to homes, buildings, sports, communication and transport. In addition, social discrimination directed at persons with disabilities still hinders the full realisation of their human rights, and prevent full participation in society. The following sections provide details on existing service gaps and challenges. 9.1 Lack of consultation Inadequate consultation is a major barrier confronting persons with disabilities in attempting to gain access to services provided by the Government and in participating in activities targeted for them. The surveys, consultations and employee discussions conducted for this study have found that there remains a strong feeling amongst service beneficiaries that they are insufficiently consulted. Furthermore, service providing duty bearers also said that they are insufficiently consulted by decision makers about the needs of service beneficiaries, the service delivery process and the physical environment for service delivery. Consultation is recognised as one of the primary strategies in human rights based development, particularly in policy formulation. Persons with disabilities need to be actively involved in the policy development and review process through direct participation or consultation. Persons with disabilities must have a high degree of ownership of the Maldives National Disopportunity to lobby strongly for laws and policies and need to be integrally involved in their development. Furthermore, persons with disabilities must have a leading role in the implementation and monitoring of laws and policies. Consultation must also be a core element in service delivery for persons with disabilities. It is a serious concern that strategies and actions to ensure planning and service delivery do not take into account the needs of beneficiaries. Consultation is necessary to develop an understanding of the services needed by persons with disabilities, and to develop the capacity to provide the services needed by people in the way they want. Consultation is also necessary to establish correct procedures for assessing beneficiary satisfaction. Persons with disabilities must also be consulted in the development of purchase specifications where the purchase has a direct impact on the lives of people. There is also a need for transparent and accountable government procedures for the purchase of equipment and assistive devices for persons with disabilities. ACTIVITIES ADDRESSING RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ability Policy and legislation related to disability rights and services. They need to be given the ... 61