Dear Dr.Linda D. Misek-Falkoff, NGO Representative to United Nations ECOSOC (CCC/UN and World Education Fellowship). and President, National Disability Party.

The arrival of this announcement was an unexpected pleasure, as I "plagiarize" here  one of your exclamations when such is deserved. And the addition of your mention as President of NDP deserves special announcement too as it fits most appropriate honorabl e mention for this historical Day.

 

Just yesterday we went to the UN Enabled --CRPD site to view an update of the signers of CRPD. We were disappointed that such did not Bear the USA Signing. At that time we commented on the possibility of President Obama's signing and we agreed that if anyone would this President will.

 

We are so proud of him and our country for recognizing this important Convention. And last but not least, we must recognized the stellar and tireless efforts of all our NGO's who made this possible. And without further detail we quote usidc.org "this a Historic Day for in the movement for full equality, access, and inclusion for people with disabilities in America". Well said!

 

Special Thanks Linda. Ed Carraway Vice President NDP and Virginia Caraway, Joint Speaker

 

In a message dated 7/25/2009 8:39:33 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, ldmisekfalkoff@ gmail.com writes:

 

Dear Colleagues:

 

As you may know - many individuals in the CCC/UN, NDP (National Disability Party) and other groups here addressed worked and continue to work actively on this important Treaty. 

 

While interpretation of the Articles is ongoing, here is a reported step toward U.S. Ratification.

 

With best wishes for a fine weekend and onward,

 

LDMF.

Founder/Director "Respectful Interfaces* Programme - Communications Coordination Committee for the U.N.)
Founder with Carol Jay Levy,  Persons With Pain International accredited to the U.N. (DESA Enable) Bureau on The 'Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities' (CRPD).
Member, e-lists and in person, U.N. Committees on thematic and practical subjects inc. age, gender, health, disability, values, education, and ICT.
Other Affiliations on Request.
 

FYI, press release from USICD: 
Americans With Disabilities Applaud President Obama's Intention to Sign the Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities

http://news. prnewswire. com/DisplayRelea seContent. aspx?ACCT= 104&STORY=/www/story/ 07-21-2009/ 0005063570&EDATE=

WASHINGTON, July 21 /PRNewswire/ --

The United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD), representing a broad constituency of Americans with disabilities and disability organizations, praises Monday's announcement of President Barack Obama's intention to sign the international Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) Friday, July 24, 2009 at the White House.

"President Obama committed to sign the Convention during his campaign and we applaud his leadership. This treaty is good for America, good for people with disabilities, and good for the world," says Marca Bristo, President of USICD. "By signing this treaty the US is reaffirming its commitment to basic human rights of all people with disabilities and positioning us to better contribute our expertise on the global level."

The President's signature indicates the country's interest in joining this treaty and begins a process in which the Senate will review and provide advice and consent for ratification.

"It is fitting for President Obama to sign the CRPD this week, in commemoration of the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)," says former Representative Tony Coehlo, co-author of the ADA, and USICD board member. "When we passed the ADA, we did not imagine the impact it would have around the world by inspiring an international treaty."

The drafting process was notable for the inclusion of people with disabilities on official delegations and as participants in advocacy groups with a rallying slogan of "Nothing about us, without us."

"This treaty reflects the unique insights of disabled people from around the world. The participation of disabled people in decision-making about policies affecting our lives is changing the way we are regarded in our communities and by our governments, " says Judy Heumann, former Clinton Administration appointee, board member of USICD, and participant in the negotiations to draft the treaty.

The United Nations estimates that there are 650 million people with disabilities globally. The CRPD addresses barriers that impede the full participation of people with disabilities in their communities on all aspects of daily life. The treaty enhances opportunities for community access, employment and entrepreneurship, international exchange, and the attainment of an adequate standard of living for all individuals, children and families affected by disability.

The United States International Council on Disabilities (USICD) is a federation of US-based non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and individuals committed to international disability concerns.

"This is a historic day in the movement for full equality, access, and inclusion of people with disabilities in America," says David Morrissey, Executive Director of USICD. "A broad coalition of Americans with and without disabilities have called for our country to sign this treaty."

www.usicd.org

 

 

 

 

 

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