Freedom of Expression and Access to Information (Article 21)
In order for all people to share equal opportunities for communication and expression of opinion, there needs to be a significant effort taken by all levels of government to ensure that information available in various media is accessible in alternative formats. It is also critical for deaf people that Australian sign language (Auslan) is officially recognised by governments.
Respect for Home and the Family (Article 23)
Many people with disability experience discrimination and neglect in relation to their rights to sexual expression, choice of relationships, having a family and parenting support — all of which are taken for granted by most other Australians. Many of those who rely on disability supports experience paternalistic and moralistic attitudes from support staff and service providers and their needs for assistance in developing and maintaining relationships and friendships and their decisions to enter into marriage or partnerships receive little or no support at a policy or service delivery level. Widespread discrimination against parents with disability occurs in relation to child protection agencies and their interface with the disability support system leading to much higher rates of children being removed from parents with disability than from parents who do not have a disability.
Specific attention is drawn to the ongoing use of non-therapeutic sterilisation of women and girls with disability and the failure of Australia to legislate to prohibit this practice.
This report calls for major reforms of legislation, support arrangements and education for both people with disability and the wider community in relation to increasing respect and recognition of this fundamental human right to participate in family life. It also calls for legislation to prohibit non-therapeutic sterilisation for women and girls with disability.
