28. Social security and income‑maintenance
schemes are of particular importance for persons with disabilities. As stated in the Standard Rules, “States
should ensure the provision of adequate income support to persons
with disabilities who, owing to disability or disability‑related factors,
have temporarily lost or received a reduction in their income or have been
denied employment opportunities”.[1] Such support should reflect the special
needs for assistance and other expenses often associated with disability. In addition, as far as possible, the
support provided should also cover individuals (who are overwhelmingly female)
who undertake the care of a person with disabilities. Such persons, including members of the families of persons with
disabilities, are often in urgent need of financial support because of their
assistance role.[2]
29. Institutionalization of persons with
disabilities, unless rendered necessary for other reasons, cannot be regarded
as an adequate substitute for the social security and income‑support
rights of such persons.