilitation but in all context. Therefore wish to “Recovery or reintegration back into society of people with disabilities” Therefore the Rehabilitation definition needs to be presented within the context of health, education, employment or justice, etc.