The Convention on the Rights of the Child is law in Sweden, and the image shows its core pillars, such as the right to development and that the best interests of the child must be considered in all decisions concerning children. This open letter is addressed to Region Halland, which denied the assistive device Learn to Walk on the grounds that it is a training aid costing more than SEK 15,000. Despite this, the child was allowed to borrow the device and now walks independently.
Region Halland is not alone — several regions have the same policy, and all are violating the law. The absurdity lies in rejecting a “win-win situation.” When a child learns to walk, it creates fantastic opportunities for participation in play and activities, while also generating major economic savings for the region through reduced costs for assistive devices, personal assistance, and healthcare.
Much more could be said about this, but first a call to everyone who works with and for children with disabilities to stand up for children’s rights — heads of habilitation services, assistive technology managers, regional politicians — work together to highlight this: do it again, and do it right. You can read the open letter here
