STANDARD RULES ON THE EQUALIZATION OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

(adopted by the United Nation General Assembly – December 20, 1993)

Introduction

Equalization of opportunities

“The term "equalization of opportunities" means the process through which the various systems of society and the environment, such as services, activities, information and documentation, are made available to all, particularly to persons with disabilities.”
“The principle of equal rights implies that the needs of each and every individual are of equal importance, that those needs must be made the basis for the planning of societies and that all resources must be employed in such a way as to ensure that every individual has equal opportunity for participation. “

Standard rules

Areas of intervention in order to implement equal opportunities

Rule 5: Accessibility
States should recognize the central importance of accessibility in the process concerning the implementation of equal opportunities in every sphere of social life. For disabled people, States should:

a) introduce action plans to make all places accessible;
b) find tools in order to make information and communication accessible.

a) Access to built environment:
“states should introduce measures in order to eliminate obstacles preventing people to access certain places. Such measures should consist in the development of standards and guidelines and should take note of the current legislation and assure accessibility of different areas like buildings, accommodations, public transports and other means of transport, roads and other outer environments….