Comparison of Turkish Disability Policy, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the core concepts of U.S. disability policy

Abstract

This article compares Turkey's Constitution and its Disabled Persons Act with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the core concepts of United States (U.S.) disability policy. Conclusions are that Turkey's Constitution and statutes are remarkably congruent with the UNCRPD and the core concepts. They are not, however, identical. This fact suggests that Turkey can still improve its statutes to reflect more closely the UNCRPD and core concepts. The review of these policy documents suggests that there are other steps Turkey can take to improve disability policy and its implementation. They are to amend Turkey's laws, determine the status of individuals and families affected by disability, and pursue vigorous implementation of their rights.