Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI)

Persons with disabilities

In the field of the rights of persons with disabilities, the Department of Social Inclusion (DIS) is responsible for promoting the two main normative instruments of the Inter-American System on this theme: The Inter-American Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, and the Program of Action for the Decade of the Americas for the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities (PAD).

In order to promote both instruments, the DIS has two fundamental roles:

On the one hand, it supports the Inter-American Convention as the Technical Secretariat of the Committee in charge of monitoring the Convention (CEDDIS). Within this perspective, the DIS is responsible for providing technical, professional and logistical assistance to members of the Committee, such as the preparation of meetings, reports, support documents, and recommendations on the subject.

Furthermore, the DIS supports the Program of Action for the Decade and oversees the Technical Secretariat (SEDISCAP) charged of its implementations. Within this framework, the DIS produces recommendations on how to conduct evaluations and monitor compliance reports submitted by Member States. Moreover, it develops cooperation mechanisms among countries (governments and civil society) towards to implement programs and mainstream projects on disability issues for vulnerable groups.

Therefore, the role of the DIS on the field of disability is continuing  to promote the implementation of instruments of the Inter-American System, encouraging each of the Member States to undertake social, political, economic and cultural programs, plans and actions towards the inclusion and full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society, and with the purpose of providing them equal opportunities. Moreover, it works to promote the development of effective measures for the access to services and programs of rehabilitation for persons with disabilities.