That’s occurring on the opening day of the seventeenth session of the Convention of States Events (COSP17) to the game-changing Conference on the Rights of Individuals with Disabilities, happening from 11 to 13 June 2024.
From being a delegate at COSP16 to taking on UN Information’s reside weblog at COSP17, the activist with Down syndrome mentioned his mission is to amplify voices and drive change, together with on this yr’s themes of jobs, tech and humanitarian responses in instances of disaster.
Right here’s extra from our visitor editor forward of COSP17:
“What I’m most trying ahead to is connecting with others and assembly different individuals who care about the identical issues I do. Final yr, I made new buddies and shared tales, which was actually cool.
I additionally trying ahead to accessibility and inclusion. One factor that actually stood out to me final yr was how everybody talked about making issues simpler for individuals with disabilities. It was nice to see so many individuals care about making the world a greater place for us.
I’m from Canada and am captivated with incapacity rights. I’m part of the L’Arche group in Toronto. L’Arche has practically 160 communities in 37 nations world wide, fostering inclusive relationships the place individuals with and with out mental disabilities make one another’s lives higher.
Jobs, tech and humanitarian crises
This yr, the main focus at COSP17 is on tech, jobs and humanitarian crises by means of a lens of individuals with disabilities. Expertise is altering the way in which we reside and work, and it’s no totally different for individuals with disabilities.
We’re going to be discussing how developments in know-how can create new alternatives and help for people like us. From accessibility options in smartphones to assistive gadgets within the office, tech has the ability to degree the taking part in area and improve our lives.
Sadly, conflicts and wars world wide disproportionately have an effect on individuals with disabilities, and I’ve seen first-hand the challenges confronted by people in L’Arche communities in battle zones. COSP17 goes to be shedding gentle on these points and advocating for higher help and safety for these affected by battle.
On the subject of jobs, discovering and sustaining employment may be robust for anybody, however it may be particularly difficult for individuals with disabilities. Discrimination, lack of accessibility and stigma are simply a few of the obstacles we face. By means of discussions, we’ll be working in direction of options to enhance employment alternatives and guarantee equal rights for all.
These points are essential to me and so is the Conference on the Rights of Individuals with Disabilities.
How tech helps me as an individual with a incapacity
Expertise performs a vital position in enhancing my life as an individual with a incapacity, enabling me to attach, talk and comprehend data extra simply and independently. Right here’s how:
Staying related: Expertise lets me keep related with buddies, household and the world round me. Whether or not it is by means of social media, video calls or messaging apps, I can keep in contact irrespective of the place I’m. You possibly can even observe me on Instagram!
Higher communication: Tech instruments like speech-to-text, text-to-speech and communication apps assist me talk extra simply. They make it easier for me to specific myself and perceive others, whether or not I’m chatting with buddies or taking part in conferences. For instance, I’ll be utilizing WhatsApp to remain related with our L’Arche workforce whereas right here at COSP17 in New York Metropolis.
Understanding data: Expertise helps me perceive data. With instruments like display screen readers, magnifiers and accessible web sites, I can entry and perceive data extra successfully, empowering me to be taught, work and have interaction in numerous actions.
3 methods employment modified my life
As an individual with a incapacity, jobs matter. What’s most essential is being included.
My animated movie Freebird was long-listed for an Academy Award in 2021. It was a giant deal. It confirmed that individuals with disabilities can shine within the highlight too. Engaged on the movie as a inventive director was a spotlight of my profession.
Working collectively can also be essential. Collaboration is vital in my performing gigs. Working with others helps us all provide you with higher concepts and make nice issues occur.
Equally essential is having the ability to categorical myself. As an artist and freelancer, having a job means I can deliver my distinctive perspective to the desk. It lets me be myself and present what I can do, which is fairly superior.
Dignity and incapacity
Each single individual deserves to really feel secure and revered of their life. It doesn’t matter who you’re, the place you come from, whether or not you will have a incapacity or not – being handled badly isn’t okay. Whether or not it’s in school, work or wherever else, bullying, mistreatment and neglect ought to by no means be tolerated.
In robust instances like emergencies, disasters or wars, it’s tremendous essential for governments to do every little thing they will to maintain us secure. They should observe the foundations set by the world to verify everyone seems to be okay.
It’s essential to keep in mind that nobody ought to ever be forgotten or ignored. All of us have the correct to be protected and valued.
Human rights for all
Why do humanitarian rights matter to me as an individual with a incapacity? Human rights will not be simply phrases on paper; they’re important for individuals like me to reside fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to society. I can consider three the reason why.
Getting the assistance I want: Humanitarian rights guarantee I can entry important assets and help companies, like healthcare, schooling, jobs and instruments tailor-made to my wants, serving to me to reside with dignity and independence.
Feeling included: These rights promote inclusivity by preventing in opposition to discrimination primarily based on incapacity. They guarantee truthful remedy for everybody, combating stereotypes and stigma. With humanitarian rights, society turns into extra welcoming, the place everybody’s contributions are valued.
Talking up for change: On the subject of conflicts, we all know that individuals with disabilities are hit more durable in wars. As a part of L’Arche, now we have communities in locations like Haiti, Bethlehem and Ukraine that have this. Belonging to the supportive group of L’Arche offers us solidarity, power and resilience to come back collectively throughout these troublesome instances. With the help of humanitarian rights, we will make it possible for individuals with disabilities aren’t forgotten when issues get robust.
Rights and alternative
Dwelling a dignified life means having all of the rights that make us human. Everybody ought to have the correct to make decisions for themselves, like what they wish to do or the place they wish to go. All of us deserve a secure place to name residence and sufficient meals to eat day-after-day.
United Nations
COSP17 begins on Tuesday at UN Headquarters.
Communication is tremendous essential too! It’s essential that individuals speak to us in methods we perceive. That means, we will categorical ourselves and be understood by others. And it’s not nearly speaking. Everybody ought to have the identical possibilities to get healthcare, go to highschool and discover a job they love.
Governments play a giant position in ensuring these rights are protected, and it’s so essential to have our voices heard. Individuals with disabilities deserve the help they should reside a cheerful, fulfilling life.
COSP is all about ensuring that everybody, irrespective of their talents, has a good probability in life. It’s a spot to create change for the higher.
Let’s work collectively to verify everybody has the rights and alternatives we deserve.
See you on 11 June after I take over the UN Information reside weblog. We’re going reside at 8am. I hope you’ll be part of us!”
Keep tuned to UN Newshere.
