Human Rights, Disability, and Mindfulness

Abstract

Objective

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has identified and articulated the rights of people with disabilities, mandating how these rights should be upheld and protected by countries. The objective of this article is to explore how these rights can be translated into action for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Method

We conceptualize what human rights mean in the context of people with IDD, examine models of disability that have been utilized to provide services, and explore how mindfulness research and practices could be better aligned with the CRPD.

Results

We present five core principles of interdependent human rights of people with IDD and highlight five key challenges that hinder the realization of their fundamental rights and freedoms, which are intrinsic to the dignity of all human beings and are an essential component of a just and equitable society. We delve into the key Articles of the CRPD that underpin these rights and freedoms. Various models of services for people with IDD have been developed and implemented. We underscore the strengths and limitations of the medical, social, and biopsychosocial models, and provide an overview of the emergent human rights model that is based on the CRPD. Mindfulness is discussed in the context of other interventions as an adjunctive treatment and a potential intervention that could address some concerns expressed in the CRPD.

Conclusions

Human rights, disability, and mindfulness are inextricably linked and could be strengthened to advance equity and full inclusion of people with IDD in our society. Impairment cannot be used as a basis for denying or restricting their rights. We need to promote the understanding that disability is an essential part of human diversity, and people with disabilities contribute unique and crucial perspectives in a just and enlightened society.