(The Hill)
July 18, 2012
WASHINGTON, DC– [Excerpt provided by Inclusion Daily Express] As two individuals with disabilities who served in Congress, the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 was not only a proud moment in our careers, it was also remarkable bipartisan legislation that has benefited millions of Americans. Twenty two years later, this important legislation continues to support the independence and dignity of Americans with disabilities.
During this Congress, the United States has a rare opportunity to share our disability rights commitment with other countries. On July 30, 2009, the U.S. signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). On May 17, 2012, the administration transmitted the CRPD treaty package for ratification, and a bipartisan group of Senate leaders immediately expressed their support for its ratification. By ratifying the treaty, the U.S. Senate will stand up for the equality and dignity of people with disabilities around the globe, just as Congress did for Americans in 1990.
To date, 114 countries have ratified the CRPD, which provides a framework for countries to enact and enforce legislation that recognizes the rights of all people with disabilities and is based on our own ADA.
Since the U.S. has been a leader in ensuring rights for individuals with disabilities, ratification does not require changes to laws in the U.S. Ratification would signal to the world that the U.S. is committed to international standards for disability rights and will play a leadership role in implementation of the treaty obligations.
Entire article:
Ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
http://tinyurl.com/ide0718122
Planet of the Blind 