NEW YORK, July 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — United Spinal Association today called for Senate ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) treaty that ensures the commitment of the U.S. in supporting disability rights and ending disability discrimination around the world.

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.

On May 17, 2012, the Obama Administration submitted the treaty package to the Senate for ratification. A U.S Senate hearing is set on the CRPD for Thursday, July 12 at 9 a.m. in the Dirksen Senate Office Building G-50 in Washington, D.C.

Increasing access in the global community for people with disabilities is particularly important because of the increasingly global marketplace in which workers must compete. Without international commitment to equal access––wheelchair users, disabled veterans and other US citizens with disabilities may be unable to travel, live, work, or study abroad.

“We urge everyone in the disability and veteran communities whose Senator is on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to contact that Senator and ask him or her to support the CRPD treaty and report it for a floor vote in time for the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26th,” said Heather Ansley of VetsFirst, a program of United Spinal.

“Ratification of the CRPD treaty would present the opportunity for a reaffirmation of ADA values and provide the forum to advance them worldwide,” Ansley added.

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.

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SOURCE United Spinal Association