Region (province/district) – globaldisabilityrightsnow

Focus Countries

Homes, Not Institutions for Children with Disabilities

Institutions are no substitute for living at home and being in the community. This is true for adults with disabilities. As you might imagine, institutions are even worse for children. For people of any age, even in the best possible circumstances, institutions significantly increase the risk for abuse and neglect. UNICEF has noted that children… Continue reading Homes, Not Institutions for Children with Disabilities

Legal Aid in the United States

Legal Aid in the United States The purpose of legal aid is to provide free legal services to low income Americans. Civil legal aid helps ensure fairness in the justice system, regardless of how much money one has. Equal justice under law is a fundamental American value. In the United States, legal aid is primarily… Continue reading Legal Aid in the United States

Expanding Disability Rights through Political Participation

There are many effective ways to advocate for disability rights. From signing a petition to engaging in a discussion with stakeholders, making meaningful changes to society starts with participating in public life. Political participation provides the opportunity for disability rights advocates to connect with decision-makers. Why Participate in Political Life? Building an inclusive society begins… Continue reading Expanding Disability Rights through Political Participation

Parents Build Alliances for the Future of their Disabled Children

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Accessible Transportation

Access to public transportation is one of the biggest issues for people with disabilities in our century. Without accessible transportation, many people with disabilities simply cannot get to school or the workplace, hindering their full participation in society. Accessibility features in public transportation benefit non-disabled people too. A few examples include: A lift or ramp… Continue reading Accessible Transportation

Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973

What is Section 508? Section 508 is an amendment to the Workforce Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which U.S. President Bill Clinton signed into law in 1998. Section 508 requires that U.S. federal departments and agencies to develop, procure, maintain, or use only electronic and information technology (“EIT”) that is accessible for people with disabilities, unless doing… Continue reading Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Low Cost Physical Access Solutions for Schools

Introduction Successfully educating children who are disabled with their nondisabled classmates for full participation in society requires accessible schools. Providing an environment that is accessible to all children reflects the belief that all students are valued and welcome. Accessibility should not be viewed as a constraint or simply a set of rules that must be… Continue reading Low Cost Physical Access Solutions for Schools

U.S. Housing Laws

There are four key disability nondiscrimination laws that apply to the subject of accessible housing. Two of these laws do not apply only to housing and are covered separately: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 applies to housing that is built with federal financial assistance or federal funds The Americans with Disabilities Act of… Continue reading U.S. Housing Laws

U.S. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), formerly called the Education for all Handicapped Children Act of 1975, requires public schools to make available to all eligible children with disabilities a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment appropriate to the child’s education needs. Under the law, State and local education agencies are… Continue reading U.S. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)