Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Current Status and Future Directions

Abstract

Objectives

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) articulates the rights of all individuals with disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities. This article introduces a special issue addressing the current status and future direction of how these rights are being realized for people with intellectual disabilities across various countries.

Methods

Experts were invited to submit conceptual papers, literature reviews, and empirical studies covering a wide range of topics relevant to the implementation of CRPD. The aim was to document how human rights and disability services are provided in different societies.

Results

Peer-reviewed articles accepted for this special issue included (1) conceptual and philosophical papers discussing the fundamental principles of the CRPD and actions to fully actualize them in the day-to-day lives of people with intellectual disabilities; (2) empirical studies highlighting programs aligned with the mandates of the CRPD; (3) examination of CRPD components integrated into positive behavior support plans and educational programs; (4) evaluation of progress in providing housing for homeless people with intellectual disabilities; (5) a program enhancing the ability of people with intellectual disabilities and their primary caregivers to actively participate in determining the need for the use of psychotropic medication for behavioral issues; (6) ethical guidelines for prescribing psychotropic medication for people with intellectual disabilities; (7) evaluation of current legislation, policy, and practices aimed at enhancing CRPD implementation; (8) example of methods enabling people with intellectual disabilities to be active participants in developing, researching, and co-writing research findings using an Easy Read format; (9) examination of organization-wide processes for reducing behaviors of concern and the use of restrictive procedures, including chemical and physical restraints; and (10) issues related to the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic technologies for people with intellectual disabilities.

Conclusions

While progress is evident in implementing the CRPD mandates, much work remains to be done to enable people with intellectual disabilities to fully enjoy the rights and freedoms available to all citizens.