Some clear implications flow from this definition, that have to be borne in mind if the Rules are to be used effectively.
First, if there is equality, there should be no difference between persons with disabilities and other members of society. On any statistical indicator, disability should not be a factor. Persons with disabilities should be employed in the same proportion as persons who do not have a disability. They should be enrolled in education in the same proportion.
It follows, that if differences are observed, it cannot be said that equality has been achieved.
But it is also important to note that the Rules speak of opportunities rather than outcomes. States have to ensure that persons with disabilities have the same access to all programs, but whether the persons with disabilities take advantage of this is up to them. In reality, as we all know, if opportunities are given, persons with disabilities do make use of them and, in fact, often do more than persons who do not have disabilities. This is in itself a powerful argument for providing those opportunities, even if they might seem to cost more. Their benefits to society far outweigh any cost.
Finally, the focus is looking at systems in terms of what they do for individuals. It is not a matter of some abstract concept, it has to be seen in the lives of each and every person with disabilities.
