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Article 21 - Freedom of expression and opinion, and access to information
Background Documents | Article 21 Background
Seventh Session | Fifth Session | Fourth Session | Third Session
Working Group | References
Fifth Session
Article 13
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Freedom of Expression and Opinion, and Access to Information
Facilitator proposal as of 1 February 2005
States Parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure that persons with
disabilities can exercise their right to freedom of expression and opinion
and to seek, receive and impart information on an equal basis with others
and through appropriate modes of communication of their choice, including
sign languages and augmentative and alternative means of communication,
including by:
States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that persons
with disabilities can exercise their right to freedom of expression and
opinion including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and
ideas on an equal basis with others and through sign languages, and Braille
and augmentative alternative communication and all accessible means, modes
and formats of communication of their choice, including by:
a) Providing official public information to persons with disabilities, in a timely manner and without additional cost and in accessible formats and technologies appropriate to different kinds of disabilities;
b) Accepting and facilitating the use of sign languages, and Braille and augmentative alternative communication and all other accessible means, modes and formats of communication of their choice in official interactions;
c) Promoting opportunities for training to use sign languages, and Braille and augmentative alternative communication and all other accessible means, modes and formats of communication of their choice;
d) Promoting and where appropriate, undertaking the research, development and production of new technologies and systems, including information and communication technologies, and assistive technologies, that are suitable for, accessible to and affordable by persons with disabilities and in consultation with them;
e) Promoting other appropriate forms of assistance and support to persons with disabilities to ensure their access to information, including supporting and where appropriate, developing training programs for assistants, intermediaries, interpreters, note takers and readers;
f) Urging private entities that provide services to the general public to provide information and services in accessible and usable formats for persons with disabilities;
g) Urging the mass media to make their services accessible to persons with disabilities;
h) [Developing/recognizing/promoting a national sign language;]
i) Promoting access for persons with disabilities to the new communication technologies and systems;
j) Providing accessible information to persons with disabilities about mobility aids, devices and other forms of assistive devices and technologies;
k) Taking all appropriate measures to ensure that accessible information and communication technologies be designed, developed, produced and distributed at an early stage so that the information society becomes inclusive at minimum cost.