1. What is the purpose of UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities

 
Purpose of the convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.
 
The convention is based on the principles of  Respect for individual’s dignity,  Non-discrimination; Inclusion in society; Respect for difference; Equal opportunities; Accessibility; Gender Equality; Respect for capacities of children with disabilities.
 
 

2. Can a blind person inherit property?

Yes. According to UN convention on People with Disabilities, it is the right of persons with disability  to own or inherit property, to control their own financial affairs and
to have equal access to bank loans, mortgages.
 
 

3. Can a blind person demand for resources in accessible format free of cost?

As per the UN convention, being a signatory country, India is obligated, to provide information, appropriate assistive technologies and other services in accessible formats to the persons with disabilities, free of cost.
 
People with disabilities have right to freedom of expression and opinion, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through all forms of communication  including  accessible formats and technologies, Braille, mass media and all other accessible means of communication, without additional cost
 

4. Should there be any particular protocol for the living arrangement of the blind person?

Blind people have equal rights to live in a community, and can choose their place of residence and whom they live with. Under no circumstance can they be discriminated on the basis of the disability, if breached they have the right to the protection of the law. They should be encouraged to full participation and inclusion in the community.
 

5. Are the blind persons obligated in any form in the matters related to marriage and family?

Persons with disabilities should not be discriminated on any personal matter including marriage family, parenthood and relationships. They have the right to marry a partner of choice, sighted or non-sighted, and can found a family.
 
In case of children, if necessary they are entitled to be provided with appropriate support in bringing up children.
 
 
6.   Can a blind person adopt?
 
Yes. The blind people have the right to take up the responsibility with regard to guardianship and adoption of children, in all cases the best interests of the child shall be primary consideration. Also, they can be rendered with appropriate assistance if required.
 
 
7.  Do children with disability have a say in the matters affecting them?
 
Yes. Children with disabilities have the right to express their views freely on all matters affecting them. Their views can be given weightage in accordance with their age and maturity, and can be provided with appropriate assistance to realize that right.
 
 
8. What kind of jobs are the best for the blind?
 
Persons with disabilities have the right to work in a chosen space and earn a living, in an accessible and inclusive working environment.  Besides, they can also choose to be self-employed, and can start a business of their own.
 
 
9. How can the modes of entertainment be made accessible to the visually impaired people?
The visually impaired persons can access television, films, theatre, museum, Libraries, monuments and other cultural activities. It’s the responsibility of the country to ensure these are available in accessible formats for the blind people.
 
10. Are the visually impaired people eligible to vote?
Yes. The blind people are active citizens of a country and have right to actively participate in the elections and choose their representative. During the voting procedures, they are entitled to be provided all the necessary facilities and services in accessible and easily comprehensible format.
 
11.  Can a blind person contest election?
Yes. Being the citizen of a country, they have full right to be a part of elections. They have the right to stand for elections as well.

12. Can a school deny admission to a child on a basis of disability?
Education is the right of every individual, and no one can be discriminated against, on the reason of disability. As a part of inclusive education, each individual is entitled equal opportunity to maximize their potential, dignity, self-esteem and independence.   School should not deny admission to a child, on the grounds of disability. They can receive appropriate support for an effective and impactful learning, and sessions be delivered and interacted in accessible language and material.

13. Can a blind person acquire a nationality?
Yes. Every child should be registered immediately after their birth and has the right to acquire a nationality. No individual can be deprived of their nationality on the grounds of disability.
 
14. Can a blind person be a witness in a court hearing?
Yes. Like every other individual, even blind people are recognised equal before law and can be a witness. They can be direct or indirect participants in the legal proceedings.
 
 
DISCLAIMER: UNCRPD is a set of guidelines, which the signatory countries are obliged to follow, by incorporating them in their respective Persons With Disabilities Act.