The L in ABLE · Legal equality
Disabled people are equal rights-holders.
Equality means that disabled people are recognised before the law and can enjoy their rights and protections on an equal basis with others.
What legal equality means
Legal equality includes equal recognition before the law, protection from discrimination and access to justice. It requires institutions and decision-makers to respect disabled people’s dignity, autonomy and choices.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) provides an international human-rights framework for disability equality. It connects equality and non-discrimination with accessibility, participation and inclusion.
Rights in practice
- Rights must be understandable and accessible.
- Processes should not prevent people from being heard or exercising their rights.
- Disabled people should be involved in decisions about laws, policies and services that affect them.