Everyone’s right to full and effective participation and inclusion in civil, social, economic, cultural and political life in our countries. 

In October of 2024, Canada, along with the other G7 nations, signed onto The Solfagnano Charter. This is building on the June 2024 G7 Leaders’ Summit where the G7 Ministers for matters relating to persons with disabilities and inclusions were tasked with formulating this Charter. 

The Solfagnano Charter is commitment to further integrate rights of persons with disabilities across all political agendas and take concrete actions to ensure universal access and accessibility; promote independent living, support inclusive education, decent employment and decent working conditions, ensure the availability and adaptability of community based services and advance the use of accessible and inclusive new technologies. 

Seven Priorities 

1. Inclusion as a priority issue in the political agenda of all countries 
2. Access and accessibility 
3. Autonomous and independent life 
4. Enhancement of talents and work inclusion 
5. Promotion of new technologies 
6. Sports, recreational and cultural dimensions of life 
7. Dignity of life and appropriate community-based services 
8. Prevention and management of emergency preparedness and post-emergency management 

Where Employment Shows Up 

Priority 1: Inclusion as a priority issue in the political agenda of all countries 

In the introduction of Priority 1 of the Solfagnano Charter, employment is highlighted as a key aspect of social inclusion for persons with disabilities. It emphasizes the right to quality employment and active involvement in decision-making processes related to work. The Charter also stresses the importance of equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities to support employment. Overall, it aims to eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunities in the workplace for persons with disabilities. 

Priority 2: Access and accessibility 

In Priority 2 of the Solfagnano Charter, employment is addressed as part of the broader goal of ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities. The Charter emphasizes the need for accessibility and reasonable accommodation in the workplace to prevent and remove barriers. This includes making physical and digital work environments accessible, which is essential for the meaningful and productive participation of persons with disabilities in the workforce. The Charter also highlights the importance of integrating accessibility requirements into all relevant policy frameworks to promote equal opportunities in employment. 

Priority 3: Autonomous and independent living 

In this section, employment is highlighted as a crucial component for enabling persons with disabilities to live autonomous and independent lives. It emphasizes the need for accessible employment opportunities and reasonable accommodation in the workplace. The Charter underscores the importance of integrating employment with social protection and support services, ensuring that persons with disabilities can develop their talents and creativity, and participate fully in society. This approach aims to remove barriers and promote an inclusive society where persons with disabilities have equal access to employment and can pursue their personal life projects. 

Priority 4: Enhance of talents and work inclusion 

In this priority, employment is portrayed as essential for achieving economic independence, social wellbeing, and quality of life for persons with disabilities. It emphasizes that participation in the labor market is a human right and a tool for empowerment and self-determination. The priority highlights the roles of public, private, and non-profit organizations in providing necessary tools and resources for workplace success. It calls for decent employment in an inclusive labor market, removing barriers, and providing reasonable accommodation. Special attention is given to women and other disadvantaged groups with disabilities, promoting fair wages, occupational safety, and career advancement. The priority also supports inclusive organizational models and stresses the importance of accessible education and vocational training as foundations for employment. 

Priority 5: Promotion of new technologies 

In this priority, employment is highlighted as a key area where new technologies, including AI, can make a significant impact. It emphasizes that accessible and inclusive technologies can increase labor productivity, improve working conditions, and create quality employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. The priority also stresses the importance of involving persons with disabilities in the design, development, and deployment of these technologies to ensure they are effective and inclusive. Additionally, it highlights the need for ongoing dialogue with various stakeholders to develop ethical, responsible, and non-discriminatory technological solutions that support employment for persons with disabilities. 

Conclusion 

The Solfagnano Charter is significant for Canadians and the global community as it emphasizes the importance of employment as a human right for persons with disabilities. By advocating for equal opportunities and the elimination of workplace discrimination, the Charter supports economic independence and enhances the quality of life and social wellbeing for individuals with disabilities. It calls for the integration of accessibility and reasonable accommodation into all relevant policy frameworks, ensuring that employment opportunities are inclusive and accessible. Additionally, the Charter highlights the role of new technologies, including AI, in creating quality employment opportunities and improving working conditions, while stressing the need for ongoing dialogue with various stakeholders to develop ethical, responsible, and non-discriminatory technological solutions. 

Overall, the Solfagnano Charter aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for persons with disabilities, enabling them to fully participate in the workforce and contribute to society. By promoting social protection and support services, the Charter ensures that individuals with disabilities have the necessary resources to succeed in the workplace. This collaborative approach, involving governments, businesses, and civil society, is crucial for building a fairer and more equitable world, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities.