Is integration considered an important right that people with disabilities have fought for?

Integration is indeed considered an important right that individuals with disabilities have fought for, as it encompasses the idea that every person, regardless of their abilities, should have equal opportunities to participate fully in society. This means having access to education, employment, healthcare, and community life alongside individuals without disabilities.

The advocacy for integration stems from the understanding that when people with disabilities are included in all aspects of life, it fosters diversity, promotes understanding, and improves social cohesion. It also emphasizes dismantling barriers—both physical and societal—that prevent individuals with disabilities from engaging in everyday activities.

International human rights frameworks, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, explicitly affirm the importance of integration, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can enjoy the same rights and freedoms as everyone else. Thus, recognizing integration as a fundamental right aligns with broader human rights principles and the ongoing efforts to create an inclusive society.