This is happening on the opening day of the landmark 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the landmark Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP17), taking place from 11 to 13 June 2024.
From COSP16 representative to acquisition united nations newsIn COSP17’s live blog, the activist with Down syndrome said her mission is to amplify voices and drive change, including this year’s themes of jobs, skills and humanitarian response in times of crisis.
Here’s more from our guest editors ahead of COSP17:
“What I’m most looking forward to is connecting with other people and meeting others who are interested in the same things as me. Last year I made new friends and shared stories, which was great.
We also expect accessibility and inclusion. One of the things that really impressed me last year was how everyone was talking about making things easier for people with disabilities. It’s been great to see so many people interested in making the world a better place.
I’m from Canada and I’m passionate about disability rights. I am part of the L’Arche community in Toronto. L’Arche has approximately 160 communities in 37 countries around the world, fostering inclusive relationships between people with and without intellectual disabilities that improve each other’s lives.
Jobs, skills and humanitarian crisis
This year, COSP17 focused on skills, jobs and humanitarian crises through the perspectives of people with disabilities. Technology is changing the way we live and work, and this is no different for people with disabilities.
We will discuss how advances in technology can create new opportunities and support for individuals like us. From accessibility features on smartphones to assistive devices in the workplace, technology has the power to level the playing field and improve our lives.
Unfortunately, conflicts and wars around the world disproportionately affect people with disabilities. I have witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by members of the L’Arche community in conflict zones. COSP17 will highlight these issues and advocate for better support and protection for people affected by conflict.
Finding and maintaining employment is difficult for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for people with disabilities. Discrimination, lack of access, and stigma are just some of the barriers we face. Through our discussions, we will work to find solutions to improve employment opportunities and ensure equal rights for everyone.
These issues are important to me, and so is the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
How technology can help me as a disabled person
Technology plays an important role in improving my life as a person with a disability, allowing me to connect, communicate and understand information more easily and independently. Here’s how:
stay connected: Technology allows us to stay connected to our friends, family, and the world around us. Social media, video calls, messaging apps, and more help you stay in touch wherever you are. You can also follow me on Instagram!
better communication: Technology tools like voice-to-text, text-to-speech, and communication apps can help you communicate more easily. It makes it easier to express yourself and understand others when chatting with friends or attending meetings. For example, I will be using WhatsApp to stay in touch with the L’Arche team while attending COSP17 here in New York.
understanding information: Technology helps us understand information. Tools such as screen readers, magnifiers, and accessible websites help us access and understand information more effectively so we can learn, work, and engage in a variety of activities.
Three ways getting a job changed my life
Jobs are important for people with disabilities. Inclusion is most important.
my animated movie free bird It is nominated for an Academy Award in 2021. It was a really big deal. It showed that disabled people can also be in the spotlight. Working on the film as a creative director has been a highlight of my career.
Working together is also important. Collaboration is key to my acting gigs. Collaborating with others helps us all come up with better ideas and make great things happen.
Equally important is the ability to express yourself. Having a career as an artist and freelancer means I can bring my own unique perspective. It allows me to be myself and show what I can do. That’s really cool.
dignity and disability
Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in their lives. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, whether you have a disability or not. It’s never okay to be treated badly. Bullying, abuse and neglect should never be tolerated, whether at school, work or anywhere else.
In difficult times, such as emergencies, disasters, and wars, it is vital that governments do everything they can to keep us safe. They have to follow the rules set by the world to make sure everyone is okay.
It is important to remember that no one should be forgotten or left out. We all have the right to be protected and respected.
human rights for all
Why are humanitarian rights important to me as a disabled person? Human rights are not just words written on paper. It is essential for people like me to live fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to society. There can be three reasons for this.
Get the help you need: Humanitarian rights help people live with dignity and independence by providing them with access to essential resources and support services, such as health care, education, jobs, and tools suited to their needs.
feeling included: These rights combat discrimination based on disability and promote inclusion. They fight against stereotypes and stigma and ensure fair treatment for everyone. Humanitarian rights make societies more welcoming and everyone’s contribution is respected.
Speak up for change: We know that when conflict occurs, people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by war. As part of L’Arche, we have communities experiencing this in places like Haiti, Bethlehem, and Ukraine. Being part of L’Arche’s supportive community gives us the solidarity, strength and resilience to come together during these difficult times. With the support of Humanitarian Rights, we can ensure that people with disabilities are not forgotten when times are difficult.
rights and opportunities
Living a life with dignity means having all the rights that make us human. Everyone should have the right to choose for themselves what they want to do and where they want to go. We all deserve a safe place to call home and enough food to eat every day.
union
COSP17 begins Tuesday at UN Headquarters.
Communication is also very important! It’s important that people speak to us in a way that we understand. That way we can express ourselves and be understood by others. And it’s not just about talking. Everyone should have the same opportunity to get health care, go to school, and find a job they love.
Government has a big role to play in protecting these rights, and it is very important that our voices are heard. People with disabilities deserve the support they need to live happy and fulfilling lives.
COSP is about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has a fair chance in life. This is a place where changes for the better are made.
Let us work together to ensure that everyone has the rights and opportunities we deserve.
See you on June 11th when I take over. united nations news Live blog. We go live at 8 am. We hope you’ll join us!”
Stay tuned. united nations newshere.
