An article written by senators Robert Menendez (D, NJ) and John McCain (R, Ariz) highlights the upcoming consideration of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and calls for its ratification.
The article, which appears as an opinion piece in USA Today, notes that the disability treaty that has been set before Senate is intended as an extension of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed in 1990. The ADA, the article reports, improved the lives of Americans with disabilities and also inspired other nations to upgrade their laws to reflect how the application of these universal values to all citizens.
The senators note in the article that while they are committed to addressing any legitimate concerns regarding the treaty, they believe the treaty would extend the protection of human rights and advance “America’s high standards for the treatment of people with disabilities to other nations.” The article reports that the hearing this week is intended to facilitate an open, transparent process, with time for thorough debate and opportunities for amendment.
The senators also emphasize in the article the importance of the treaty, noting that with nearly 58 million Americans living with a disability, including 5.5 million military veterans, global accessibility is key for veterans to safely travel, study, and work abroad. Both McCain and Menedez have also expressed hope that the treaty, which initially fell five votes short of ratification last December, will now be recognized by the Senate for its value and receive support for ratification.
To read the article in full, click here
Source(s): US International Council on Disabilities, USA Today
