1. States Parties shall take effective and appropriate measures, including
through peer support, to enable persons with disabilities to attain and maintain
maximum independence, full physical, mental, social and vocational ability,
and full inclusion and participation in all aspects of life. To that end, States
Parties shall organize, strengthen and extend comprehensive habilitation and
rehabilitation services and programmes, particularly in the areas of health,
employment, education and social services, in such a way that these services
and programmes:
(a) Begin at the earliest possible stage, and are based on the
multidisciplinary assessment of individual needs and strengths;
(b) Support participation and inclusion in the community and all
aspects of society, are voluntary, and are available to persons with disabilities
as close as possible to their own communities, including in rural areas.
2. States Parties shall promote the development of initial and continuing
training for professionals and staff working in habilitation and rehabilitation
services.
3. States Parties shall promote the availability, knowledge and use of
assistive devices and technologies, designed for persons with disabilities, as
they relate to habilitation and rehabilitation.
