Human Rights and Disability A Manual for National Human Rights Institutions Without such a plan, structural changes, which are especially necessary in the context of disability, will never be made. Support research into universal design and accessibility States parties are required to undertake and promote research and development in relation to universally designed goods, services, equipment and facilities, to promote their availability and use and to promote universal design in the development of standards and guidelines. They are required to do the same with respect to new technologies, including information and communication technologies, mobility aids, devices and assistive technologies (article 4(1)(f)). Accessibility does not happen without research and development. Therefore, these obligations may be met in numerous ways, which are not specified in the Convention. For example, governments might promote research and development into accessibility, universal design and new technologies through financial or other incentives to businesses, through schemes to support and recognise innovation, or by directly commissioning research and development. Many NHRIs will lack internal expertise regarding the often highly technical issues in relation to accessibility and universal design. However, NHRIs should seek to gauge the degree to which the government is genuinely meeting its responsibilities in this area; for example, by establishing how much money the State is investing in relevant research and development or by assessing its promotional strategies and activities. National, and indeed, regional, research funding bodies should also be scrutinised by NHRIs. Close the information gap States parties must provide accessible information regarding mobility aids, devices and assistive technologies, including new technologies, as well as other forms of assistance, support services and facilities (article 4(1)(h)). Knowledge is empowerment. Proof of effectiveness should relate to levels of awareness and understanding among persons with disabilities. NHRIs should encourage States to evaluate and tailor their information strategies and approaches to meet the diverse needs of people with disabilities. NHRIs should also seek to lead by example and ensure that all information they produce is available in accessible formats and distributed through accessible channels, including the institution’s website. Sensitise professionals and those who work in services to the rights of persons with disabilities States parties are required to promote training for professionals and staff working with persons with disabilities regarding the rights in the Convention in order to improve access to and provision of services that will help realise those rights in practice (article 4(1)(i)). People run institutions and people develop the systems by which those institutions operate. If systems change, the culture and outlook of services and staff should also change. In fact, human development is as much a key to change as is accessibility. This may mean, for example, retraining people who have worked as staff in institutional settings to support persons with disabilities to live independently in the community, or working with teachers to develop strategies that promote the effective inclusion of children with disabilities in the classroom. It is unlikely that NHRIs will have all the necessary expertise or capacity to design or deliver such training. However, NHRIs should seek to ensure that such programs are provided. They may also provide advice regarding course content and materials on the rights of persons with disabilities. NHRI input with respect to traditional staffing arrangements – for example, in mental health facilities – can also be extremely important in bringing attitudes and practice in line with the principles of the UN CRPD. 42