Part I: Preliminary - definitions

Part I contains preliminary provisions such as definitions of certain terms used in the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Bill, and outlines general principles to be used during implementation. We start by looking at some of the key definitions used in the Bill as follows:

·         Accessibility – this word is understood as the design of products, environments, programmes and services to be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation and specialized design. Universal Design shall not exclude assistive devices for particular groups of persons with disabilities where this is needed.

·         Authorized officer – means a medical practitioner, rehabilitation/disability programme officer, social worker, or any other person authorized by the Minister for the purposes of this Bill.

·         Agency – refers to Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) established by the MACODA Act.

·         Auxiliary aids services – or “assistive devices” include (a)        qualified sign language  interpreters or other effective methods of making orally delivered materials available to individuals with hearing impairments; (b) qualified readers, taped texts, Braille or other effective methods of making visually delivered materials available to individuals with visual impairments; (c) qualified guides and personal assistants; (d) acquisition or modification of equipment or devices; (e) other appropriate  aids, appliances, technologies and other support systems that facilitate better functioning of persons with disabilities.

·         Disability – 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.

·         Disability Equality – Capacity Building initiatives specifically targeting issues of disability mainstreaming.

·         Disability Trust Fund – refers to a pool of financial resources generated from the government, contributions from donors, individuals, non-governmental organizations and companies for investment in disability programmes.

·         Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs) – refers to organizations formed and managed by persons with disabilities themselves to lobby and advocate for their rights.

·         Discrimination – means any distinction, exclusion or restriction on the basis of disability which has the purpose or effect of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal basis with others, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field. It includes all forms of discrimination including denial of reasonable accommodation.

·         Essential Disability Package – means an approved range of services and support systems that facilitate the full participation of persons with disabilities in human development.

·         Equalization of opportunities – means a process through which the various systems of society and the environment including services, activities, information and documentation are made available particularly to persons with disabilities and accessible to all persons.

·         FEDOMA – Abbreviation for Federation of Disability Organizations in Malawi, an umbrella body for organisations of persons with disabilities.