Today, the Senate will continue
its debate on the United Nations Convention for the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (CRPD), the first international treaty to address disability
rights globally, though it remains uncertain whether there are enough votes to pass the
treaty.
Yesterday, CEC issued a membership-wide action alert urging you to contact your Senators and ask them to vote “YES”. If you have already contacted your Senators – THANK YOU! But, if you haven’t had a chance, please do so ASAP by using CEC’s Legislative Action Center, it only takes a minute!
Unfortunately, there are some who are actively advocating against this effort despite the fact that the CRPD recognizes fundamental values of non-discrimination and equal access for persons with disabilities in all areas of life, as well as helps protect Americans with disabilities who live, work or travel abroad from discrimination.
While this treaty does not change current laws in the United States, it does establish the United States as an international leader in disability rights and embodies the ideals of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Read CEC's Issue Brief on the CRPD.
With a strong collective voice, the disability community can overcome opposition to this landmark human rights treaty and the United States can join more than 120 other countries that have already ratified the CRPD.
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