The most important part of innovation in systems change is the lived experience.
The successful campaign to eliminate car park charges for people with disabilities at NHS hospitals in the UK is outlined. (Charges from over 200 hospitals are now dismissed).
The ongoing campaign to exempt all people with disabilities who are "Blue badge" holders from charges associated with ULEZ (ultra low emission zones) or the equivalent in cities in the UK is also described. The importance of integrating climate action and disability rights is highlighted.
The Panel focused on good practices and lessons learned in the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in the context of the adverse impact of climate change. Its main objectives were to understand the benefits of disability-inclusive climate action and to identify opportunities for international cooperation in mitigation and adaptation actions which promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
The panellists of the event were:
Ms Catalina Devandas Aguilar, Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
Ms Amalia A. Decena, President of Handicapables Association of Cagayan, Philippines
Mr Sébastien Jodoin, Assistant Professor at the McGill University Faculty of Law and Canada Research Chair in Human Rights and the Environment
Ms Deborah Iyute Oyuu, Programme Officer at the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda