July is Disability Pride Month, however, not yet officially recognized in Kenya and many other countries.
According to the Human Rights Watch Website, July was chosen because the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed on July 26, 1990.
Therefore, July presents an occasion to celebrate people with disabilities, honor their dignity and rights, promote their visibility, and applaud their achievements.
The month is a powerful reminder of the importance of disability rights as discussed below;
The rights of persons with disabilities are described as human rights that are guaranteed to all persons with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of their disability
These rights are enshrined in international law, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which was adopted by the United Nations in 2006.
These rights are essential for ensuring that all PWDs can live full and productive lives – also essential for building a more inclusive and just society for all.
Here are some of the specific rights that are guaranteed to persons with disabilities under the CRPD:
The right to life: Persons with disabilities have the right to life on an equal basis with others. This includes the right to be free from arbitrary deprivation of life.
The right to non-discrimination: Persons with disabilities have the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of their disability. This means that they should not be discriminated against in any area of life, including education, employment, health care, and access to public places and services.
The right to equality before the law: Persons with disabilities have the right to be treated equally before the law. This means that they should have the same rights and responsibilities as other people under the law.
The right to education: Persons with disabilities have the right to education on an equal basis with others. This means that they should have access to quality education that meets their needs.
The right to employment: Persons with disabilities have the right to work on an equal basis with others. This means that they should have the same opportunities to get a job and to be promoted as other people.
The right to participate in political and public life: Persons with disabilities have the right to participate in political and public life on an equal basis with others. This means that they should have the right to vote, to run for office, and to participate in decision-making processes.
The right to access health care: Persons with disabilities have the right to access health care on an equal basis with others. This means that they should have access to quality health care that meets their needs.
The right to access assistive devices and services: Persons with disabilities have the right to access assistive devices and services that they need to participate in society. This includes things like wheelchairs, hearing aids, and sign language interpreters.
The right to respect for their inherent dignity: Persons with disabilities have the right to be treated with respect for their inherent dignity. This means that they should not be subjected to any form of discrimination or abuse.