Our Values
We cite the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities to define the more than 61 million Americans for whom we advocate as “people who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.”
The Convention follows decades of work by the United Nations to change attitudes and approaches to persons with disabilities. It takes to a new height the movement from viewing persons with disabilities as “objects” of charity, medical treatment and social protection towards viewing persons with disabilities as “subjects” with rights, who are capable of claiming those rights and making decisions for their lives based on their free and informed consent as well as being active members of society.
From our founding, ADA Watch has worked to promote the general principles stated in Article 3 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as follows:
- Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy – including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and independence of persons.
- Non-discrimination
- Full and effective participation and inclusion in society
- Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity.
- Equality of opportunity
- Accessibility
- Equality between men, women, and non-binary persons
- Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities.
