Thematic shift of CRPD
The CRPD marks a move towards a thematic convention on human rights and disability away from a medical model of disability. This stems from a transformation of the way disability is viewed and dealt within the public policy realm. The CRPD reflects a shift in attitudes in relation to persons with disabilities from a view that persons with disabilities have charitable, medical treatment and social protection needs, to an approach recognising the capacity of persons with disabilities to act autonomously and take an active part in society.
Formerly, the concept of disability involved a focus on the individual and the limitations they faced as a result of their physical, mental or intellectual impairments. Conversely, the social thematic model identifies the systemic disadvantage and discrimination persons with disabilities face in accessing social, economic and political areas of society. Such an approach gives rise to the recognition of disability as an element of the human rights framework; clarifies the way in which human rights and obligations apply to persons with disabilities; establishes a framework applying those rights within domestic law and policy; outlines binding international norms for promoting social change and disability advocacy in areas of policy and development; and strengthens international law in general.
The thematic approach of the CRPD means there is specific direction and substance regarding the meaning of human rights specifically relating to persons with disabilities