Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2009L02620:body:0:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2009L02620
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 8374–11596

disabilities include those who have long‑term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

  Article 2
Definitions

 For the purposes of the present Convention:

 "Communication" includes languages, display of text, Braille, tactile communication, large print, accessible multimedia as well as written, audio, plain‑language, human‑reader and augmentative and alternative modes, means and formats of communication, including accessible information and communication technology;

 "Language" includes spoken and signed languages and other forms of non‑spoken languages;

 "Discrimination on the basis of disability" means any distinction, exclusion or restriction on the basis of disability which has the purpose or effect of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal basis with others, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field. It includes all forms of discrimination, including denial of reasonable accommodation;

 "Reasonable accommodation" means necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, where needed in a particular case, to ensure to persons with disabilities the enjoyment or exercise on an equal basis with others of all human rights and fundamental freedoms;

 "Universal design" means the design of products, environments, programmes and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. "Universal design" shall not exclude assistive devices for particular groups of persons with disabilities where this is needed.

  Article 3
General principles

 The principles of the present Convention shall be:

 (a) Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons;

 (b) Non‑discrimination;

 (c) Full and effective participation and inclusion in society;

 (d) Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity;

 (e) Equality of opportunity;

 (f) Accessibility;

 (g) Equality between men and women;

 (h) Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities.

  Article 4
General obligations

1. States Parties undertake to ensure and promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons with disabilities without discrimination of any kind on the basis of disability. To this end, States Parties undertake:

 (a) To adopt all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures for the implementation of the rights recognized in the present Convention;

 (b) To take all appropriate measures, including legislation, to modify or abolish existing laws, regulations, customs and practices that constitute discrimination against persons with disabilities;

 (c) To take into account the protection and promotion of the human rights of persons with