Government Implementation of the Standard Rules
As Seen By Member Organizations of
World Federation of the Deaf - WFD

Norway

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© Dimitris Michailakis 1997

Norges Döveforbund, Norway
Compare with the following Country Report(s): the Norwegian Government, ILSMH

General policy

The officially recognized disability policy is expressed in guidelines adopted by the government, in guidelines adopted by a national disability council, in policy adopted by political parties and in policy adopted by NGOs. According to the Government, disability policy is also expressed in law.

Since the adoption of the Rules, the government has taken action in order to convey the message of full participation.

Legislation

The rights of persons with disabilities are protected by a combination of special legislation and general legislation. The only mechanism available to protect the rights of persons with disabilities is independent expert bodies (non-judicial). According to the Government, the judicial mechanism available to protect the rights of persons with disabilities is due process (legal remedy through courts). The non-judicial mechanisms include an Ombudsman.

The following benefits are guaranteed by law to persons with disabilities: health and medical care, training, rehabilitation and counselling and financial security. According to the Government, even the benefit of participation in decisions affecting themselves is guaranteed by law to disabled persons.

No new legislation concerning disability has been enacted, since the adoption of the Rules.

Accessibility

There are rules to ensure accessibility of the built environment requiring that public places, land, sea and air transportation are made accessible. According to the Government, there are standards requiring that even the outdoor environment and housing are made accessible. Accessibility in the built environment is observed by local governments. There are special transport arrangements for persons with disabilities available for medical treatment, education, work and for recreational purpose.

Sign language is recognized as the official language for deaf people. The following services are provided in order to facilitate information and communication between persons with disabilities and others: literature in Braille/tape, news magazines on tape/Braille and sign language interpretation for major events. According to the Government, even easy readers for persons with mental disabilities are provided.

Organizations of persons with disabilities

There are two national umbrella organizations. Disability organizations are often consulted, when laws and regulations with a disability aspect are being prepared. Consultations occur at both the national and local levels. The government gives financial support to existing or new organizations of persons with disabilities. The role of organizations of persons with disabilities is to advocate rights and improved services, mobilize persons with disabilities, identify needs and priorities and contribute to public awareness. According to the Government, organizations also participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of services and measures and promote/organize income generating activities.

Co-ordination of work

The national co-ordinating committee is reporting to the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs. According to the Government, the co-ordinating committee is reporting to the Prime Minister's office. The committee includes representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities, of other NGOs and from the private sector. According to the Government the co-ordinating committee also include representatives from several Ministries. The government expects the committee to participate in policy development.

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Contents of the WFD Report | Compare with the following Country Report(s): the Norwegian Government, ILSMH