Thank You

So this is not going to be like a regular blog of mine. It is just a quick note to thank you for your support with the blog in general, but specifically for any of you have called to support the CRPD. Remember, the second round of hearings is this Tuesday, November 12^th. They can be seen on CSPAN or the Foreign Relations Committee website. However, once these hearings are over, that does not mean the process is over. The issue will not come to a vote for several months, so I ask for your continued support and ask that you continue to call your senators until the American disability community has more to be remembered for than just the ADA. Here’s to hoping we can pass the CRPD within the year. Thank you again. 

CRPD Hearing: Round 1 Aftermath

 Today was the first of two hearings on the Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities conducted by the United States Foreign Relations Committee. The hearing went for approximately two and a half hours. Both sides of the issue were equally given time to present their argument. Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey did a fine job proceeding over the hearings.
       My the previous blog laid out my position on the treaty as well as the position of approximately twenty-six prominent disabled organizations in the U.S. As I sat and watched the hearings that were broadcast life on C-Span something struck me. Regardless of where one falls in regards to the treaty, the disabled community can only see the hearings as a positive. Not since 1990 has the disabled community’s needs been put front and center. Twenty + years ago this quiet segment of society was given a voice and a great voice that allowed such platforms like this blog to exist.
       Amongst all the debates over how the U.S. was going to be affected by the treaty I kept hearing one theme. The U.S. and the ADA are the gold standards in disability rights. For the first time in a long time, American was acknowledging the positive impact we had made on the world. We might disagree on such issues as how big government should be or even what roles government should play in our lives, but for this one day, we were able to put aside differences and civilly debate an issue. On both sides of the issue, there were bipartisan contingencies. Democrats and Republicans were supporting the treaty as well as forcing their opinion against it. Between all the battling, over whether a United States individual’s right to be homeschooled would be affected I heard one important thing. No one out loud said it but it was still there. The importance of disability and individuals with disabilities, which was not recognized 20 years ago, was again at the forefront of the American political arena today.
       I could get into all the arguments that took place over adding or subtracting political Ruts that would protect America’s laws, but that is not the point of this blog entry.  Although this blog entry is going to be fairly short compared to the other postings I simply wanted to write to express my great thanks to the Foreign Relations Committee for even discussing disability rights on a major stage. I hope that they do pass the treaty because I am a firm believer that the billion people with disabilities worldwide deserve at least the same quality of life that their able-bodied counterparts get, in whichever country they live in.  I understand both sides, but as these supporters said while the hearings closed, “America is a great and powerful nation. We are the best example of disability rights out there. This would be a great way to extend our leadership without negative influence on the international community.” Whether you agree with my opinion or not, one cannot disagree with the point that today and the hearings next week are the beginnings of what can be a great time for disability rights in America and the world.

P.S.: For those who missed the hearings today you can view an archived video session on C-Span’s website or on the Foreign Relations Committee website. You can also keep in mind that the second round of hearings will occur next Tuesday. For those who are not familiar with the Political process these hearings do not signify the United States’ ratification of the treaty rather they are just the first procedural step required to eventually bring the issue of treaty ratification to the floor. 

CRPD

       As the 11-month of the year begins, we also mark the end of a month-long celebration. October was Disability Awareness Month. Disability Awareness Month is designed to acknowledge all forms of disability, everything from emotional and behavioral to mental and physical. My university recently even did an exhibit entitled “Allies for Inclusion: The Ability Exhibit.” This consisted of a variety of stations at which visitors could experience an aspect of being disabled. In October, the events that were held throughout the country demonstrated a great effort in the disability community to bring awareness to an often forgotten minority. However, there is a much greater task at hand.
       Rarely do I call my readers to action, but this time I am asking you to read what follows and use your political voice to make a difference. On November 5^th and 12^th, your voice can be heard. The U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is holding hearings on whether or not to ratify a treaty for persons with disabilities. The treaty is known as the “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,” an international treaty that needs the United States’ support. On December 5^th, 2012, it only fell five votes short of a supermajority known as ratification. As these Senate hearings approach, I urge you to not only email your Senators but also place a phone call to their offices. To re-affirm your support for people with disabilities. 
       Why I should support the CRPD:

·      57 million Americans with Disabilities

·      5.5. Million disabled American Veterans

·      1 billion people worldwide

·      Would be joining supporters such as significant faith groups, the Chamber of Commerce, American Association of People with Disabilities, and many other groups in America/Worldwide.

·      No additional cost to the American taxpayer.

·       the treaty has been reviewed by Republican and Democratic Attorneys General and by past Counsel to Presidents. They confirm that it does not threaten the sovereignty of the U.S., nor does it require any new legislation to comply with the treaty.

· Disabled individuals can contribute and be functioning members of society. As well as being suitable for American commerce. 

If you still need a little bit more background, then here is the history of the CRPD. The CRPD was first pushed forward by Mexico and then taken charge of by the country of New Zealand. For the first time in its history, the U.S. is not at the forefront of an International Movement, but it is late to the party.
       For a country with such sweeping legislation (such as the American with Disabilities Act), it is a shame that the CRPD already has 158 signatories, and the U.S. is not on the list. Please support the CRPD so that the American Disability Rights Movement can be heard in the 21^st century and not just known for something done over two decades ago.

 

 

 

 

Footnotes:

1.)http://power.aapd.com/site/Calendar?id=100081&view=Detail