Knowing your rights: Respect for home and family (Article: 23)
Respect for home and the family. Australia must make sure people with disability have the same rights as other people when it comes to marriage, family, parenting and relationships.
People with a disability are free to get married and have a family and decide on the number of children they have and when they have them, and can get education on having children and family planning.
Deaf and disabled people should not be prevented from having children on the basis of their disability, or be sterilised against their will.
In relation to adopting a child or being foster parents or guardians, people with disability are to have the same rights and responsibilities as other people do under the law.
However, the most important thing is what is best for the child.
People with disability should be given help to raise their children if and when they need it.
Children with disability have the same rights as other children in their family life. Australia must provide information, services and support to children with disability and their families.
The child is not to be taken away from his/her parents against their will, unless the courts decide that it is best for the child.
Knowing your rights: Adequate standard of living and social protection (Article: 28)
All people have the right to an adequate standard of living, including food, clothing, housing, social protection, to feel safe and have a fulfilling and independent life. This means ensuring people have access to basic necessities, such as food, clothing, clean water, housing, pensions, disability-related devices, and programs that relieve poverty.
Knowing your rights: Habilitation and rehabilitation (Article: 26)
Countries should set up programs and services to help people with disability be as independent as possible, particularly in health, employment, education and social services, in order to be fully included in all aspects of life.
These services and programs should begin as early as possible, such as ‘early intervention’ programs and be based on individual needs and strengths.
People with disability should be included in their communities, and voluntarily take part in society if they would like to.
Countries are also to encourage ongoing training for staff working in habilitation and rehabilitation services, including in the use of assistive devices and technologies designed for people with disability; such as hearing aids, captions, flashing alarms and FM Loops.
Knowing your rights: Participation in political and public life (Article: 29)
All people have the right to take part in political and public life in the same way other people can, including the right to vote, stand for elections and be voted in.
This means the Government must ensure that voting is accessible and the process is easy to use and understand. This may include using captions or interpreters for important political information.
People with a disability, or who are Deaf, have the right to; vote by secret ballot, stand for elections and be elected, get help in voting when they need it, and take part in public affairs, including joining non-government organisations, political parties and groups that represent people with disability.
Knowing your rights: Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport (Article: 30)
People who are Deaf or have a disability have the same right to take part in cultural life and activities as other people do.
Australia must take steps, such as through interpreters or captioning, to ensure that Deaf people have access to: television programs, films, theatre, museums, libraries, tourism services, cultural performances or services and monuments and sites that are culturally important.
Deaf people should be able to have the opportunity to organise, develop and take part in sports and recreation activities.
Australia must make it possible for people with disability to develop and use their creative, artistic and intellectual abilities, not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of society. People with disability are entitled, in the same way other people are, to be recognised for their own culture and language, including sign languages and Deaf culture.
Children with disability are to have access to play, recreation, leisure and sporting activities in the same way as other children.
This video was funded by the Australian Government. © DSS 2014
This video accompanying this text was endorsed by Deaf Australia. Category 1: Auslan signs, Auslan grammar. Deaf Australia Inc website.