The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

OVERVIEW What is the CRPD? Why should the U.S. ratify the CRPD? Brief background on U.S. ratification process Why this treaty is important to the business community! What USBLN Members and Affiliates can do

Why a treaty on disability? 1 billion people with disabilities around the world 80% of people with disabilities live in developing countries Treaty inspired by the ADA Drafting of treaty began in 2001 with full involvement of global disability community

Model Shift of the CRPD Medical Model Charitable Model Disability = Problem Medical Intervention = Solution Charitable Model Disability = Helpless Social Model of the ADA and CRPD Disability = Equal Integration and Positive Attitudes = Solution

Content and Function of the CRPD 50 Articles Cross-disability in approach Strong thread of non-discrimination and equality Focus on full involvement of disability community at all levels Implementation mechanisms: CRPD Committee (advisory only, majority disabled members!) Annual Conference of States Parties in New York

Current Status of the CRPD

Expands business opportunities and interests! Why should U.S. ratify? The CRPD Exports U.S. leadership on disability rights Provides greater opportunities for Americans and veterans with disabilities Expands business opportunities and interests! Ensures the humane and moral treatment of people with disabilities Provides an opportunity for bipartisanship on shared values

The CRPD in the U.S. July 2009: U.S. signed the CRPD May 2012: Transmitted to the U.S. Senate July 2012: Hearings in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee December 2012: Vote on the floor with the full Senate (100 Senators – 2/3 vote needed)

The Vote: December 4, 2012 Media surge!

Bipartisan Support for CRPD Democrats John Kerry (now Sec. of State) Dick Durbin Tom Harkin Republicans John McCain John Barrasso Bob Dole (retired)

Bipartisan Support for CRPD Former Leaders in U.S. Government President George H.W. Bush Senator Bob Dole Attorney General and Governor Dick Thornburgh WH Counsel and Ambassador C. Boyden Gray Congressman Tony Coelho

Community Support Over 700+ disability and allied organizations Faith Community Veterans Community Chamber of Commerce, USBLN, ITIC, ISPO

The Community Supports CRPD!

Why does the Business Community Support CRPD? The CRPD will promote new markets and global commerce by: Increasing international markets and export opportunities for U.S. assistive technology companies Promoting U.S. standards internationally Exporting American made accessibility products and services Supporting U.S. public and private research and development and U.S. academic leadership in global accessibility innovations The CRPD will advance equal access and opportunities for employees of U.S. companies operating abroad by: Increasing international employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for persons with disabilities Promoting international technology accessibility standards and guidelines in the workplace

Why does the Business Community Support CRPD? The CRPD will level the playing field for U.S. companies that have made a substantial commitment to develop accessible products and technologies for customers and employees in and outside the U.S. by: Encouraging other nations to meet their CRPD obligations using standards already required for U.S. companies. The CRPD will increase access to international business and leisure travel for the more than 21 million persons with disabilities who travel by: Increasing access to international travel and tourism Promoting expert knowledge and technical assistance Eliminating myths, stereotypes and fears

Business Community: In Their Own Words Thomas Donohue, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO [Ratification of the CRPD] will send an important signal that principles underlying the Convention are based on consensus and are achievable, ultimately leading to greater access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities throughout the world.

Business Community: In Their Own Words Frances West, IBM, Director of Human Ability & Accessibility Center: "As a global company, we try to really look at areas and places where we can add significant value, which, of course, in the business world translates into profit and revenue opportunities. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities when it was passing, from the very beginning, we saw this as an opportunity to really further the objectives of business such as IBM."

Business Community: In Their Own Words Brian Markwalter, Consumer Electronics Association, Senior Vice President of Research and Standards: “Investment follows opportunity. And to the extent we can make these technologies available on a worldwide basis, that's a bigger market and more opportunity for companies to deliver their products into the world. So making accessible products and creating accessible options opens up markets....Companies get access to broader markets through these globally harmonized efforts like CRPD.”

What can YOU do? Join the USBLN sign-on letter for CRPD! Tweet in support for #CRPD, #ISUPPORTCRPD or #disabilitiestreaty Reach out to Senate members and staff and express your support!

Questions? Visit www.usicd.org Contact David Morrissey, USICD Executive Director: dmorrissey@usicd.org

Thank YOU!