Chapter XXVIII: Habilitation and Rehabilitation

1. All appropriate Governments and local authorities shall take effective and appropriate measures, including through peer support, to enable all persons with disabilities, irrespective of severity of impairments, to attain and maintain maximum independence, full physical, mental, social and vocational ability, and full inclusion and participation in all aspects of life. To that end, all appropriate Governments and local authorities shall organize, strengthen and extend comprehensive and quality habilitation and rehabilitation services and programmes, particularly in the areas of nutrition, health, education, employment, shelter/independent living, and social services, in such a way that these services and programmes:
   

   a. begin at the earliest possible stage, and are based on the multidisciplinary/trans-disciplinary assessment of individual needs and strengths;

   b. support participation and inclusion in the community and all aspects of society, are voluntary and are available to all persons with disabilities as close as possible to their own communities in different geographical terrains and economic groups of the country, including urban, rural, hilly, desert and remote areas;

   c. include reasonable accommodation and support services (human, technological and/or material) for full participation and inclusion;

   d. are environmentally safe, and adhere to quality standards and guidelines laid down by appropriate authorities;

   e. are widely publicized and information made available through accessible formats;
2. All appropriate Governments and local authorities shall ensure the development of initial and continuing training for professionals and staff working in habilitation and rehabilitation services.
3. States Parties shall ensure development, availability, knowledge and use of assistive devices and technologies, designed for persons with disabilities, as they relate to habilitation and rehabilitation. 
4. All appropriate Governments and local authorities shall ensure accessibility of any relief/rehabilitation measures during disaster management to the affected persons with disabilities