CRC/C/GC/9
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knowledge is extremely valuable as it does not only enable them to adjust and live better with
their disabilities, but also allows them to be more involved in and to make informed decisions
about their own care. Children with disabilities should also be provided with the appropriate
technology and other services and/or languages, e.g. Braille and sign language, which would
enable them to have access to all forms of media, including television, radio and printed
material as well as new information and communication technologies and systems, such as
the Internet.
38.
On the other hand, States parties are required to protect all children, including children
with disabilities from harmful information, especially pornographic material and material that
promotes xenophobia or any other form of discrimination and could potentially reinforce
prejudices.
C. Accessibility to public transportation and facilities
39.
The physical inaccessibility of public transportation and other facilities, including
governmental buildings, shopping areas, recreational facilities among others, is a major factor
in the marginalization and exclusion of children with disabilities and markedly compromises
their access to services, including health and education. Although this provision may be
mostly realized in developed countries, it remains largely un-addressed in the developing
world. All States parties are urged to set out appropriate policies and procedures to make
public transportation safe, easily accessible to children with disabilities, and free of charge,
whenever possible, taking into account the financial resources of the parents or others caring
for the child.
40.
All new public buildings should comply with international specifications for access of
persons with disabilities and existing public buildings, including schools, health facilities,
governmental buildings, shopping areas, undergo necessary alterations that make them as
accessible as possible.
VI. Family environment and alternative care
(arts. 5, 18 (1-2), 9-11, 19-21, 25, 27 (4), and 39)
A. Family support and parental responsibilities
41.
Children with disabilities are best cared for and nurtured within their own family
environment provided that the family is adequately provided for in all aspects. Such support
to families includes education of parent/s and siblings, not only on the disability and its
causes but also on each child’s unique physical and mental requirements; psychological
support that is sensitive to the stress and difficulties imposed on families of children with
disabilities; education on the family’s common language, for example sign language, so that
parents and siblings can communicate with family members with disabilities; material
support in the form of special allowances as well as consumable supplies and necessary
equipment, such as special furniture and mobility devices that is deemed necessary for the
child with a disability to live a dignified, self-reliant lifestyle, and be fully included in the
family and community. In this context, support should also be extended to children who are
affected by the disabilities of their caregivers. For example, a child living with a parent or
other caregiver with disabilities should receive the support that would protect fully his or her
rights and allow him or her to continue to live with this parent whenever it is in his or her best
interests. Support services should also include different forms of respite care, such as care
assistance in the home and day-care facilities directly accessible at community level. Such