Wheels in Motion (WIM), will host a roundtable discussion on the ‘Draft Disability Law and the National Action Plan on Disability’ to be held at the ICES Auditorium on 3rd September from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The objective of the roundtable discussion is to review the ‘Draft Disability Law’ and the ‘National Action Plan on Disability’ and consider how the legal and policy regime for those living with disabilities could be strengthened. We expect representatives from government, the UN, the donor community, academia, civil society and the media to attend.

Global developments and domestic pressure have combined to enhance the opportunities for persons living with disabilities in this country. The enactment of the ‘Protection of Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities’ Act in 1996 and the National Policy on Disability of 2003 were important milestones in the quest for equality for those living with disability. At the global level, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the World Report on Disability have changed the way governments and other actors think about disability. The 6th Conference of State Parties on the UNCRPD in July this year considered how disability could be effectively integrated in the post-Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) agenda beyond 2015.

The National Plan of Action on Disability is likely to be placed before the Cabinet for approval in the near future. The Ministries of Social Services and Health will lead the implementation of this policy in partnership with other stakeholders. The state has also begun drafting a new law that will strengthen the legal regime on disability in this country. Both these processes have the potential to strengthen the recognition and realization of disability rights in this country.

This roundtable will provide an opportunity for a diverse group of stakeholders to understand the draft law, make recommendations, and explore multiple ways to implement the National Action Plan. The roundtable will consider generating specific proposals to strengthen the proposed law and the implementation of the National Action Plan