The U.S. Senate is expected to vote soon on the international human rights treaty known as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). If ratified, this treaty would protect the rights of all people living with disabilities, in the United States and around the world.

Progressive people of faith and other activists throughout the country are calling their U.S. senators and asking them to vote in support of this treaty. UUSC, the Unitarian Universalist Association, and EqUUal Access are all reaching out to supporters right now, so that together we can be a strong voice for the rights of persons with disabilities. Our goal is to generate 500 calls in the next three days in support of CRPD. Please participate — call your U.S. senators today!

1. Call the U.S. Senate to voice your support for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Dial 855-782-5763 (toll-free) to be connected to the office of one of your U.S. senators.

2. When a staff member from your senator’s office answers the phone, please say the following:

“Hi, I’m [name], and I live in [home state]. I support swift U.S. ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We urgently need the protections for people living with disabilities to be supported and extended throughout the world. Please vote to support this treaty.”

3. That’s all you need to say! If you would like additional information, it is available at uusc.org/crpd.

We are asking you to make telephone calls if possible (rather than send e-mails) because we believe that phone calls from constituents to their senators will make the greatest impact at this crucial moment.

When CRPD came to a vote in 2012, it nearly passed. In the end, it was defeated by only five votes. Every senator’s vote counts.

Call 855-782-5763 and ask your senator to support the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

There is strong support for this treaty because it aligns with respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person. This treaty is modeled on the Americans with Disabilities Act. It would bring greater legal protections to persons living with disabilities, including children, people who lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and others whose rights are currently being denied.

Sincerely,

Bill Schulz
President and CEO
Unitarian Universalist Service Committee