In the context of human development, including the perspectives of people with disabilities is not merely an act of fairness but a crucial component of promoting human rights for all. Disability is often perceived as a factor of exclusion or an obstacle to overcome, whereas it should be recognized as a natural dimension of human diversity. Integrating a disability perspective into policies and development practices is essential to building inclusive and sustainable societies capable of guaranteeing equal rights and opportunities for everyone.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) marks a significant turning point in this direction. It is not just a human rights treaty but a paradigm shift in the way disability is perceived globally. The CRPD moves away from the traditional medical model, which sees disability as an individual deficit to correct, and instead embraces a social model in which environmental, cultural, and institutional barriers prevent full participation by people with disabilities. The goal is to dismantle these barriers, enabling everyone to take part fully in social, economic, and political life.

Adopting a rights-based approach in advocating for the rights of people with disabilities means recognizing them as rights holders, capable of making decisions about their lives and actively participating in society. This approach, known as the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), involves integrating core human rights principles at every stage of development programs: from design, to implementation, to monitoring and evaluation. It is crucial, for instance, to view people with disabilities not only as beneficiaries of initiatives but as active stakeholders involved in the decisions that affect them.

In practical terms, integrating a disability perspective requires particular attention to several key aspects. First and foremost, accessibility must be ensured in all its forms: physical, communicative, institutional, and economic. This means removing architectural barriers, making information and services accessible, and ensuring that all individuals can participate equally, regardless of their disabilities. Moreover, the intrinsic dignity of every person must be respected, valuing diversity and ensuring non-discrimination.

Another crucial aspect is empowerment. Promoting the ability of people with disabilities to claim their rights means not only providing them with the necessary knowledge and tools but also creating environments that foster the expression of their potential. This translates into development policies that not only address the needs of people with disabilities but also involve them as integral and active participants in decision-making processes.

The inclusion of people with disabilities in development policies should not be seen as an additional task but as a fundamental element for achieving an equitable and just society for all. A rights-based approach to disability is not a simple undertaking, but it is a necessary path to ensure that no one is left behind. It’s a journey that requires collective commitment, cultural change and the adoption of concrete policies that actively celebrate the skills and contributions of each individual and promote an inclusive society that respects the rights of all.