What we do

Persons with disabilities continue to be the most disadvantaged group in Armenia, though significant progress and improvements in this area have been marked throughout 2014-2017 in a comprehensive package of reforms led by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of RA (MLSA). In this context, in the period of October 2014 – May 2017, UNICEF and UNDP (with UNIDO and UNFPA participation) have been implementing Phase 1 of the UNPRPD (UN Partnership for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) Round 2 Project.

Phase 2 of the Project is implemented by UNDP and UNICEF with participation of WHO. The Project’s objective is to enhance rights-based approach to disability issues, improving access to services and participation of persons with disabilities. To achieve this purpose, the Project supports the Government of Armenia in revising the disability assessment/certification and individual service provision (ISP) planning procedures in line with the principles of UNCRPD (Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) and based on the conceptual framework of the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). 

Some results so far

New Model of disability assessment: In Phase 1 UNDP and UNICEF supported the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs to develop the WHO ICF based new model for disability determination. The model includes new measurement tools/questionnaires, methodological guidelines, new procedures for disability determination and eligibility criteria allowing comprehensive and multidisciplinary assessment of disability.

Multidisciplinary approach to assessment: For the first-time assessment information from the education sector, particularly psycho-pedagogical center was shared with the social sector and made part for disability determination among children.

Supporting legislative framework: For the first time, legislative documents, measurement tools and the individual service plan methodology were reviewed and commented from gender perspective (UNCRPD, Article 6) and attempt was made to align the key documents including the Draft Law with the Convention.

E-system and data exchange: E-system of disability assessment (e-disability) was developed and tested throughout Armenia with 1,400 applicants. The objective is to connect the e-systems in health, education and social sectors for data exchange and data management.

Individualized service delivery: The individual rehabilitation plan consisting of health rehabilitation (UNCRPD, Article 25 and 26) was complemented by education, job engagement and social support components (UNCRPD, Article 24, 27 and 28). For the first time, the legislative documents on monitoring of effectiveness of provided individualized services and support were put in place.

Assistive devices and technology: Provision of health rehabilitation services and specific assistive devices based on the need of the applicant was discussed and included in the legislation.

Mapping of services: An accessible updated website on organizations providing services and support to persons with disabilities and their families was created to assist analysis of available resources, identification of gaps in terms of types and geographical distribution; and to facilitate referral process of applicants for receiving the rehabilitation services and required support (draft web-site available at: http://91.103.31.45/).

Participation of PWDs and DPOs: The innovation introduced through ICF allowed PWDs to participate in their assessment through self-evaluation and have a direct impact on decision-making. The project supported persons with disabilities and members of their families and representative organizations (DPOs) to recognize their rights and the importance of self-evaluation as a direct tool to exercise those rights.

Monitoring body: According to the Draft Law the monitoring of implementation of the Convention will be carried out by the Human Rights Defender with active involvement of DPOs and NGOs (UNCRPD, Article 33).