United Spinal Statement: Senate Vote on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Treaty

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Dec 04, 2012, 06:45 ET

NEW YORK, Dec. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association is extremely disappointed that the Senate failed today by a vote of 61-38 to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

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"Opposition to ratification of the treaty is based on several extreme assertions by the far right, including that ratifying the CRPD would endanger U.S. sovereignty and that parents would lose their ability to make decisions for their children with disabilities. These assertions are absolutely false," said Paul J. Tobin, United Spinal CEO and President.

The CRPD embodies the protections and opportunities available through the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), but on a global scale. CRPD is a treaty created by the United Nations that protects the rights of people living with disabilities, including: equal treatment and non-discrimination in access to justice, health, education, employment, and rehabilitation.

Ratification of the CRPD treaty is supported by over 300 disability organizations, 21 veterans organizations, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and many other national leaders and organizations.

CRPD would have improved access for disabled veterans and other Americans with disabilities that live, work, or travel abroad.
The treaty is critical to maintaining America's leadership role on disability rights and to eliminating disability discrimination throughout the world.
Ratification of the CRPD treaty would present the opportunity for a reaffirmation of the values inherent in the Americans with Disabilities Act and provide the forum to advance them worldwide.

Failure of the Senate to ratify the CRPD only strengthens our resolve to dispel the myths offered by the opposition and secure ratification of the CRPD in the next session of Congress. We thank those Senators who voted in favor of the CRPD for their support of rights for disabled veterans, and all people with disabilities.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Paul Tobin -- http://www.profnetconnect.com/paul_tobin
Heather L. Ansley -- http://www.profnetconnect.com/HeatherL_Ansley
James Weisman -- http://www.profnetconnect.com/jim_weisman

SOURCE United Spinal Association