Incorporating a human rights-based approach in service evaluation for people with disabilities involves adopting principles and practices that promote equality, dignity, and the fulfillment of human rights. Here are five best practices for incorporating a human rights-based approach in service evaluation:
1. Inclusive participation: Ensure the active and meaningful participation of people with disabilities throughout the evaluation process. Involve them as partners, including in the design, implementation, and interpretation of the evaluation. Respect their autonomy, choices, and perspectives, and create accessible and inclusive spaces for engagement.
2. Non-discrimination and equality: Ensure that the evaluation process is free from discrimination and promotes equality. Treat all individuals with disabilities with dignity and respect, regardless of their disability type, age, gender, race, or other characteristics. Collect disaggregated data to identify disparities and address inequities in service provision.
3. Accessibility and reasonable accommodations: Ensure that the evaluation process is accessible to individuals with disabilities. Provide reasonable accommodations, such as accessible formats, sign language interpretation, or assistive technologies, to enable full participation. Create accessible evaluation materials, venues, and communication channels that consider diverse needs and abilities.
4. Rights-based indicators: Develop evaluation indicators that align with human rights principles and standards. Consider indicators that assess the fulfillment of rights, such as accessibility, non-discrimination, participation, and empowerment. Link evaluation outcomes to specific human rights frameworks, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
5. Intersectionality and multiple discrimination: Recognize and address the intersecting forms of discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities. Understand that disability intersects with other identities and characteristics, such as gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, leading to unique challenges. Collect data and analyze outcomes with an intersectional lens to identify and address specific needs and barriers.
