Disability Rights

Disability rights protect and empower those with physical and/or mental challenges. According to the American Disabilities Act, a disability is a legal definition rather than a medical one. A person with a disability has an impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities. Disability may include: mobility and physical impairments, brain injuries, vision disability, hearing disability, cognitive or learning disability, and psychological disorders. Individuals with any of these disabilities may prefer to define themselves as differently abled, but they can face discrimination in the workplace and other areas of life. In the US, the American Disabilities Act became law in 1990 to protect the rights of the disabled. These individuals have the right to equal opportunity, equal pay and freedom from discrimination in hiring and promotions. Accessibility, in particular access to buildings and transportation, is another important aspect of this issue. The United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was signed in 2007. This treaty, which the EU supports, is the first international one to address issues of disability rights. In 2017, the American Community Survey reported that 15% of North Carolina residents have disabilities (consensus.gov).