THE MANDATE OF ÞROSKAHJÁLP

THE MISSION OF ÞROSKAHJÁLP IS THE STRUGGLE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS.

 

THE MANDATE OF ÞROSKAHJÁLP IS GROUNDED IN THE INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS CONVENTIONS TO WHICH ICELAND IS PARTY.

 

 

THE HUMAN DIGNITY, FUNDAMENTAL NEEDS AND RIGHTS OF ALL PEOPLE SHALL BE RESPECTED

 

The human rights values, rights and obligations that form the foundations of Icelandic society apply also to the disabled and their families. 

 

Full participation in society is a human right that should be guaranteed to everyone, regardless of ability or age. This human right applies to all aspects of daily life. 

 

To face the challenges disability entails, the disabled individual, and his or her family, shall be entitled to support from society in accordance with their individual needs. 

 

Effective protection of the rights of individuals with disabilities shall be guaranteed. 

 

Human rights shall be guaranteed for everyone; discrimination is a matter concerning society as a whole. Þroskahjálp aims to work for a just society free from discrimination based on disability, 

 

sex, sexual orientation, religion, political opinion, origin, race, economic status, disease, or other status. The mission of Þroskahjálp is a struggle for human rights grounded in the international human rights conventions to which Iceland is party. The Government authorities must respect the laws Parliament (Althingi) has enacted to guarantee equal opportunities for all members of society to lead a normal life and act in accordance with the international obligations Iceland has undertaken. The authorities shall guarantee to all Icelanders, disabled as well as non-disabled, the rights set out in the human rights provisions of the Icelandic Constitution. To guarantee these rights, effective legal protection shall be accorded those who need it.

 

 

PRENATAL SCREENING SHALL BE USED IN THE SERVICE OF LIFE

 

Advances in the medical sciences shall promote improved health, increased welfare and happiness of all citizens.

 

Prenatal screening searching for anomalies concerns human dignity in our society.

 

Prenatal screening shall be used in the service of life, but not with the aim of aborting foetuses because of anomalies. Throskhjálp does not consider it the role of health authorities to search for mental retardation in the womb. The view that society shall be on the lookout to prevent disabled children from being born indicates prejudice against them. When disability is detected in the womb advice regarding the remainder of the pregnancy may reflect this prejudice. 

 

The organisation finds it questionable that health care workers alone decide on the disposition of these matters. Society and elected representatives should develop policies on these issues. It is imperative that disability interest groups are consulted as set out in the recommendations of the 

 

World Health Organization (WTO). 

EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO INFLUENCE HIS OR HER OWN LIFE AND TAKE INDEPENDENT 

 

 

Control over one’s own life, and influence on decisions concerning it, are the foundations of a decent life.

 

Individuals that, because of disability, have difficulties in taking such decisions and/or expressing their views have the right to the necessary assistance enabling them to take these decisions and express them. 

 

All adults have an unequivocal right to influence all aspects of their lives; where and how they choose to live, what assistance is provided in their homes and in what manner, to have choices in their daily lives, e.g. what clothes to wear, what food to eat, what company to keep, how to use their free time, etc. This also entails the freedom of choice regarding education, employment and leisure.

 

Every individual can, in one way or another, express his or her needs, wishes and will. Means of communication are varied, often depending on the level of disability. When problems regarding communication are severe, there is a risk that the wishes of the individual in question are disregarded. In such cases, it is first and foremost in the power and the responsibility of those closest to the individual, professionals and relatives, to understand his or her will and communicate it. The more severe the communication difficulties, the more important it is to ensure that there is access to a person who knows the disabled individual well and can communicate his needs and wishes. 

 

The right to take decisions affecting one’s life also entails the right to make mistakes and to take responsibility for one’s actions. Health workers and relatives have to be open-minded and show forbearance towards the views of the intellectually disabled and to avoid forcing their own opinions upon them. A wide spectrum of views is the norm in a modern society. Individuals who are unable to enjoy their rights on account of their disability are entitled to the assistance of a special advocate. 

 

 

To enjoy equality and dignity, those in need of support because of disability shall be guaranteed the assistance of society, especially the families of disabled children.

 

Respect for the individual shall be the guiding principle in all assistance and assistance shall be grounded in the co-operation of all parties. 

 

Assistance because of disability shall be provided in accordance with national law and municipal social services shall be enabled to cater to the social needs of disabled individuals on equal footing with other members of society. 

 

All children have the right to grow up in a family environment. 

 

Accessibility to all aspects of society shall be ensured for all. 

 

Families of disabled persons are entitled to the necessary assistance to enable them to live a normal life. Assistance shall always be flexible and fulfil the family’s varied needs. The views of the family shall be taken fully into account when choosing among assistance options. Respect for the individual shall be the guiding principle in all assistance provided on account of disability and assistance shall be grounded in the co-operation of all parties. This is a necessary precondition so to bolster the individual’s self-reliance and ability to make independent decisions.

 

Þroskahjálp demands that the standard of living of disabled individuals and their families be as a rule consistent with the general standard of living in society, and that that the disabled enjoy general education, social and health services. Social services provided, because of the needs of families of disabled children and individuals who are intellectually disabled, shall be in the hands of the same municipal social services where other members of society seek comparable services.

 

Assistance to the parents of disabled children shall guarantee them opportunities equal to those of other persons in the labour market and in all other spheres of life. It should be emphasised that assistance shall be continuous and integral so both parents have equal opportunity to participate fully the labour market. Thus, for instance, disabled children shall be allowed to stay longer in school for as long as it is needed, regardless of their age. Special attention should be paid to assisting the siblings of disabled children. It shall be assured that the level of care-providers’ benefits shall never be income-linked and that parents are not required to pay for services provided because of the disability of their children. Parents shall be ensured access to guidance and support from a counsellor with responsibilities only vis-à-vis the family and who is familiar with the varied needs of people in their situation, their rights and the possible assistance options provided by society. 

 

All children have the right to grow up in a family environment. This fundamental principle enforces the rights of children to a good home and that they are guaranteed normal conditions while they are growing up. 

 

Children, who cannot live at home, for one reason or another, shall be guaranteed a family friendly environment.  In such instances, it should be ensured that a strong relationship between parents and child is maintained. 

 

Accessibility to all aspects of society shall be ensured for all and it is imperative that the public authorities, architects, the media, non-governmental organisations, transport services, shops, services and others always bear this in mind.

 

 

Children with special needs on account of disability have the right to adequate education in kindergarten and primary school in their own school districts. 

 

Children shall receive adequate support to allow them to study in regular classes with their contemporaries.

 

Adults with special needs who wish to further their education shall have access to appropriate education. 

 

A fundamental principle of human rights is the right to education and school attendance. The rights of parents to choose home schooling for their children, to ensure appropriate teaching and training, is undisputed under article 37 of the Law on primary schools. 

 

Þroskahjálp wants this right to be respected and that there be concerted efforts directed towards the aim of “one school for all” in Iceland.