In June, the United Nations held its 12th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Executive Director, GN Janes, attended this conference as a delegation from ANCOR. Janes served on an international council where he discussed the current ideals outlined in the CRPD. The CRPD states and describes all of the things that should be provided to an individual in a CLA. These global guidelines were established by focusing on human rights and taking input from nations.
As for the General Assembly, things like institutionalization were discussed as well as practices across the globe. Janes said the ultimate goal of the CRPD is to remove institutions worldwide. Janes said many self-advocates also offered testimony on the topics discussed.
Janes said, “once you see supports through the eyes of someone with a disability, it changes how you view individuals’ support systems.”
As steps are being made in policy, there is always room for progress toward equality for all.