AADMD INFO BLAST - For AADMD Members and Friends

From Drs. Rader and Hood, Committee on External Affairs, AADMD and Drs. Fray and Sulkes, Committee on Public Policy and Advocacy, AADMD

ACTION requested: UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Special attention to those from KS, FL, AK, ME, WY, MA, TN, MS, KY, SC and GA.

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international treaty that identifies the rights of persons with disabilities and the obligations of States that have signed the treaty to promote, protect and ensure those rights. The treaty was signed by the US in 2009, but must still be ratified by the Senate, to which it was submitted this past May. Sixty-seven Senators must vote in favor of the CRPD for the US to ratify the treaty. Ratification of the CRPD will allow the U .S. to participate in decisions regarding implementation of the treaty. No changes to U.S. law are required by ratification.

The Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), said he would push to get the Convention ratified by the anniversary of the ADA at the end of July if he can get sufficient bipartisan support. (There is already some bipartisan support, as noted in the May press release at the end of this message.)

Due to recent developments, advocates are being asked to contact their Senators today or tomorrow, to urge that they support ratification. (You can explain why you’re interested in the issue – e.g., you are a person with a disability or the parent of a person with a disability – and simply say that you urge the Senator to support ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.)

Senators to focus on are:
Grassley (R-IA), Roberts (R-KS), Rubio (R-FL), Murkowski (R-AK), Collins (R-ME), Snowe (R-ME), Enzi (R-WY), Kirk (R-IL), Brown (R-MA), Alexander (R-TN), Cochran (R-MS), McConnell (R-KY), Graham (R-SC), and Chambliss (R-GA).
You can call your Senator(s)’ office through the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121.

For more information on the treaty, see http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?navid=14&pid=150. (FAQ link in blue box.)

BIPARTISAN GROUP OF SENATORS ANNOUNCE SUPPORT FOR DISABILITY TREATY

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Tom Harkin (D-IA), John Barrasso (R-WY), Chris Coons (D-DE) and Tom Udall (D-NM) today announced their support for U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Senate consent to U.S. ratification of CRPD will recognize the fundamental values of non-discrimination and equal access for persons with disabilities in all areas of life and help protect Americans with disabilities who work and travel abroad from discrimination, including disabled veterans.

“As a cosponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act, I have long advocated on behalf of equal access and non-discrimination for all Americans, including our veterans and today’s disabled soldiers returning home from serving their nation in war,” said Senator John McCain. “I support U.S. ratification of the disability treaty, as it see
ks to advance these same fundamental values of equality and human dignity around the world.”

“The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities promotes independence, dignity and inclusion while protecting the rights of Americans with disabilities when they travel abroad,” Senator Dick Durbin said. “These basic rights should be promoted and emphasized across the world and that’s why I support ratification of this important treaty.”

“Each person has the inherent right to life and should have the opportunity to pursue happiness, participate in society, and be treated equally before the law,” Senator Jerry Moran said. “The CRPD advances these fundamental values by standing up for the rights of those with disabilities, including our nation’s veterans and service members, and respecting the dignity of all.”
“The UN Conventio n on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities builds on the U.S. experience implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act and promoting equal opportunity and full participation for all people with disabilities in the lives of their communities,” said Senator Tom Harkin. “As a lead Senate sponsor of the ADA, I look forward to working on a bipartisan basis to ratify the Convention and reaffirm our country’s commitment to improving access and opportunities for people with disabilities around the world.”

“The United States must remain the leader when it comes to providing opportunities and pr otections for individuals with disabilities,” said Senator John Barrasso. “This agreement will work hard to ensure all Americans with disabilities are guaranteed these same protections while traveling abroad.”

“America has long been a global leader in recognizing and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, and ratification of this convention is an essential step to ensuring disabled persons are protected globally,” Senator Chris Coons said. “All people deserve to be granted full and equal basic human rights, regardless of their physical or mental capabilities. I str ongly support ratification of this critical treaty, and urge my colleagues to do the same.”

“The United States is a leader in advocating for the empowerment of disabled Americans, including our veterans who have returned home with life-changing injuries," said Senator Tom Udall. “This treaty is an important tool to improve conditions for citizens living and working abroad and ensures that we remain a beacon for fairness and opportunity around the world.”

An American delegation under President George W. Bush negotiated and approved the Convention in 2006. The United States signed the treaty in 2009 and submitted it to the U.S. Senate this May for its advice and consent for ratification. The treaty requires no changes to U.S. laws or new appropriations.