4 things you should know about rethinking disability inclusion

The world is currently experiencing several crises, and the upcoming United Nations conference on persons with disabilities is focused on rethinking how we can better include persons with disabilities to build a more resilient and equitable future. With over 1.3 billion persons with disabilities worldwide, this conference is of great importance to advance and protect their rights. Here are four things you should know about rethinking disability inclusion:

1. Technology and innovation for an accessible future
   International cooperation is crucial to accelerate technology innovation and transfer for an inclusive future. Imagine AI that understands diverse communication styles or virtual reality training accessible to everyone. We need joint efforts to develop and share such technologies, ensuring they empower, not exclude.
   
   
2. Inclusive emergency preparedness 
   When emergencies and disasters hit, persons with disabilities are often disproportionately affected. Essential requirements such as accessible evacuation routes and emergency information in formats like sign language are frequently neglected. The conference will emphasize the need to reconsider emergency preparedness by implementing inclusive disaster risk reduction plans that have been developed globally to guarantee that assistance is provided to everyone.
   
   
3. Unlocking equal employment opportunities 
   Having a decent job that is gratifying, fair and provides opportunities for self-determination is important for sustainable development. However, persons with disabilities are often marginalized due to discrimination and lack of access to workplaces. One important goal is to find ways to eliminate barriers to employment, such as creating a global job platform that emphasizes accessibility, offers skill development tailored to various needs, and thereby establishing ways for persons with disabilities to find fulfilling employment.
   
   
4. Fostering a resilient, disability-inclusive world 
   Ultimately, you should know that the goal of this conference is to promote international cooperation in order to build a more resilient and equitable world where disability is recognized as a strength. By focusing on innovation and technology, preparedness for emergencies, and economic empowerment with a disability-inclusive perspective, we can develop systems that support a variety of abilities and requirements.

For more information: 

17th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP17) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) 

Photo credit: UNDP Sierra Leone / Janet Alamisi Dabire