Bill of Rights

PREAMBLE:

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness together with the freedom guaranteed by the Bill of Rights of the United States of America are somewhat empty phrases of thousands of physically challenged citizens who, by reason of their disabilities, do not enjoy opportunity equally with their fellow citizens.

In an attempt to evaluate the position of the physically challenged adult, it is necessary to state that while his/her physical limitations impose some restrictions on his/her activities in varying degrees, he/she is and will remain a human being, living in a free society.  He/she is created with and endowed with certain rights and privileges, and must also assume, insofar as possible, certain responsibilities and obligations.  Life is worthwhile only when we learn to give and to receive -- when we make full use of our rights and also fulfill our duties.

Therefore, be it resolved that the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, INC. does adopt and implement this BILL OF RIGHTS.

1. The right to the earliest possible diagnosis of and treatment for our disabilities or injuries to aid in achieving a maximum recovery.

2. The right to an adequate public education.

3. The right to an adequate training or retraining for a vocation in which the individual's physical capacities and his/her aptitudes can be most productive and in which the individual finds satisfaction.

4. The right to seek employment in fields of our own choosing on an equal basis with those similarly qualified.

5. The right to equal pay for equal work.

6. The right to the elimination of architectural barriers to provide an accessible entrance to public buildings, spiritual, educational, cultural, and recreational buildings and other areas, such as parks, campsites, beaches, and marinas, used by the general public as a place of gathering or amusement, so that the physically challenged may discharge their duties as citizens and fulfill their desires socially.

7. The right to use public transportation (air, buses, rapid transit, trains) through the development of barrier free design conveyances.

8. The right to purchase life, accident, and hospitalization (health) insurance at normal rates.

9. The right to purchase automobile insurance at normal rates unless the driver has been proven to be a bad risk.

l0. The right to housing and custodial care that meets lawful standards and includes opportunities to exercise one’s intellect.

11. The right to accessible facilities in the area of Civil Defense.

12. The right to proper legal safeguards.

13. The right to have physically challenged persons and the organized physically challenged as participants in any group making decisions affecting their lives.

Adopted July, 1964, Detroit
Revised July, 1971, Cincinnati
Revised July, 1972, Charleston
Terminology updated  11/30/02