Politics: A Human Right

[SARN Memo for February 18, 2009]

In many places, people with disabilities do not get equal treatment. Take voting: some of us can’t read the ballot. Others can’t get to the polls. Without support, we aren’t equal.

But we have rights. In 2007, the United Nations passed a new law. It says people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else. It says we have an equal right to vote—and the right to have a say in policies that affect us.

1. The Problem: Not Involved in Political Life
2. What Does the New UN Law Say?
3. Group Activity: No Vote, No Voice
4. Resource

• Respond to this memo!

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1. The Problem: Not Involved in Political Life

Sound familiar?

• I have a disability, so I can’t vote.
• Politicians and leaders often ignore us.
• We’re not seen as important, so we weren’t invited to the meeting.
• I could not understand what was happening, so I was not involved.
• How could I vote? I wasn’t told when and where the election was.

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2. What Does the New UN Law Say?

Here are some of what the new law says about political rights (paraphrased):

• We have an equal right to vote.
• We have a right to have someone help us vote.
• We have a right to a secret vote.
• We must have access to the polling place.
• When public meetings happen, we should be told about them.
• And we should have the support we need to be there.
• We should be included.
• We should have a say in policies and laws that affect our lives.

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3. Group Activity: No Vote, No Voice

Make a list of barriers to voting for people with developmental disabilities. Ask everyone: “Why is it hard to vote?” Divide into groups of three. Have each group create a very short skit showing one problem. Perform each for the group. After each, ask: “What could we do to solve this problem?”

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4. Resource

We Have Human Rights
(28 pp, full color)
Today’s memo is based on a dynamite new book for people with developmental disabilities. You can use it to learn about your rights. You can also use it to talk with others about your rights. It even has great exercises for your group. It’s written for self-advocates around the world.

1. Free download. Get a free download copy of the book from the publisher, Harvard Project on Disability.
2. Order a hard copy. Order hard copies of the book in volume discounts from ACT’s online catalog.

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