How are we affected by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities?

The Convention will look to promote and protect rights for disabled people in all UN member states, particularly in those that have not previously passed comprehensive legislation. The Convention recognises the social model of disability and is a major step towards altering the perception of disability and ensuring that societies recognise that all people must have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

ECU does not consider that the Convention, when ratified by the UK on the 8 June 2009, will have any significant impact upon the existing legal framework for disability equality. The Convention imposes requirements upon governments rather than individuals, so any impact on higher education institutions would have to come through the legislative process.

Higher education institutions may want to be aware that the Convention covers many aspects of education at different stages of life. This includes addressing the education needs of disabled adults who are uneducated or undereducated due to a lack of opportunity or access when they were children. It also recognises the importance of lifelong learning [article 24 (5)], including for those adults who acquire disabilities and therefore want or need further education to support their ability to work, including vocational training and university degree programmes.

It is possible that the Convention may put more onus on higher education to encourage international disabled students to come to the UK to study. International cooperation is widely recognised as vital for ensuring that disabled people can fully enjoy their rights. The Convention expressly acknowledges this relationship, and obliges state members to cooperate with other states and/or with relevant international and regional organisations and the public.