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Episode 74 Resources: Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Global Perspective with Ambassador Luis Gallegos of Ecuador

Recording and Transcripts Episode 74: Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Global Perspective with Ambassador Luis Gallegos of Ecuador
Link: adalive.org/episode74

Contents

United Nations and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

  • United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (“CRPD”)
    The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is intended as a human rights instrument [or treaty] with an explicit, social development dimension. It adopts a broad categorization of persons with disabilities and reaffirms that all persons with all types of disabilities must enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms. It clarifies and qualifies how all categories of rights apply to persons with disabilities and identifies areas where adaptations have to be made for persons with disabilities to effectively exercise their rights and areas where their rights have been violated, and where protection of rights must be reinforced.
    More Information: The full text of the Convention is also available in multiple formats, including: 23 written languages; videos in seven sign languages; accessible PDF; unofficial “Easy Read” versions in more than six languages; and several training guides.
    Source: United Nations
    Link: un.org/development/desa/disabilities/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities.html
  • Convention’s Conference of States Parties (“COSP”) to the CRPD
    Their global mission is to promote the rights and advancement of persons with disabilities within a broad mandate provided by the World Programme of Action (1982), Standard Rules (1994) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006), as well as other relevant human rights and development instruments.
    Source: United Nations
    Link: un.org/development/desa/disabilities/conference-of-states-parties-to-the-convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities-2.html
  • It’s About Ability – An Explanation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
    This free publication explains the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to children. Its main purpose is to empower children and young people aged 12–18, with and without disabilities, to play their part in challenging discrimination and promoting the Convention’s principles. Available for PDF download in English, French and Spanish. Available in Mp3 audio format (English, 44 minutes). A Learning Guide is also available, see below.
    Source: UNICEF
    Link: unicef.org/publications/index_43893.html
  • It’s About Ability – Learning Guide
    Available for PDF download in English, French and Spanish. Also available in Mp3 audio format (English).
    Source: UNICEF
    Link: unicef.org/publications/index_50687.html
  • International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3
    Celebrated worldwide on December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD or IDPwD) promotes awareness of disability issues and the abilities of people with disabilities, and celebrates the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities.
    Source: United Nations
    Link: un.org/development/desa/disabilities/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-3-december.html
  • Southeast ADA Center Resources and Information to Celebrate IDPD
    Source: Southeast ADA Center
    Link: adasoutheast.org/events/12/international-day-persons-with-disabilities.php

Other Topics Mentioned in this Episode

Climate Change and Disability

  • UN Climate Resolution Emphasizes Protection of Disability Rights
    The United Nations Human Rights Council made history when it adopted a resolution on climate change and the rights of people with disabilities. The resolution calls on governments to adopt a disability-inclusive approach when taking action to address climate change.
    Source: Human Rights Watch
    Link: hrw.org/news/2019/07/15/un-climate-resolution-emphasizes-protection-disability-rights
  • Commentary: Disability and Climate Change — Impact on Health and Survival
    Climate change affects people with disabilities in dynamic ways. Each of these consequences must be addressed.
    Source: Environmental Health News
    Link: ehn.org/climate-change-and-disability-2569643231.html
  • The U.N. Is Calling for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in the Climate Change Debate
    In a new resolution, the organization urges governments to listen to those who are affected the most by natural disasters.
    Source: Pacific Standard
    Link: psmag.com/news/the-un-is-calling-for-the-inclusion-of-people-with-disabilities-in-the-climate-change-debate
  • New Earth Disability (NED) Initiative
    This groundbreaking initiative aims to understand the connections between climate change and disability and address them head-on. It uses research and partnerships to identify concerns and the best responses, then educate the public and work with other stakeholders to ensure that climate adaptation recognizes our community.
    Source: World Institute on Disability (WID)
    Link: wid.org/2018/09/25/ned
  • Video: Right to Be Rescued
    “Right to Be Rescued” is a short documentary (2015) that tells the stories of people with disabilities affected by Hurricane Katrina. (Captioned video with audio description: 15 minutes.) The webpage has more information and resources.
    Source: Rooted in Rights
    Link: rootedinrights.org/video/right-to-be-rescued/
  • It’s Time to Recognize Climate Change as a Disability Rights Issue
    Source: Rooted in Rights
    Link: rootedinrights.org/its-time-to-recognize-climate-change-as-a-disability-rights-issue

Universal Design and Disability

  • Global Universal Design Commission (GUDC)
    This non-profit group was established to develop Universal Design (UD) standards for buildings, products and services regardless of physical stature and varying abilities. Buildings and products designed according to the UD standards will benefit everyone, including the 650 million people living with disabilities worldwide and the growing aging population.
    Link: globaluniversaldesign.org
  • American Society of Landscape Architects Publishes Guide to Universal Design
    The American Society of Landscape Architects has published a guide to universal design in landscape architecture that goes beyond the largely quantitative requirements stipulated by the ADA. The full guide includes sections on applying the lessons of universal design to neighborhoods, streets, parks and plazas, playgrounds, and gardens.
    Source: American Society of Landscape Architects
    Article Link: archinect.com/news/article/150153874/american-society-of-landscape-architects-publishes-guide-to-universal-design
    Link to Universal Design Guide: asla.org/universaldesign.aspx

Human Rights and Disability Rights Advocacy

World Health and Disability

  • World Health Organization Information on Disability
    Reports, factsheets, research, and other information about the health of people with disabilities around the world.
    Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
    Link: who.int/disabilities/en
  • Global Disability Action Plan 2014-2021
    This plan focuses on health, well-being and human rights for people with disabilities. Available in English and French. There is also a FAQ guide in English.
    Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
    Link: who.int/disabilities/actionplan/en/World
  • The World Report on Disability (2011)
    Provides an extensive picture of the situation of people with disabilities, their needs and unmet needs, and the barriers they face to participating fully in their societies. Summary also available in Braille. Available in several formats in English, and in nine other languages.
    Link to Report in alternate formats and languages: apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/44575
    Source: World Health Organization (WHO)
    Link: who.int/disabilities/world_report/2011/en