“ States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities. States Parties shall safeguard and promote the realization of the right to work, including for those who acquire a disability during the course of employment, by taking appropriate steps, including through legislation. “
Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, article 27 (extract)
Handicap & Labour
The link between labour and disability
Employment gives people with disabilities a chance to procure their own income. It’s a vital step towards more independence and a better integration into society. Informal credit mechanisms that are managed and controlled by the participants themselves are a second instrument through which they gain more freedom, independence and become more integrated into society. Employment plays an important role for the psyche as well; it enhances self-appreciation and self-esteem. It also gives people with disabilities a chance to use and develop their own talents.
Publications
Internal
External
- International Labour Organisation. ILO Code of Practice Managing disability in the workplace, 2002.
- International Labour Organisation. The right to decent work, 2003.
- International Labour Organisation. Job and work analysis: Guidelines on identifying jobs for persons with disabilities, 2005.
- Mersland R. Microcredit for self-employed disabled persons in developing countries, 2005.
- Handicap International. Good practices for the economic inclusion of people with disabilities in developing countries: Funding mechanisms for self-employment, 2006
Links
- The World Bank on Employment and Training
- ILO Resouce guide on Disability
- GLADNET: Global Applied Disability Research and Information Network on Employment and Training
- ILO, June 2010. People with Intellectual Disabilities – Opening Pathways to Training and Employment in the African Region
- ILO and Disability and Work