Legal Aid
In accordance with the Law on Persons with Disabilities, persons with disabilities shall have the following fundamental rights:
| 1) | The right to live independently, safely, and equally within the community; |
| 2) | The right to receive care, medical treatment, and health rehabilitation; |
| 3) | The right to be protected from physical and psychological violence; |
| 4) | The right to access education, vocational training, employment, social welfare, sports and physical activities, arts and literature, cultural activities, accessible buildings and facilities, public transportation, and information; |
| 5) | The right to be encouraged to apply their creativity and talents in scientific research, modern technology, and the development of materials and equipment for the benefit of society; |
| 6) | The right to express opinions on matters concerning their rights and interests, as well as the interests of the nation and society; |
| 7) | The right to receive exemptions or reductions from taxes, fees, service charges, and other obligations as provided by relevant laws and regulations; |
| 8) | The right to exercise other rights as provided by law. |
Pursuant to the Law on Persons with Disabilities, a Disability Identification Card is a document certifying the status of persons with disabilities who are Lao citizens. The card contains personal information, including full name, date of birth, gender, residential address, and type of disability. The card plays an important role in identifying persons with disabilities and enabling them to access services in accordance with the conditions and rights provided by law. (Law on Persons with Disabilities, Article 18 2019)
Yes.
Pursuant to the Law on Persons with Disabilities, persons with disabilities have the right to employment and may work in labor units, government and private organizations, including international and foreign organizations operating in the Lao PDR, according to their knowledge and abilities. They are entitled to remuneration, salaries, promotion opportunities, positions, professional development, and welfare benefits on an equal basis with others. (Law on Persons with Disabilities, Article 38 2019)
Yes,
they have the right. Pursuant to the Law on Persons with Disabilities, labor units, state and private organizations, including international and foreign organizations operating in the Lao PDR, must create conditions that enable persons with disabilities to apply for employment and receive priority consideration for suitable positions based on their knowledge, abilities, and skills, while providing basic workplace facilities and accommodations. (Law on Persons with Disabilities, Article 38 2019)
Yes.
Pursuant to the Law on Persons with Disabilities, persons with disabilities have the right to receive inclusive education together with others at public and private educational institutions in accordance with applicable conditions and their actual abilities. (Law on Persons with Disabilities, Article 30 2019)
Yes.
Persons with disabilities have the right to work in labor units, state and private organizations, including international and foreign organizations operating in the Lao PDR, according to their knowledge and abilities. They are entitled to remuneration, salaries, promotion opportunities, positions, professional advancement, and welfare benefits on an equal basis with others. (Law on Persons with Disabilities, Article 38 2019)
Persons with disabilities have the same rights, equality, and equal status as all other members of their families in accordance with relevant laws. (Law on Persons with Disabilities, Article 23 2019)
Persons with disabilities are entitled to healthcare services, including disease prevention, medical examinations, diagnosis, and rehabilitation services at hospitals, health centers, clinics, and other designated healthcare facilities in accordance with relevant laws. Poor and vulnerable persons with disabilities, including those who cannot care for themselves and have no caregivers, are entitled to exemption from medical treatment service fees. (Law on Persons with Disabilities, Article 28 2019)
Persons with disabilities may receive vocational training and skills development at state and private vocational training institutions and development centers according to their suitability. Such facilities must provide appropriate accessibility measures, including suitable locations, equipment, curricula, and teaching and learning methods that correspond to the specific needs of persons with disabilities. (Law on Persons with Disabilities, Article 36 2019)
Persons with disabilities have the right to access information through printed media, electronic media, modern technology, and other appropriate means. Relevant organizations and sectors shall ensure accessibility to information and provide necessary information regarding rehabilitation services, assistive devices, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. (Law on Persons with Disabilities, Article 42 2019)
The organizations in the Lao PDR that provide consultation and support to persons with disabilities regarding disability-related services include the following:
| 1) | Secretariat of the National Committee for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly, Contact number: 020 98676842 |
| 2) | Lao Disabled People's Association (LDPA), Contact number: 020 5557 7753 |
| 3) | Association for the Deaf, Contact number: 020 9860 0413 |
| 4) | Lao Association of the Blind (LAB), Contact number: 020 5546 4644 |
| 5) | Women with Disabilities Development Association (WWDA), Contact number: 020 5295 6655 |
| 6) | Center for Development and Services for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (CDPD), Contact number: 020 2357 8899 |
| 7) | Service Center for Persons with Disabilities, Contact number: 020 9999 3423 |
| 8) | Association for the Vocational Development of Persons with Visual Disabilities, Contact number: 020 5586 5585 |
| 9) | Ethnic Handicraft Group, Contact number: 020 5516 5868 |
| 10) | Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, Contact number: 020 5498 9585 |
| 11) | Association for Persons with Autism, Contact number: 020 5523 1826 |
| 12) | Hands of Hope Center, Contact number: 020 7789 5959 |