Document Type : Review Articles

Author

• Mahnaz Akhavan-Tafti

Associate Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, School of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization report, the number of individuals with disabilities who are the largest non-racial minority is estimated to be 1 billion, out of which 20% are among the poorest people in the world. The aim of this research was to review and compare the performance of countries under study on the implementation and advancement of United Nations (UN) Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).Materials and Methods: Countries included in this research were the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, Iran and some developing countries. Information about these countries was gathered through an extensive search in world's scientific databases.Results: Results were presented in 2 parts: description of some of the characteristics of persons with disabilities; and a review of the rights of persons with disabilities regarding to education; employment, accessibility to services, public accommodations and modifications. Results showed a significant gap and uneven progress among researched countries, and each of them were facing specific constraints and challenges in its implementation and advancement.Conclusion: Achieving the objectives of CRPD not only requires the rights treaty and modification of structures, but also is dependent on the change in social and cultural attitudes of people in accepting and having due respect for the dignity of these people. It also needs environmental arrangements, educational and professional upgrading and management of resources and funds.

Keywords

• Convention of the rights of persons with disabilities
• Education
• Employment
• Accessibility to services
• Public accommodations and modifications