MIUSA is a US-based disability-led non-profit organization established in 1981 working to empower people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development. As a prominent leader in both the field of international exchange and disability rights, MIUSA has promoted study abroad and conducted educational trainings with more than 2,200 people with disabilities from over 110 countries.
We believe it is crucial for people with disabilities in the United States to study abroad so that they can be competitive with their peers on a global level. In a globalized economy, cross-cultural competencies as well as foreign language acquisition is crucial.
It is vital to create a pipeline of people with disabilities in the U.S. and abroad who are advancing into international careers and pursuing degrees in international relations, public policy, critical languages, international education and other fields.
Providing more focused opportunities for young people with a variety of disabilities in other countries to learn English to stay competitive with their peers, especially in countries where young disabled people do not have the same access to education, will advance the interests of the U.S. and persons with disabilities globally.
Because the United States is a leader in the disability rights movement and a pioneer in legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, ratifying the UNCRPD will enable the United States to share this valuable expertise with other countries across the world – this will assist not only disabled Americans but the over 1 billion disabled people located throughout the world. On July 22, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations passed it 12-6 with no amendments and now it can go to the U.S. Senate floor for a vote.
I strongly encourage you to contact your U.S. Senators to support the CRPD disability treaty today!
Susan Sygall
CEO & Co-founder
Mobility International USA
