Disability Future Directions and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Principles, rights and themes

Convention Timeline ◦ Adoption by the United Nations General Assembly - 13 Dec 2006 ◦ Opened for signature - 30 March 2007 ◦ Australia signs - July 2008 Purpose of Convention To promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity Background to the Convention

Key principles in the Convention Respect for inherent dignity and the freedom to make one’s own choices Respect for difference as part of human diversity Full and effective participation and inclusion in society Key principles in DFD The strong and central involvement of people with disabilities, families and carers in advising and leading developments Commitment to human rights Ongoing conversations with all stakeholders and other interested people. A reflexive process which tracks progress and responds to change. Synergies: Principles

Rights in the Convention  Life, liberty and security of the person  Freedom from torture, exploitation, violence and abuse  Physical and mental integrity  Equality before the law  Freedom of movement and nationality  Living independently and being included in the community  Freedom of expression and opinion  Home and family life  Education  Health  Work  Adequate standard of living  Participation in political, public and cultural life Synergies: Rights

Personalised supports and services incorporates the Convention’s rights to:  Physical and mental integrity  Living independently and being included in the community  Home and family life  Full inclusion in decision making Participation and contribution in all aspects of life incorporates:  Education  Health  Work  Participation in political, public and cultural life Economic and community foundations incorporates:  Living independently and being included in the community  Home and family life  Adequate standard of living Rights in Disability Future Directions

‘Nothing about us without us’ This applies to: ◦ The planning and delivery of services ◦ Relationships between policy makers, service providers, people with disabilities, their families, friends and carers ◦ Internal relationships in government and non-government organisations A key theme uniting the Convention and Disability Future Directions

 The move to a citizen-centric approach implies an interactive approach, moving beyond the old “top down”/ “bottom up” distinction  How can it be made effective, honest and accountable? For consideration