Are the terms “disability” and “persons with disabilities” defined in the Convention?
The Convention does not include a definition of “disability” or “persons with disabilities” as such. However, elements of the preamble and article 1 provide guidance to clarify the application of the Convention. • “Disability” – The preamble recognizes that “disability is an evolving concept and that disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others”. • “Persons with disabilities” – Article 1 states that “(p)ersons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others”. Several elements of these provisions are relevant to highlight. First, there is recognition that “disability” is an evolving concept resulting from attitudinal and environmental bar
