THE first draft Constitution has recommended that under special measures, the State should not tax any assistive device used by persons with disabilities.

Article 59 of the draft Constitution says the State should promote and ensure the use of sign language, Braille or any other appropriate means of communication for persons with disabilities.

The document says the State should promote measures to educate communities on the need to respect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

Article 58 proposes that persons with disabilities should be entitled to enjoy all the rights and freedoms set out in the Bill of Rights and shall have the right to education and facilities compatible with the interests of persons with disabilities.

It says the Bill of Rights under Article 24 was fundamental to democracy and constitutionalism and should, therefore, form the basis of Zambia's social, political, economic and cultural policies.

Article 58 recommends that persons with disabilities should have the right to equal opportunities in cultural, political, public service, economic and social activities as well as the right to personal development and independent living.

The draft Constitution further recommends that persons with disabilities should have the right to inherit, have access to own and control property as well as the right to social security and protection.

The document says persons with disabilities should have the right to access to physical environment, information and communication, public facilities and services, places and transportation.

They should have the right to access material, facilities and devices to enable them overcome constraints due to disability.

Persons with disabilities should have the right to be addressed and referred to, in any enactment, officially, publicly or privately, in a manner that is not demeaning, derogatory or discriminatory.