The protection of the rights of persons with disabilities (PwD) is a priority of the Georgian legal system, reinforced by the ratification of the UN Convention (UNCRPD). Despite progressive legislation, PwDs face daily barriers: inaccessible transport and buildings, discrimination in employment, and problems accessing healthcare and education services. Unlike compliance services for organizations, this service focuses on protecting specific individuals. It is a fight for a dignified life, where a lawyer acts as the representative of the PwD in dealings with the state and private sector.
Legal.ge offers connections to human rights lawyers specializing in legal support for PwDs. Their assistance includes:
- Status Determination and Social Benefits: Assistance in the process of granting PwD status, appealing decisions of medical-social expertise, and ensuring the assignment of social benefits (pension, assistance).
- Challenging Discriminatory Treatment: Filing lawsuits in court or appealing to the Public Defender if a person is denied service, education, or employment due to their disability.
- Right to Inclusive Education: Protecting parents and children to ensure schools provide individual study plans and assistant services.
- Labor Disputes: Challenging illegal dismissal or the denial of reasonable accommodation (adapted work environment).
Legal protection for PwDs is needed in many situations. For example, a bank refuses a loan to a blind person on the grounds that they cannot sign, instead of offering an alternative format. Or a parent is told that a school cannot accept a child using a wheelchair due to the lack of a ramp. Cases where insurance companies impose discriminatory conditions on PwDs are also common. Lawyer involvement ensures that the violation is recognized and the victim receives compensation.
The legal framework is based on the "Law of Georgia on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," which prohibits discrimination and obliges the state to ensure equal opportunities. The law recognizes sign language and Braille as official means of communication. Administrative and Civil Codes also apply, granting the right to claim damages. Judicial practice increasingly awards compensation for moral damages in discrimination cases.
The rights protection process begins with gathering facts. The lawyer applies to the relevant agency demanding a resolution. If no result is achieved, a lawsuit is prepared. It is important that the lawyer possesses sensitivity and knowledge of the specifics of PwD issues. Often, the case involves not only dry legal norms but also values guaranteed by international conventions.
Legal.ge is a platform where PwDs and their families will find reliable supporters. Our specialists fight to ensure that a disability does not become a ground for restricted rights.
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