How is disability defined?
The UK’s Department for International Development defines disability as “long-term impairment leading to social and economic disadvantages, denial of rights, and limited opportunities to play an equal part in the life of the community”. This is a useful definition that takes into account the wider social dimensions of disability.
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How many people are affected by disabilities?
650 million people, or 10% of the world’s population, are estimated to have a disability.
What are the main causes of disability?
The main causes of disability are:
- malnutrition: 20%
- accident/trauma/war: 16%
- infectious diseases: 11%
- non-infectious diseases: 20%
- congenital diseases: 20%
- other causes (including ageing): 13%
What are the guiding principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?
Eight guiding principles underlie the convention. These are:
- Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and independence of persons
- Non-discrimination
- Full and effective participation and inclusion in society
- Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity
- Equality of opportunity
- Accessibility
- Equality between men and women
- Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities
The full text of the convention can be found at: http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=259.
Last modified: 13/01/2011
