Last month, July 26, 2012, on the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, HLAA watched as the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations voted to send the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to the Senate Floor for a vote. The room was packed with disability advocates who could barely restrain themselves from applause as the vote was taken.
But we are not done yet. To ratify a treaty, two-thirds of the Senate - a supermajority - must agree. We need see strong bi-partisan support to get approval of CRPD in the Senate. Every Senator needs to hear from the disability community.
BACKGROUND
The Convention is an international agreement for protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities. It sets broad goals of autonomy, equality, acceptance, and accessibility.
Chairman John Kerry of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said of the Committee's vote:
"Today we had a strong bi-partisan vote to advance a treaty to protect Americans with disabilities when they leave our shores, and to help export America's values of non-discrimination against all people living with disabilities," said Sen. Kerry. "This was a vote for equality of opportunity, independent living, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation for all people with disabilities both here and abroad. Today we celebrate the 22nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, but rather than rest on our laurels, we are voting today to build on its success. I am deeply grateful to our Committee members for a bi-partisan outcome, and particularly thankful for Republican standard bearers both past and present, notably Senator McCain and former Majority Leader Dole, who joined us in advocating such an important cause, and to Senators Harkin and Durbin who are as deeply committed to this cause as Senator Kennedy was to the original ADA."Call or email your Senator today to urge support for CRPD!
SEND A BRIEF MESSAGE
- Identify yourself and your connection to disability (person with a disability, parent of a child with a disability, family member, etc.)
- Tell your Senator: "I support ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. As your constituent I request that you support the CRPD when it goes to a floor vote in the Senate!"
- When using email, include your full name, address, and phone and/or email address.
If you'd like to go into more detail, we have provided you with a sample letter (PDF) in support of CRPD. Be sure to sign your name and include your address, phone and/or email address. Feel free to add personal stories to let your Senator know what CRPD could mean to you.
Taken from www.hearingloss.org/content/action-alert-update-support-crpd.
