Please support the U.N. Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, and ask the White house to submit the Convention to the Senate for ratification without delay. With campaigning under way this critical protection for U.S. Citizens abroad (vacationers’, students, individuals working or doing business) with disabilities is unlikely to get the attention it deserves unless you make yourself heard. Ratification by September is necessary if the U.S. is going to participate in a leadership role during the next three years. If you agree and think this is important contact the White House:

• White House Comment Line: 202-456-1111 (TTY/TTD: 202-456-6213)
• Email White House through official form, and please use “Foreign Policy” for the category and ask for a response.

Feel free to use the bullet points (or the entire message) below:

I am writing to urge the White House to send the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to the Senate with haste and to vigorously promote its ratification. Ratification of the CRPD is a human rights issue; congruent with the administration’s stance, current federal law and U.S. public policy on disability. In fact obligations under our own laws negate the concerns over “sovereignty” that are sometimes leveraged in opposition to engaging in international treaties through the U.N. If the Senate fails to ratify the CRPD, America’s role as a world leader, particularly when it comes to human rights will significantly diminish along with our voice and our influence in international affairs. It is essential that this treaty be ratified by the US Senate prior to the September CRPD Committee meetings when election that will guide treaty implementation will be held. The next window with of opportunity for high level participation and leadership is 2015.

Following ratification, the U.S. will:

1. Have an opportunity for a U.S. disability leader to be elected to the CRPD Committee to guide implementation of the convention across the globe
2. Ensure global initiatives on disability issues and rights will continue to be influenced by U. S. disability leaders
3. Ensure students with disabilities from the U.S. and all countries will have opportunities for accessible, inclusive education including higher education.
4. Ensure that U.S. travelers, entrepreneurs and employees with disabilities working abroad have can access transportation, housing, retail and commercial facilities.
5. Take its proper place among 112 nations including Australia, Canada, France and Japan in ratifying this 21st century treaty affirming the rights of the disabled around the world, including disabled veterans.

Thank you for continuing this work with allows disabled individuals from our country and around the world to take their proper place in our increasingly global society.

Respectfully,
Gina Carson

It’s About Ability – An explanation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities