KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Special care for persons with disabilities

You may have heard of the quote: “Disability is not inability.” Well, this quote is true. If you are born with or if you acquire a disability due to accident or disease, it doesn’t mean that you should give up on living life fully. You, just like everyone else, are entitled to a good life. Article two, paragraph two of Rwandan law no. 01/2007 of 20/01/2007 relating to the protection of disabled persons in general defines a disabled person is any individual who was born without congenial abilities like those of others or one who was deprived of such abilities due to disease, accident, conflict or any other reasons that may cause disability. Children who have any kind of disability should receive special care and support so that they can live a full and independent life.This is in accordance with article 23 paragraph one of the United Nations Convention on the rights of the child. Paragraph two of article 23 further states that disabled children and those that care for them shall receive all the appropriate assistance they need according to the resources available to the country in which they live. It is important to note that the care and assistance given to children with disabilities is meant to be provided free of charge and given whenever possible. This is stated in paragraph three of article 23. Furthermore, the aforementioned paragraph statuses that care and assistance should “ensure that the disabled child has effective access to and receives education, training, health care services, rehabilitation services, preparation for employment and recreation opportunities in a manner conducive to the child’s achieving the fullest possible social integration and individual development, including his or her cultural and spiritual development.” Regarding the education of a disabled person, article 11 of Rwandan law no. 01/2007 of 20/01/2007 relating to the protection of disabled persons in general says, “A disabled person has the right to appropriate education in respect of the nature of his or her disability.” As regards the health of persons with disability, article 14 paragraph one of law no. 01/2007 of 20/01/2007 says that the government shall facilitate a disabled person in getting medical care and prosthetics if necessary. When it comes to employment, article 18 of law no. 01/2007 of 20/01/2007 states: “no discrimination of any form shall be subjected upon a disabled person in matters related to employment.” Additionally, article 18 says that persons with disability shall be given greater access to employment opportunities than any other citizen in case of equal marks in competition. Therefore, do not let your disability discourage you from reaching for your dream.

Education

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Special care for persons with disabilities