Section 1 Section 1: Disability 101 This section provides an overview of the concept of disability and the terminology used in the disability rights community. It is important to note that the idea of disability is evolving; terminology might differ from country to country. It is fine if you are unsure how to address persons with disabilities – just ask them their preference. Section 1 will also introduce core international standards relating to electoral rights of persons with disabilities and how some international development agencies are supporting these rights. The section will conclude with a discussion of opportunities elections can offer persons with disabilities when barriers are removed. What is Disability? The definition of who has a disability varies from country to country. This manual uses the definition found in Article 1 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities8 (CRPD): Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. There are several different approaches to addressing disability, from antiquated charity and medical views to more contemporary social and rights-based models. The models help describe social attitudes toward disability and are not mutually exclusive. A concise description of each approach: Charity model – assumes persons with disabilities are unable to be full participants in society and need help. Persons with disabilities are pitied. Medical model – persons with disabilities are treated as though their disability is the cause of all barriers. In this model, persons with disabilities are encouraged to adjust to their environments, rather than the other way around. Social model – describes disability as a result of a person’s interaction with their environment. The preamble of the CRPD says, “Disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinders their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.” Rights model – emphasis is shifted from dependence to empowerment. Persons with disabilities have the same basic human rights as all other citizens and governments should guarantee rights and be held accountable for protection. 8  International Foundation for Electoral Systems. “UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.” <http://www.IFES.org/~/media/Files/Publications/Books/2012/CRPD Final.pdf>. Equal Access: How to Include Persons with Disabilities in Elections and Political Processes 25