 |
 |
|
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
References
Standard Rules
on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, forty-eighth session, resolution
48/96, annex, of 20 December 1993
Rule 4 - Support services
States should ensure the development and supply of support services, including
assistive devices for persons with disabilities, to assist them to increase
their level of independence in their daily living and to exercise their rights.
• States should ensure the provision of assistive devices and equipment, personal
assistance and interpreter services, according to the needs of persons with
disabilities, as important measures to achieve the equalization of opportunities.
• States should support the development, production, distribution and servicing
of assistive devices and equipment and the dissemination of knowledge about
them.
• To achieve this, generally available technical know-how should be utilized.
In States where high-technology industry is available, it should be fully utilized
to improve the standard and effectiveness of assistive devices and equipment.
It is important to stimulate the development and production of simple and inexpensive
devices, using local material and local production facilities when possible.
Persons with disabilities themselves could be involved in the production of
those devices.
• States should recognize that all persons with disabilities who need assistive
devices should have access to them as appropriate, including financial accessibility.
This may mean that assistive devices and equipment should be provided free of
charge or at such a low price that persons with disabilities or their families
can afford to buy them.
• In rehabilitation programmes for the provision of assistive devices and equipment,
States should consider the special requirements of girls and boys with disabilities
concerning the design, durability and age-appropriateness of assistive devices
and equipment.
• States should support the development and provision of personal assistance
programmes and interpretation services, especially for persons with severe and/or
multiple disabilities. Such programmes would increase the level of participation
of persons with disabilities in everyday life at home, at work, in school and
during leisure-time activities.
• Personal assistance programmes should be designed in such a way that the persons
with disabilities using the programmes have a decisive influence on the way
in which the programmes are delivered.