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 5th and 12th, 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 5th, 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 21st century and not just known for something done over two
decades ago.
Footnotes:
1.)http://power.aapd.com/site/Calendar?id=100081&view=Detail
