 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Contribution by Governments
Thailand proposal for article
17
Thailand believes that article 17 is of great importance to this convention.
These are what we would like to reflection our position
1. PWDs must havde the right to education on an equal basis with others.
2. The quality of education for PWDs cannot be compromised irrespective of service
delivery model.
3. Education and training services, provided to the general public, must be
inclusive to PWDs.
4. Freedom of choice, concerning with whom, where and how PWDs would like to
receive education, must be respected.
5. Specialized services, aimed at improving the quality of education for PWDs,
must be made available to PWDs.
According to our position above, we are still in support of the working group
text, but with some amendments as follows:
1. States Parties recognize the right of all persons with disabilities to education.
With a view to achieving this right progressively and on the basis of equal
opportunity, the education of children with disabilities shall be directed to:
(a) The full development of the human potential and sense of dignity and self-worth,
and the strengthening of respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and
human diversity;
(b) Enabling all persons with disabilities to participate effectively in a free
society;
(c) The development of the child’s personality, talents and mental and physical
abilities to their fullest potential;
(d) Taking into account the best interests of the child, in particular by individualizing
education plans.
Thailand proposed amendment:
1. States Parties recognize the right of all persons with disabilities to education
on the basis of equality with others. The education of persons with disabilities
shall be directed to:
(a) The full development of the human potential and sense of dignity and self-worth,
and the strengthening of respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and
human diversity;
(b) Enabling all persons with disabilities to participate effectively in a free
society;
(c) The development of the student's personality, talents and mental and physical
abilities to their fullest potential;
(d) Taking into account the best interests of the student, in particular by
individualized education programs.
2. In realizing this right, States Parties shall ensure:
(a) That all persons with disabilities can choose inclusive and accessible education
in their own community (including access to early childhood and pre-school education);
(b) The provision of required support, including the specialized training of
teachers, school counsellors and psychologists, an accessible curriculum, an
accessible teaching medium and technologies, alternative and augmentative communication
modes, alternative learning strategies, an accessible physical environment,
or other reasonable accommodations to ensure the full participation of students
with disabilities;
(c) That no child with disabilities is excluded from free and compulsory primary
education on account of their disability.
3. States Parties shall ensure that where the general education system does
not adequately meet the needs of persons with disabilities special and alternative
forms of learning should be made available. Any such special and alternative
forms of learning should:
(a) Reflect the same standards and objectives provided in the general education
system;
(b) Be provided in such a manner as to allow children with disabilities to participate
in the general education system to the maximum extent possible;
(c) Allow a free and informed choice between general and special systems;
(d) In no way limit the duty of States Parties to continue to strive to meet
the needs of students with disabilities in the general education system.
Thailand proposed amendment:
3. State parties shall ensure that blind, deaf and deafblind persons have the
right to choose education in their own groups and settings, where they shall
be provided with the same level of support and standards, consistent with other
provisions in this article.
4. States Parties shall ensure that children with sensory disabilities may choose
to be taught sign language or Braille, as appropriate, and to receive the curriculum
in sign language or Braille. States Parties shall take appropriate measures
to ensure quality education to students with sensory disabilities by ensuring
the employment of teachers who are fluent in sign language or Braille.
5. States Parties shall ensure that persons with disabilities may access general
tertiary education, vocational training, adult education and lifelong learning
on an equal basis with others. To that end, States Parties shall render appropriate
assistance to persons with disabilities.
Thailand is also willing to consider the draft text, proposed by IDC, as an
alternative to the working group text, in particular paragraph 2 of the IDC
that may replace paragraph 2-5.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thailand position on article
19
As indicated from the beginning, Thailand is strongly committed to promote the
concept of “accessibility” through “universal design” and “assistive technologies.”
We would like to reaffirm our position again that:
1. Accessibility to the built environment, public transportation, information
and communications including information and communication technologies and
other services must be guaranteed for PWDs without any discrimination and on
an equal basis with others.
2. Accessibility must be applied to all goods, services and facilities intended
for the public use whether such goods, services and facilities are developed,
maintained or provided to the public by the government or private sector.
3. In order to maintain the openness and sustainability of accessibility, we
fully support the development, promotion and adoption of internationally recognized
accessibility standards.
4. We are willing to support the working group text if it is slightly modified
to meet the requirement as stated in 1 and 2.
5. We are also willing to consider merging article 19 and 20 as long as all
substance of both articles, according to our position, is preserved.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------