The United States Senate failed to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Treaty from the United Nations by a vote of 61 in favor to 38 opposed. Like all treaties, the CRPD would have required 67 votes (two-thirds of the Senate) in favor of ratification. The treaty was supported by all 54 Democrats and seven Republicans while 38 Republicans voted against the treaty, believing that the CRPD treaty conflicted with current U.S. law.
NCRA, through the Deaf and Hard-of- Hearing Alliance, submitted letters to all Senators, asking for their support in ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The DHHA is a multi-organizational alliance that consists of organizations with a strong interest in promoting public policy and education on issues affecting the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, and NCRA is a current member of the DHHA. The DHHA worked throughout the year to inform the Senate of the importance of ratifying this treaty. The United Nations adopted the CRPD in 2006. Taking one of the most significant steps to date to help promote and ensure disability rights globally, the CRPD was the first international treaty that protects disability rights on a global scale and establishes a standard to help people with disabilities participate in society.
NCRA remains committed to working with the DHHA to promote disability rights. Please contact NCRA’s Government Relations Department at govrelations@ncra.org with any questions.
