Dear online colleagues:  The Question of whether to include actual Definition, including that of "Disability" itself,  has been deferred to the latter part of the 3rd Ad Hoc meetings - at or towards the end of next week, concluding June 4, 2004.  On these threshold and vital matters, it will be very helpful to have your views;  please respond as briefly or fully as you may wish, to ldmf@... or to this group or both.  At the meetings, preference has been expressed for describing by themes and traits what should be in a definition - rather than strictly defining this key and other terms either broadly or narrowly.  We are  much interested in what you think would be key ideas, items, issues, or even exact /specific phrases - and perhaps among them which seem essential or even absolutely necessary, and which by contrast might just be  helpful.  Also items which should be excluded might be mentioned here.

(There is also available a list of current proposed definitions, which can be supplied, and you might wish to add more.  But presently we wish to gather your general feelings and thoughts about Defining Disability).

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1.  Do you think the Disability Convention (Treaty) should define Disability?

(For instance, if left to individual States, would that be good or bad or perhaps mixed? Might resulting Definitions be too broad or too narrow, and are there benefits or draw-backs to being very broad or very narrow?)

Yes ____ No ____

Please explain (for reach question, please take as much space as you need):

 

2.  Would you prefer a DESCRIPTION of the elements that should go into any definitions, rather than DEFINITIONS in themselves? (For instance: inclusion of both medical impairments and societally perceived impairments, application to any age and gender).

Yes ____ No ____

Please explain:

 

3. Can you think of further separate or related questions we should be asking about Disability Definitions?

Yes ____ No ____

Please explain:

 

 

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Thank you, L. D. Misek-Falkoff, Coordinator /  Input on Definitions, ldmf@... / for sharing with the U.N. Disability Caucus.