Manual Wheelchairs - World Health Organization

polIcy and plannIng I 115
Article 32. International cooperation
1. States Parties recognize the importance of international cooperation and its promotion, in support of national
efforts for the realization of the purpose and objectives of the present Convention, and will undertake appropriate
and effective measures in this regard, between and among States and, as appropriate, in partnership with relevant
international and regional organizations and civil society, in particular organizations of persons with disabilities. Such
measures could include, inter alia:
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(b) Facilitating and supporting capacity-building, including through the exchange and sharing of information,
experiences, training programmes and best practices;
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(d) Providing, as appropriate, technical and economic assistance, including by facilitating access to and sharing of
accessible and assistive technologies, and through the transfer of technologies.
The Standard Rules
The Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities consists of
22 rules. With regard to preconditions for equal participation, Rules 3 and 4 apply to wheelchair
provision (see Box 5.3).
Box 5.3. rules 3 and 4 of the Standard rules
Rule 3. Rehabilitation Rule 4. Support services
“States should ensure the provision of rehabilitation
services to people with disabilities in order for them to
reach and sustain their optimum level of independence
and functioning.”
With regard to implementation measures, Rules 14, 19 and 20 are applicable (see Box 5.4).
Box 5.4. rules 14, 19 and 20 of the Standard rules
Rule 14. Policy-making and planning Rule 19. Staff training Rule 20. Monitoring and evaluation
“States will ensure that disability
aspects are included in all relevant
policy-making and national
planning.”
“States are responsible for
ensuring the adequate training
of personnel, at all levels,
involved in the planning and
provision of programmes and
services concerning people with
disabilities.”
“States should ensure the development and supply of
support services, including assistive devices for people
with disabilities, to assist them to increase their level
of independence in their daily living and to exercise
their rights.”
“States are responsible for
continuous monitoring and
evaluation of the implementation
of national programmes
and services concerning the
equalization of opportunities for
people with disabilities.”
Both the Convention and the Standard Rules clearly state that the government has the primary
responsibility for wheelchair provision. It is therefore recommended that wheelchair provision be
an integral part of national strategies.
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