Rights of Children with Disabilities - Acta Universitatis Sapientiae

Acta Univ. Sapientiae, Legal Studies, 13, 2 (2024) 87–109

DOI: 10.47745/AUSLEG.2024.13.2.05

Abstract. The rights of children with disabilities represent a critical dimension of human rights, emphasising equality, dignity, and inclusion. This paper examines the legal and social frameworks for protecting these rights, with a focus on Poland’s legislative, constitutional, and international obligations. It discusses evolving definitions of disability, emphasizing the role of societal attitudes and systemic barriers in perpetuating inequality. Analysis of international conventions, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, underscores global commitment to safeguarding the dignity and opportunities of children with disabilities. The paper highlights Poland’s extensive legal guarantees, including healthcare access, education, and financial benefits, while critiquing challenges such as fragmented regulations, insufficient funding, and societal stigmas. It advocates inclusive education, comprehensive family support, and improved teacher training to foster empathy and effective integration. Recommendations stress the need for stable, accessible legal frameworks and proactive measures to ensure that children with disabilities achieve parity in opportunities and societal participation. Despite progress, achieving substantive equality requires sustained efforts to dismantle discriminatory barriers and foster inclusive environments.

Keywords: children with disabilities, human rights, disability inclusion, legal protections, inclusive education