Have Your Say ~ UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

It seems that everyone is real interested in the thoughts and opinions of those in the disability community lately. Okay, maybe not everyone but at least some folks are interested in what we have to say.

On that note, more good news.

You will recall from our previous discussions that although Canada signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities back in March, 2007, we have not yet ratified it. And, as we know, the Convention is not binding on any country that has not ratified it.

And yet, could it really be?

Lo and behold, the federal government is now soliciting invitations for groups and individuals to participate in an online consultation on the ratification of the Convention. It is said that our views will play an important role in informing any measures that may be taken post-ratification at the federal level to further implement the Convention.

The online consultation is to be fully accessible; available in Large Print, Braille, Audio Cassette, Audio CD, e-Text Diskette, e-Text CD, and DAISY upon request. The consultation Web site itself features a simple design to allow easy navigation.

In addition, there are many resources are available on the Web site to help you guide your feedback: instructions on how to fill out the consultation questionnaire, a Frequently Asked Questions section, links to useful resources such as the full text and a plain English guide to the Convention, background materials and more.

To participate in the online consultation, submit your views through the Web site or by email, regular mail, fax or phone.

By email:
consultation@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca

By phone:
819-994-0335 (National Capital Region)
866-203-2426 (toll-free within Canada)

1 800 O-Canada: 1-800-622-6232

TTY: 819-934-6649

By fax:
819-994-8634

By regular mail:
Stakeholder consultation
Office for Disability Issues
C/o Intergovernmental Relations
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Bell Building
105 Hôtel de Ville Street
Gatineau, Québec K1A 0J9

But watch that deadline:
All contributions must be received by the Office for Disability Issues by July 31, 2009, midnight, Eastern Daylight Time.