The United States has demonstrated its leadership and vision on disability issues in the past by adopting legislation including the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. And, while these laws have significantly improved opportunities for persons with disabilities in America, those with disabilities living in many other nations of the world do not enjoy the same level of support and protection. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is a significant step toward insuring that people with disabilities around the world can live with greater dignity and support.

While other nations have announced their intent to sign the treaty, the United States has shown a lack of involvement and support for the treaty and our government appears unwilling to sign the document. As persons with disabilities, family members, friends and advocates, we call upon our leaders to support this treaty and to continue moving toward a society of equality, fairness and justice for all.

We, the undersigned, believe that this treaty is consistent with American values and the Americans with Disabilities Act and call upon the leaders of the United States of America to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.