Ability Chicago Info Blog : Update on the Disability Treaty CRPD Fight from Washington, DC! from Access Living & allies

as shared, & a thank you for all in supporting CRPD, TY to Amber with Access Living...

Dear Access Living friends and allies,

Writing you from Washington, DC! Yesterday was an amazing day with disability advocates from across the nation fighting for the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

First thing yesterday morning, hundreds of advocates marched from downtown DC to the Reflecting Pool at the US Capitol. Energy and positivity was very high as we knew we were marching with our best! We rallied with a number of members of Congress who came to express support for independent living and the CRPD. Among them were our own Senator Dick Durbin and Representatives Brad Schneider and Jan Schakowsky. They lit the crowd on fire!

Then, about 150 of us marched to the Senate Hart Office Building where there is a large atrium. We rallied in the atrium with a range of national disability advocates. Then, we split up to focus on visiting the offices of Senators whose votes we need to pass the CRPD. I personally visited eight of the twelve key Senate offices with support from Access Living and Progress Center team members. We found some people are still wavering, while some are resisting.

I know that advocates are working all fronts right now to get that support so Senator Tom Harkin can call for a floor vote on the CRPD. No news yet this morning, but if we have new developments we will be sure to let you know! In the meantime, desk warriors, your support yesterday has meant so much and I need to ask you to call those offices once again today. Below my signature is the contact info you need. Just say, “Support the CRPD!” Every contact counts. Let’s go Illinois!

Amber Smock

Director of Advocacy, Access Living

Key Senators:

Senator Flake, Arizona

202-224-4521

colleen_donnelly@flake.senate.gov

Senator Isakson, Georgia

202-224-3643

chris_sullivan@isakson.senate.gov

Senator Chambliss, Georgia

202-224-3521

Brandon_bell@chambliss.senate.gov