In the field of the rights of persons with disabilities, the Department of Social Development and Employment (DSDE) is responsible for promoting the two main normative instruments of the Inter-American System on the theme: The Inter-American Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, and the Program of Action for the Decade of the Americas for the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities (PAD).

In order to promote both instruments the DSDE has two fundamental roles:

On the one hand, it supports the Inter-American Convention as the Technical Secretariat of the Committee in charge of monitoring the Convention (CEDDIS). Within this perspective, the DSDE is responsible for providing technical, professional and logistical assistance to the members of the Committee, such as the preparation of meetings, reports, support documents and recommendation on the subject.

Furthermore, the DSDE supports the Program of Action for the Decade and oversees the Technical Secretariat (SEDISCAP) charged of its implementations. Within this framework, the DSDE produces recommendations on how to conduct evaluation and monitor the compliance reports submitted by the States. Moreover, it develops cooperation mechanisms among countries (governments and civil society) aiming to implement the program and mainstream projects on disability issues towards vulnerable groups.

Therefore, the role of the DSDE on the field of disability is to continue promoting the implementation of the instruments of the Inter-American System, encouraging each of the States Parties to undertake social, political, economic and cultural programs, plans and actions towards inclusion and full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and with the purpose of providing them equal opportunities as others. Moreover, it works to promote the development of effective measures for the access of persons with disabilities to services and programs of rehabilitation.