The project consists of providing legal advice and strategic litigation in cases where the prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of disability has been violated. The aim of the project is to raise standards of protection of the rights of people with disabilities, in particular with regard to equal treatment in the area of access to goods and services, employment, public financial support and the right to self-determination of people with intellectual or mental disabilities. People with disabilities make up a significant proportion of society, but Polish legislation does not provide effective protection against discrimination in all areas of life. Standards under, among others, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities have not been fully implemented. Therefore, it is necessary to take legal action through the courts to fully implement international standards for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.

As part of the project, we conduct legal duty counselling sessions addressed mainly to people living in small and medium-sized towns throughout Poland. During the duty hours, lawyers of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights provide legal advice, as well as analyse reported cases of unequal treatment due to disability. People who request assistance by phone, e-mail or letter can also obtain support. We aim to provide legal advice to a minimum of 350 people with disabilities. We also get involved in court or administrative proceedings of particular importance from the perspective of protecting equal treatment for people with disabilities. We will also make recommendations on increasing legal protection for people with disabilities.