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USICD NewsMay 2014
Advocates Participate in
Fish Day for CRPD
Ithe CRPD Support logo with We support instead of I support

On April 4th, the U.S. Senate passed FOUR international treaties regarding fish and fishing rights.  This occurred without a word of opposition neither in committee nor on the Senate floor.

 

 

 

In response, on May 7th advocates from around the country visited their Senate offices to drop off fish crackers.

They thanked their Senator for this bipartisan action, and asked that the Senate now vote to pass the disability treaty!

 

You can watch Arizona advocates visiting Senator Flake's office here, as well as read about advocates in Missouri here.

Rehabilitation International (RI) meets in 
New Zealand
 

In April 2014, the New Zealand Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA) hosted the Executive Committee of RI for its mid-year regional business meeting, and provided visits to two unique programs in Auckland, a Wellington Parliamentary breakfast, and two seminars.  USICD, an Associate Member of RI, congratulates RI on this successful meeting. 

 

RI representatives from four world regions were present, including North America (Susan Parker, RI Treasurer and Barbara LeRoy, Vice Chair for Education, and Madan Kundu, Vice Chair for Employment), Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa convened in Auckland for the two-day executive committee meeting.  The agenda included a discussion of CRPD and UN activities, WHO disability interventions, new funding from Nippon Foundation on emergency preparedness, and the next RI World Congress.  

 
International Disability News
  • Russia: Pass Laws to Protect Disability Rights 
     
    Throughout May, the Russian State Duma is scheduled to consider a series of amendments to 25 federal laws related to disability rights, including amendments that prohibit disability-based discrimination.

The Chinese government, despite small progress, is not doing enough to ensure that the approximately 85 million people with disabilities living there have equal access to higher education or to any education at all. 

 

USICD Announces 2014 YIDA Interns!

Kathryn Carroll  

Kathryn Carroll is a graduate of St. John's University School of Law. While a law student, she interned at international consulting firm BlueLaw International LLP, as well as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She received her B.A. in International Studies from American University in 2010. She has also studied at the University of Oslo, Norway, the Norwegian School of Management, and Sciences Po in Paris, France. She has also participated in an abroad program with Mobility International-USA.

 

Kathryn spends much of her free time with advocacy organizations for people with disabilities. Most recently, she served on the executive board of the National Association of Law Students with Disabilities and as board member for a local chapter of the National Federation of the Blind. She currently works as a consultant for organizations trying to improve their inclusiveness regarding disability.

 

Kathryn Carroll is completing her YIDA internship at Burton Blatt Institute, which works to advance the civic, economic, and social participation of people with disabilities.

 

Connect with Kathryn Carroll via her LinkedIn profile at  http://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryncarroll/

Vivian Fridas 

Vivian Fridas received her BA in Political Science and Sociology from Adelphi University in 2010. She has completed her graduate degree in Government and Politics in December 2013 from St. John's University. With her concentration in international relations, Vivian plans to pursue a field in advocacy of human rights for the disabled in developing countries. Vivian is part of the Graduate Council at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, in which she acts as a representative between graduates and staff members. She has been asked in the past to speak at various functions concerning blindness and guide dogs. Additionally, Vivian has participated in lobbying for important issues to the blind community regarding fair wages, accessible technology, and accessible air travel. Vivian plans to utilize her skills and education in order to continue making improvements for the lives of individuals with disabilities around the world.

 

Vivan Fridas is completing her YIDA internship at the National Democratic Institute, which works to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

 

Connect with Vivian Fridas via her Linkedin profile at:

https://www.linkedin.com/pub/vivian-fridas/42/65/337.

  

Theophilus Worjlog Jlateh

Theophilus Worjlog Jlateh is a 2013 graduate of the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) with a dual undergraduate degree in International Studies and Political Science.  He worked at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis from 2010 to 2013. He has also worked at the IUPUI Math Assistance Center where he advocated for a special needs study room for students with disabilities.  Theo was elected president for the African Student Association (ASA), one of the largest student organizations on campus. 

Theo was hired in 2013 at Rescare INC _Adept- Community Alternative as Direct Support Professional and became a Residential Manager few months later in 2014.  This fall, Theo will start his dual master's degree program in Health care management and international affairs at George Washington University. 

 

Theo Jlateh is completing his YIDA internship at International Medical Corps, which works to save lives and relieve suffering through health care training and relief and development programs worldwide.

Connect with Theo via his LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=341875434

Lindsay Lee

Lindsay Lee recently received her BS in mathematics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She also majored in Spanish and minored in Portuguese. In Fall 2014, she will attend the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, studying for a MSc in applied statistics. She plans on utilizing mathematics and language in the public health field as a member of a governmental or non-governmental agency. She will use empirical data analysis and mathematical modeling to advocate for health care policies that benefit marginalized groups.

 

As an undergraduate, Lindsay founded Campus Disability Advocates, a student organization seeking to educate the university about disability issues. She also was an opinion columnist for the school newspaper The Daily Beacon and a member of various administrative advisory councils.

 

Lindsay is completing her YIDA internship at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, which has worked in more than 135 countries to support citizens' rights to participate in free and fair elections.

 

Connect to Lindsay Lee via her LinkedIn profile at http://lnkd.in/dGA_B5B.

 

Diego Mariscal

 Diego Mariscal is 22 years old. He is originally from Mexico and is 

currently studying International Relations at American University in Washington, DC. Diego was born with cerebral palsy and has always shown interest and passion for disability advocacy. He first got involved in the disability community in 2002 by representing Nuevo Leon in the Mexican National Paralympics. After several victories in swimming Diego became a spokesperson for disability.

 

In 2007, he developed a student group that addresses social issues of disability. This group evolved into what is now 2Gether-international. Diego is currently the CEO and has received several awards, including Architect of the Future in Vienna, Austria and Global Change Maker in London, England.  Diego is also a researcher for the Institute on Disability and Public Policy in Washington, DC and a mentor in the Compass Fellowship program. During his spare time Diego keeps swimming, enjoys reading, dancing and acting. Diego is completing his YIDA internship at the Inter-American Development Bank, which supports efforts by Latin America and the Caribbean countries to reduce poverty and inequality in a sustainable, climate-friendly way.   

 

Connect with Diego via his LinkedIn profile at http://www.linkedin.com/pub/diego-mariscal/7a/378/636.

 

Maegan Shanks

 Maegan Shanks received her BA in English and philosophy from Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport. Born and raised in New Orleans, the diverse city inspired her into the field of International Development. Her first experience with was an exchange program in Costa Rica with Mobility International USA (MIUSA).

 

After graduation, she worked under Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD). FSD is a non-profit organization, sending interns to developing countries with personalized sustainable development projects. She served a six-month internship with Empowerment of Disabled Development Organization in Kenya. Maegan is passionate about the empowerment and inclusion of youth with disabilities through educational opportunities. She is currently an MA candidate in International Development at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.

 

Maegan is completing her YIDA internship at World Learning, which works to empower people and  institutions through education, development, and exchange programs.

 

Connect with Maegan Shanks via her LinkedIn profile at http://www.linkedin.com/pub/maegan-shanks/37/771/286.

 

Erum Siddiqui

 Erum Siddiqui is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, College of Biological Sciences where she majored in Genetics, Cell Biology and Development. When Erum began her college career she did so with the intention of preparing herself for medical school. As a sophomore, she traveled to Cairo, Egypt, where she was a student at the Kamal Adham Center for Journalism at the American University in Cairo as well as a participant in a Human Rights Law in Practicum program. She also taught English to members of Cairo's refugee community.

 

Upon returning to Minneapolis, Erum's passion for public policy became reinforced. In the course of her studies, Erum realized that she is compelled by large scale change, that her drive to attend medical school was inspired by her experiences with systems of ineffective medical delivery and a drive to make them more efficient. Today she is hoping to utilize the skills she has honed during her academic career to contribute to organizations aimed at establishing systems of sustainable medical delivery.  Erum is completing her YIDA internship at Management Sciences for Health, which works to improve the health of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.

 

Connect with Erum via her LinkedIn profile at:https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=183044834&trk

 

Daniel Van Sant 

Daniel Van Sant comes from Malvern, Iowa, and is a student at Syracuse University, working toward his law degree and a Master's of Science in Cultural Foundations of Education. Prior to beginning law school, Daniel received a research grant that allowed him to live in Yamanashi, Japan, for one year where he studied disability policy, social work, and special education at a local university. Prior to this, he worked at Disability Rights Iowa, a non-profit law center that advocates for the rights of Iowans with disabilities.

 

Daniel holds a BA in international relations, rhetoric, and politics from Drake University.  He plans to pursue a career in disability law and policy with a focus on the international sphere. 

 

Daniel is completing his YIDA internship at the DC office of Human Rights Watch, which works to uphold human dignity and advance the cause of human rights for all.

 

Connect with Daniel Van Sant via his LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/pub/daniel-van-sant/96/955/643

 

U.S. Youth/Student Teleconference Call on International Disability Rights

 

The weather isn't the only thing heating up this summer. 

What's also heating up is the U.S. campaign for the "Disability Treaty" (CRPD).  We need youth, students, and other people like YOU to help!  You might have missed the April 23rd teleconference call, but please don't miss the next call on June 3rd led by Coalition leaders DREDF and USICD.
  

People opposed to international treaties defeated us on our first try to ratify the CRPD in 2012.  Please don't let them win again.  YOUR energy and passion could make the difference.  

We need you NOW to pass the CRPD in 2014!

 

Learn more about the "Disability Treaty" by downloading a simple handout at http://bit.ly/CRPD1Pager or by visiting http://disabilitytreaty.org.  Also, contact Andrea Shettle at ashettle@usicd.org for a document that reviews some of the history of the CRPD and ideas for ways to help.

 

Want to join our next national teleconference call for youth and student CRPD supporters?  This will be on June 3rd at 4pm EST (3pm Central Time, 1pm Pacific Time).  CART will be available.  Contact Andrea Shettle (ashettle@usicd.org) to learn how to join the call. 

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And don't miss the U.S. Department of State's
Special Advisor for International Disability Rights Judy Heumann's Facebook Page
In This Issue
Advocates Participate in CRPD Fish Day
Rehabilitation International (RI) meets in New Zealand
International Disability News
USICD Announces 2014 YIDA Interns
U.S. Youth/Student Teleconference Call on International Disability Rights

Member News and Opportunities

 

3rd Annual M-Enabling Summit
Monday, June 9, 2014 - Tuesday, June 10, 2014

 

InterAction Forum 2014
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 - Friday, June 13, 2014

 

Young Professionals Summit At InterAction Forum
Thursday, June 12, 2014 - Thursday, June 12, 2014

 

6th International Disability Law Summer School
Monday, June 16, 2014 - Saturday, June 21, 2014

 

Ever Widening Circle and Annual Disability Policy Summit
Thursday, October 9, 2014 - Thursday, October 9, 2014

 

Africa Forum Details Announced!
Friday, October 10, 2014 - Saturday, October 18, 2014

 

Indian International Deaf Film Festival 2014
Posted: Tuesday, May 20, 2014

opportunity   

Communications Specialist with NAD
Posted: Tuesday, May 20, 2014
opportunity 

 

EOP's STEM Diversity Career Expo
Posted: Tuesday, May 20, 2014

opportunity   

U.S. Access Board seeking application for General Counsel position
Posted: Tuesday, May 20, 2014

opportunity   

Letter of Interest (LOI) Process for 2014 Second Round: Bangladesh and Uganda
Posted: Thursday, May 8, 2014

opportunity  


Call for Volunteers for NCIL Conference
Posted: Wednesday, April 23, 2014

opportunity      

WORLD HEADLINES AND OPPORTUNITIES


April 25, 2014
Source: Book Site

 

UN: People With Disabilities Free To Make Own Decisions
April 23, 2014
Source: Disability Scoop

 

Compilation of 11th Session of CRPD Committee c/o IDA
April 23, 2014
Source: International Disability Alliance

 

Bob Dole is back in Kansas, running for nothing, but running hard
April 22, 2014
Source: Washington Post

 

China to Allow the Blind to Take College Entrance Exam
April 21, 2014
Source: The New York Times

 

Emirati sign language promoted
April 17, 2014
Source: gulfnews.com

 

The International Disability Treaty
April 15, 2014
Source: Wheelchair Traveling (Blog)

 

Tackling autism in the Middle East
April 15, 2014
Source: AlJazeera

 

Disability Matters with Wade Henderson
April 15, 2014
Source: Disability Matters

 

CRPD Committee Makes Reports Available
April 14, 2014
Source: UNOHR

 

Amy Purdy's bionic grace on 'Dancing With the Stars'
April 12, 2014
Source: The Washington Post

 

The Senate Can Pass A Treaty To Protect Fish But Not One To Protect Disability Rights
April 11, 2014
Source: Think Progress

 

Spirited disabled voters throng well-equipped poll booths
April 10, 2014
Source: DNAindia.com

 

Challenges faced by children with disabilities in Uganda
April 8, 2014
Source: New Vision

 

Human rights training in Makira onCRPD
April 8, 2014
Source: Solomon Star

 

A Life Deserved
April 7, 2014
Source: Baltimore Sun

 

Romania has to ensure a better protection to persons with disabilities, children and Roma
April 7, 2014
Source: Act Media

 

Sarah Garrecht Gassen: US must continue leading on rights for the disabled
April 3, 2014 

 

Palestine Becomes 144th State Party to Ratify the CRPD
April 2, 2014
Source: UN Enable

 

The New Era of Inclusive Movement Services Conference
Thursday, May 8, 2014 - Thursday, May 8, 2014

 

30th Annual Pacific Rim Conference on Disability and Diversity 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014 - Tuesday, May 20, 2014  

 

3rd Annual M-Enabling Summit

Monday, June 9, 2014 - Friday, June 20, 2014  

 

Seventh session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 - Thursday, June 12, 2014   

 

Inclusion International 16th World Congress: A Better World for All - No one Left behind
Tuesday, June 10, 2014 - Friday, June 13, 2014

  

Inaugural International Summit on Accessibility
Saturday, July 12, 2014 - Tuesday, July 15, 2014   

 

AIDS 2014 20th International AIDS Conference
Sunday, July 20, 2014 - Friday, July 25, 2014

 

COLLOQUIUM ANNOUNCEMENT Sign languages, deaf communities in Africa and Cote d'Ivoire: What future?
Thursday, July 24, 2014 - Friday, July 25, 2014

 

Destinations for All. A World Summit
Sunday, October 19, 2014 - Wednesday, October 22, 2014

CRPD Ratification Watch
As of May 2014:
  
CRPD:
  • 158 Signatories
  • 145 Ratifications
Optional Protocol:
  • 92 Signatories
  • 80 Ratifications
Recent Ratifications:
Switzerland Ratified the Convention on April 15, 2014
 
Palestine Ratified the Convention on April 2, 2014   

Georgia Ratified the Convention on March 13, 2014  

Andorra Ratified the Convention on March 11, 2014  

Japan Ratified the Convention on January 20, 2014 

  

Cote d'Ivoire Ratified the Convention on January 10, 2014 

  

Tuvalu Ratified the Convention on December 18, 2013

Kiribati Ratified the Convention on September 27, 2013


Papua New Guinea Ratified the Convention on September 26, 2013
 


Bahamas Signed the Convention on September 24, 2013
 


Guinea-Bissau Signed the Convention on September 24, 2013
 


Zimbabwe Ratified the Convention on September 23, 2013
   

Kuwait Ratified the Convention on August 22, 2013
 

Singapore Ratified the Convention on July 18, 2013
 

DPR Korea Ratified the Convention on July 3, 2013
 

Palau Ratified the Convention on June 11, 2013


Norway Ratified the Convention on June 3, 2013

Iraq Ratified the Convention on March 20, 2013


Barbados Ratified the Convention on February 27, 2013


Albania Ratified the Convention on February 11, 2013
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