United States of America becomes the 142nd country to sign the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
President
Barak Obama proclaimed the commitment of the United States of America to sign
the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on the 19th Anniversary of the
Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA). The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice signed the CRPD
on behalf of the Government of the United States of America on
July 30th, 2009!!!!!
Click here to read remarks made by Ambassador Rice and White House Senior
Advisor Valerie Jarrett at the signing.
Presidential Proclamation Re: 19th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2009
Today we celebrate the 19th anniversary of the enactment of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, this landmark legislation established a clear mandate against discrimination on the basis of disability so that people with disabilities would have an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
Our Nation is once again poised to make history for people with disabilities. I am proud to announce that the United States will sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in New York on December 13, 2006. The Convention is the first new human rights convention of the 21st century adopted by the United Nations, and it represents a paradigm shift in protecting the human rights of 650 million people with disabilities worldwide. We proudly join the international community in further advancing the rights of people with disabilities.
As we reflect upon the past and look toward a brighter future, we recognize that our country has made great progress. More than ever before, Americans with disabilities enjoy greater access to technology and economic self-sufficiency. More communities are accessible, more children with disabilities learn alongside their peers, and more employers recognize the capabilities of people with disabilities.
Despite these achievements, much work remains to be done. People with disabilities far too often lack the choice to live in communities of their choosing; their unemployment rate is much higher than those without disabilities; they are much likelier to live in poverty; health care is out of reach for too many; and too many children with disabilities are denied a world-class education.
My Administration has met these challenges head-on. We have launched the "Year of Community Living" to help people with disabilities live wherever they choose. We have nearly doubled the funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I was proud to sign the groundbreaking Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act and the Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which provides health insurance to millions of additional children. I also lifted the ban on stem cell more research. These measures demonstrate our commitment to leveling the playing field for every person with a disability. My Administration will not rest on these accomplishments, and we will continue to focus on improving the lives of people with disabilities. I encourage States, localities, and communities across the country to cultivate an environment in which the 54 million Americans living with a disability are valued and respected.
Americans have repeatedly affirmed the importance of protecting the human rights and dignity of every member of this great country. Through the steps we have taken, we will continue to build on the ADA and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to promoting, protecting, and ensuring the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people with disabilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARAK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2009, as the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I call on Americans across our country to celebrate the progress we have made in protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities and to recognize the step forward we make with the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Inspired by the advances of the last 19 years, let us commit to greater achievements in the years ahead.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-the fourth.
BARAK OBAMA
US President Barak Obama, Secretary of State and other officials took part in a ceremony to Honor the Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act
"In light of the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, President Obama has instructed Ambassador Susan Rice to sign a United Nations document in New York next week, urging all nations to guarantee equal protection and benefits for the disabled.
“Disability rights aren’t just civil rights to be enforced here at home; they’re universal rights to be recognized and promoted around the world,” President Obama said. “And that’s why I’m proud to announce that next week, the United States of America will join 140 other nations in signing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities — the first new human rights convention of the 21st century.”
To mark the event, President Obama was joined by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to sign a celebratory proclamation.
But even with this and the efforts made on initiatives like the lifting on the ban on stem cell research and the reauthorization of SCHIP, the president says there’s still a lot of work to be done at home to make sure those with disabilities reach their full potential.
“I am not satisfied I am proud of the progress we have made but I am not satisfied — and I know you are not either — until every American with a disability can learn in their local public school in the manner that’s best for them,” President Obama said. “Until they can apply for a job without discrimination and live and work independently in their communities, if that is what they choose, we have got more work to do. As long as we as a people still too easily succumb to casual discrimination or fear of the unfamiliar, we’ve still got more work to do…”
Celebrating the 19th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act: Tallahassee, Florida
http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/51607672.htmlIn honor of the 19th anniversary of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on Sunday, July 26, 2009, Governor Charlie Crist today accepted the 2009 recommendations of the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, developed after two years of information gathering and public meetings held in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Miami and Tallahassee. Established by Governor Crist in July 2007, the commission represents all Floridians with disabilities, including persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness, brain and spinal cord injuries, and visual and hearing impairments, as well as senior citizens and veterans with disabilities.
“I applaud the commissioners for their commitment to evaluating the needs of Floridians with disabilities and exploring ways we can remove barriers to independence,” Governor Crist said. “The commission’s willingness to incorporate suggestions from Floridians will help us improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities, their families and our communities.”
This year the commission presented 18 recommendations that build on last year’s 49 recommendations. As directed by the Governor in 2008, the commission expanded its scope to include health care, focusing on exploring methods of early detection and intervention of all disabling conditions. The commission also continued its focus on employment, education, independent living, transportation and civil rights for persons with disabilities, acknowledging that some of the recommendations are far-reaching and will require legislation and time to implement.
“Governor Crist has strived to make Florida a national leader in improving the rights and participation in community life for persons with disabilities,” said Lance Block, chairman of the commission. “The recommendations in our report will help the Governor further open doors to independence for all Floridians.”
Commission’s Accomplishments
During the past year, the commission has worked to develop the Florida College Transition Program, a structured college transition program that offers a solution to the underemployment of Floridians with disabilities by providing individualized transition services to high school students between ages 14 and 22. They are also seeking to incorporate onto the state identification cards or driver licenses proof of eligibility for ADA/transportation-disadvantaged services by working with the Florida Public Transportation Association and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. In addition, the commission has made the following progress toward implementing their 2008 recommendations, which include the following initiatives:
Education
Increase American Sign Language (ASL) classes in public school – Conduct public awareness campaign in October 2009.
Employment
Comprehensive clearinghouse Web site – Developing a state-of-the-art, stand-alone Web site with a grant from the Able Trust. Employment and career awareness campaign – Partnering with the Able Trust to develop an awareness campaign. Encourage employer participation in Business Leadership Networks – Promoting businesses through the commission’s list-serve.
Independent Living
Affordable and accessible housing – Planning for an independent living section of proposed clearinghouse Web site.
Statewide special needs shelter registry – Partnering with local law enforcement agencies to expand the “Take Me Home” Program statewide. The “Take Me Home” Program is an interactive, searchable database to assist in the identification and timely return of persons with disabilities and the elderly who wander away from their caregivers during times of emergency or disaster. Although initially designed for children with autism, the program expanded to serve as a safeguard for persons with disabilities of all ages and their parents or caregivers. Both law enforcement officers and families use the database to identify missing persons with disabilities and safely return them to their families in a prompt manner. Since its inception, the registry software has been provided free of charge by the Pensacola Police Department and the Autism Society of America to all law enforcement agencies.
Transportation
Consumer-directed transportation voucher program – Contracting with the University of South Florida to study the need for a voucher program and recommend implementation strategies.
Summary of 2009 Recommendations
The commission’s new recommendations include the following:
- Increased Accessibility – Provide accessibility during initial construction, which is less expensive than modifying a home after conventional construction. The commission recommends amending the state building code to provide inclusive design modifications and providing a tax credit to encourage accessible construction and standards.
Protections for Persons with Disabilities – Develop training for first responders, public safety personnel and health care professionals regarding appropriate interactions with persons with disabilities.
Support for Returning Veterans –Develop appropriate behavioral health care services and effective systems of referral for returning veterans with traumatic brain injury or behavioral health needs.
Health Care
Change focus of behavioral health treatment from alleviation of symptoms, to treatment addressing the underlying traumatic event that triggered mental illness.
Expand partnerships between state agencies to increase collaboration and improve customer service.
Identify barriers preventing senior adults and persons with disabilities from living in home and community settings rather than nursing homes.
Work to increase health plan coverage options for persons with disabilities.
Modify Medicaid regulations to increase number of providers willing to accept Medicaid and remove barriers to persons with disabilities accepting employment.
Work to increase dental services to at-risk populations, including persons with disabilities.
About the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities
On July 26, 2007, the 17th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Governor Crist signed Executive Order 07-148, creating the commission. He charged the commission with advancing public policy for Floridians with disabilities and providing a forum for advocates representing the disabilities community to develop and voice unified concerns and recommendations for improvements. Governor Crist extended the Commission's tenure with Executive Order 08-193 and broadened its mission to include health care.
Later, Executive Order 07-244 finalized the membership of the 21-member commission. Representatives include individuals with hearing impairments, visual impairments, developmental disabilities, spinal cord or brain injuries and mental illnesses, as well as elderly individuals and disabled veterans and the executive director of the Statewide Advocacy Council. In addition, the following organizations are represented: Centers for Independent Living, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Florida Division of Blind Services, the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, the Florida Agency for Workforce Administration, the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged and the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
For more information regarding the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities, or to access the full report, please visit http://dms.myflorida.com/other_programs/governor_s_commission_on_disabilities.