54. Persons with disabilities
Official Constitutional Text
54. (1) A person with any disability is entitled—
(a) to be treated with dignity and respect and to be addressed and referred to in a manner that is not demeaning;
(b) to access educational institutions and facilities for persons with disabilities that are integrated into society to the extent compatible with the interests of the person;
(c) to reasonable access to all places, public transport and information;
(d) to use Sign language, Braille or other appropriate means of communication; and
(e) to access materials and devices to overcome constraints arising from the person’s disability.
(2) The State shall ensure the progressive implementation of the principle that at least five percent of the members of the public in elective and appointive bodies are persons with disabilities.
Plain English Explanation
This is a simplified summary prepared by legal scholars to explain this article in clear language. It is not the legal text of the Constitution.
This article provides special protections and rights for persons with disabilities.
It guarantees:
- The right to be treated with dignity and respect (no demeaning language or treatment)
- Access to inclusive education
- Reasonable access to public places, transport, and information
- Use of Sign language, Braille, or other appropriate communication methods
- Access to assistive devices and materials
The State must also progressively ensure that at least 5% of positions in public elective and appointive bodies are occupied by persons with disabilities.