As you might have heard, the United Nations "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" treaty was rejected for ratification by the United States Senate last Tuesday. Thirty-eight senators voted against the treaty for various reasons, none of which I find even remotely valid or informed. (See what I mean?) Kudos to our own Senators Blumenthal and Lieberman, who voted for ratification.
Had it passed, the treaty would've simply acknowledged that all persons, regardless of ability or disability, should be treated fairly and with respect. The aim of the treaty was to improve conditions for the disabled throughout the world, and had the Senate passed it, the United States would've helped lead the fight against discrimination towards persons (including children and veterans) with disabilities. (The treaty was inspired by the passage of our country's own Americans wirh Disabilities Act in 1990.)
A listing of the senators who voted for and against the bill can be found here. If you'd like to contact the senators and let them know how you feel (nicely), you can find out where to contact them by clicking here. There's a good chance the treaty will be brought up again at the next Senate session after January, but in the meantime, you can still make your voices heard on this important matter.
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Some recent developments in aiding people with visual and auditory disabilities have been brought to my attention by fellow staffer WG. In no particular order, here they are:
