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Book
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Optional Protocol
One person, one vote is a fundamental aspect of democracies. Voting provides individuals with a voice to influence decisions that affect their lives. However, people with disabilities have often been left out of this process. Because of this history of exclusion, the United Nations developed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2007.
November 13, 2012
Publication
Survey
New Study Provides Insight into Electoral Access in Guatemala
Following Guatemala’s 2011 elections, IFES conducted focus groups with persons with disabilities, in-depth interviews with leaders of disabled persons organizations and a small-scale survey of electoral authorities to learn about the experience of persons with disabilities in the elections process. Assessment of Election Access Barriers in Guatemala presents key findings of these research activities. Together, the responses provide a snapshot of current practices in the Central American nation and serve as a powerful advocacy tool for promoting equal access.
December 03, 2012
News & Updates
Press Release
IFES Statement on the Defeat of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in the U.S. Senate
A statement by Bill Sweeney, president and CEO of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), regarding the defeat of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in the U.S. Senate on December 4, 2012.
News & Updates
Feature
Increasing Access for a More Vibrant Democracy
Although 15 percent of the world has some form of disability, this population encounters many barriers to equal participation in political life. IFES believes that democracy can only flourish when all citizens can contribute to their communities. The images in this photo gallery demonstrate some of the ways countries around the world have increased access to the electoral system.
News & Updates
Feature
Advocating for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is home to an estimated 60 million persons with disabilities – 15 percent of the total population in the region. In Southeast Asia, and throughout the world, persons with disabilities have been marginalized from the democratic and political process. IFES regional and subject experts are increasing political access for this population by empowering and strengthening local organizations to ensure their voices are heard. In this podcast, disability rights experts Virginia Atkinson, Chris Donn and Yusdiana discuss the situation of persons with disabilities in Southeast Asia and outline steps that can be taken to increase their participation in the democratic process.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
Becoming an Inclusion Advocate: A Q&A with Anais Keenon
Anais Keenon, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in international development from Gallaudet University, is on her way to becoming a leader in the international disability inclusion movement. A native of Wilsonville, Oregon, she spent the summer working with IFES’ Inclusion Officer Virginia Atkinson analyzing the legal frameworks of countries around the world to see how they perform in recognizing the rights of persons with disabilities. She answers some questions on how laws help promote equal access, what it really means to be inclusive and what people can do to better foster awareness.
Publication
Report/Paper
Accessible Elections for Persons with Disabilities in Five Southeast Asian Countries
All too often, persons with disabilities are not included in the political lives of their country on an equal basis with others. Accessible Elections for Persons with Disabilities in Five Southeast Asian Countries is the first systematic attempt to gather data on election access from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines and Vietnam. The report reviews – for persons with disabilities – existing legal frameworks, challenges and barriers in exercising political rights and participation; best practices and innovations; and examples of how disabled persons organizations have been involved in electoral issues.
October 25, 2013
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
Fostering Partnerships to Increase Political Access in Haiti
One of IFES’ main goals in Haiti is to increase access to the political process for persons with disabilities. Alessandra Rossi, IFES Chief of Party in Haiti, sheds light on IFES’ work in this area in the island nation.
News & Updates
Feature
Georgia PSA: Independent Person -- Free Choice
To this end, IFES supported the Coalition for Independent Living's (CIL) voter motivation and education campaign. This umbrella group of over 25 disabled persons' organizations produced a public service announcement targeting voters with disabilities, which explains the importance of participation and provides an overview of the services available for those requiring additional assistance ahead of and on Election Day.
News & Updates
Interview/Speech/Testimony
Disabilities Advocate and Expert on Why Equality Matters
David Morrissey, Executive Director of the U.S. International Council on Disabilities, tells us what ratifying the CRPD would mean for Americans with disabilities in the U.S. and abroad.