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  3. Disability Human Rights Law

Disability Human Rights Law (LAWS90087)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Online

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Overview

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May - Online
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This subject examines the human rights of people with disabilities. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is the newest United Nations (UN) human rights treaty. This subject analyses the interpretation and implementation of the CRPD. It also explores the effect of multiple forms of marginalisation; for example, individuals with disabilities that are members of other minority groups, such as women, transgender people or racial minorities. This subject is relevant for students who are interested in the human rights of people with disabilities or for those interested in exploring the newest binding iteration of UN human rights law.

The lecturer has both personal and professional experience in this field and has a network of collaborators, including UN bodies, government actors, community groups, academics and others. She draws on her experiences and connections to deliver substantive law as well as provide an insight into the lived experience of disability.

Principal topics include:

  • Personhood and the right to equal recognition before the law
  • Decision-making and the right to legal capacity
  • Violence and the right to freedom from abuse
  • Mental health and the rights to liberty and consent to treatment
  • Universal design, reasonable accommodation, and accessibility
  • Medical, social, and human rights models of disability.

Intended learning outcomes

A student who has successfully completed this subject will:



  • Have an advanced and integrated understanding of the emerging and diverse field of disability human rights law and its role in international and domestic spheres
  • Have an understanding of recent developments in the disability human rights field, including the most recent UN body statements and relevant international and domestic court cases
  • Knowledge of the rights-based research paradigm and the importance of co-production and emancipation in disability research methodology
  • Have the cognitive and technical skills to analyse international and domestic law, policy and practice in relation to the rights of people with disability
  • Have the cognitive and technical skills to responsibly apply the disability human rights framework to lived experiences of disability
  • Have the ability to interpret and distil the knowledge and analysis gained in the course for a broad audience, particularly policy makers and other agents of change.
  • Have the sensitivity and skill to communicate research findings and complex legal analysis to the disability community and key stakeholders
  • Be able to demonstrate autonomy, creativity and responsibility as a legal practitioner in the field of disability human rights.

Last updated: 3 November 2022