Working with the Center for Women with Special Needs (AGATE), a local disabled women’s organization, the U.S. team convened leaders from disability, government, civil society and private sectors, to explore legal frameworks and strategies for addressing critical issues including physical accessibility, education, employment and access to legal services.

This visit came at a crucial moment in Armenia’s disability rights movement as a new national disability law is currently under review by parliament. The draft law uses a rights-based framework, which is important for people with disabilities to be recognized as equal citizens deserving of equal rights and to move away from the stigma created by a social protection model.

In 2016, the U.S. disability rights team will return to Armenia to address country-specific priorities, conduct in-depth trainings alongside regional experts, and provide technical assistance based on the U.S. experience of implementing disability rights laws.

The RightsNow! project aims to strengthen DPOs, build sustainable coalitions, and advance disability rights through enforcement of legislation and other strategies. Read more about the project in “RightsNow! Project Focuses on Disability Rights Implementation”.

For more information, follow MIUSA on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #RightsNow.