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By shoring up our resources to amplify the voices and bolster the work of those fighting for the rights of children with disabilities globally, this legislation represents a significant step forward in advancing disability rights and achieving lasting reform. – Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
Children with disabilities deserve a place in society where they are respected, loved, and treated with basic human dignity. This legislation helps protect the most vulnerable children around the globe and gives them opportunities to succeed by keeping them out of harmful institutions and supporting their families. –
Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)
Millions of children with disabilities around the world are placed in institutions and left to grow up without the love and support of a family.
The vast majority have a parent or extended family member -- who would keep their children if they had the support to do so. People with disabilities and their family members are eager to bring about change in their societies to ensure that children with disabilities can live and grow up with their families.
The bipartisan International Children with Disabilities Protection Act, which was introduced by Senators Menendez and Moran, with additional co-sponsors, seeks to bolster U.S. support for children with disabilities and to support activists and reformers who work on their behalf.
Panel members at the International Day of Disability briefing included:
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Isabel Hodge, Executive Director, US International Council on Disability;
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The Honorable Judy Heumann, former Assistant Secretary for Education for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services and former State Department Special Advisor on International Disability Rights.
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Leonardo Hosh, Vice President for Child Protection and Education, World Vision, and
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Diana Autin, Executive Co-Director, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, Executive Director, National Center for Parent Leadership, Advocacy and Community Empowerment.
View the video of the briefing here
"Parents of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs in the US are served by federally-funded Parent Centers and Family to Family Health Information Centers that help them understand their rights and advocate for their children. Parent Centers and F2Fs are examples of how a small investment in parents of children with disabilities can improve their lives. This funding will make a world of difference for parents of children with disabilities - and children, youth, and young adults with disabilities themselves - and help them ensure that their children have a brighter future." -
Diana Autin,
Executive Co-Director, SPAN
Hear Diana Autin's full remarks about 50 minutes into the recording!
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