1. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Current Status of the CRPD

7. 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

8. 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)

9. The Vote: December 4, 2012
Media surge!

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

11. 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

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

13. The Community Supports CRPD!

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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.

17. 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."

18. 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.”

19. 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!

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

21. Thank YOU!