Universal Human Rights

December 4, 2012— The Senate vote of 61-38 on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was five votes short of the required two-thirds majority.  Senators that oppose the treaty, such as Senator James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), argue that it could “infringe on U.S. sovereignty” and inhibit parents from homeschooling their children with disabilities. Supporters of the treaty, including Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kansas), argue that ratification of the treaty would not change U.S.

December 3, 2012 — In a Presidential Proclamation, President Barack Obama announced December 3, 2012 as International Day of Persons with Disabilities. President Obama discussed the continuing efforts to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to education, medical care, and finding work within the United States by upholding the basic promises outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was recognized that the rights of individuals with disabilities must also be ensured outside the U.S. borders and be recognized worldwide.