Promoting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The International Disability Alliance (IDA) is asking the global sport community to promote the rights of persons with disabilities in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD):

“’The CRPD articulates the scope of the right of persons with disabilities to participate in sport, recreation and leisure, as well as the right of children with disabilities to play, in the fullest expression seen to date in a human rights convention.’

‘Article 30(5) requires States to provide opportunities for participation in both disability-specific sport and recreation (e.g., wheelchair basketball) and mainstream sport programming. It further affirms the rights of persons with disabilities to organize, develop, and participate in sport and recreation with other persons with disabilities, which includes activities organized specifically for persons with disabilities in both mainstream programs as well as disability-specific sport.’

The CRPD evokes a robust non-discrimination and equality framework. In implementing the right to participate in sport, recreation and play, States Parties must ensure persons with disabilities and their representative organizations are engaged in meaningful consultation on law, policy and programming in the areas of sport, recreation and play.

As for terminology, the CPRD uses person-first terminology and uses persons with disabilities or people with disabilities. It also clarifies who persons with disabilities are. ‘Persons with 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.’

It is important for the global sport community to understand and promote the rights of persons with disabilities. If you have questions about IDA’s position contact IDA’s Secretariat at infoida-secretariat.org. If you have questions or would like more information about the right to sport for persons with disabilities, contact Eli Wolff at the Inclusive Sports Initiative at the Institute for Human Centered Design ewolffihcdesign.org or Amy Farkas Karageorgos of Inclusion4Development at inclusion4developmentgmail.com.”