Resolution in Support of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Adopted by the Council of Representatives, August 2014

WHEREAS all persons with disabilities across the world are born with the right to human dignity and the potential to realize their full capacities (Donnelly, 2013; World Health Organization, 2001);

WHEREAS disabilities are experienced by people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, and socio-economic statuses (Johnson & Woll, 2003);

WHEREAS the disparities experienced by persons with disabilities are further exacerbated by the intersectionality with other diverse identities and minority statuses resulting in millions of adults and children with disabilities living in conditions of poverty, abuse, neglect, and exploitation (Johnson & Woll, 2003; World Health Organization, 2011);

WHEREAS attitudes about people with disabilities are often the most significant barrier keeping disabled persons from performing to their full potential, thereby depriving society of a valuable resource pool ( Carpenter & Paetzold, 2013 ; Chan et al., 2009; Ephraim, MacKenzie, Wegener, Dillingham, & Pezzin, 2006 ; LaVigna, 1995 ; Marini & Stebnicki, 2012; Whiteneck et al., 2004 ; Yuker, 1988);

WHEREAS psychological research has greatly helped to demonstrate the pervasive nature of stigma associated with disability, or other social identities and life circumstances, and the adverse mental health effects of discrimination (Carpenter & Paetzold, 2013 ; Corrigan, 2014; Green et al., 2005; Sartorius, 2006 ; Van Brakel, W. H., 2006; Markowitz, F. E., 1998);

WHEREAS psychological research has shown that a variety of psychological and sociological mechanisms jeopardize relationships between people with and without disabilities, increasing the likelihood of prejudice against individuals with disabilities, along with stereotyping, stigmatization, psychological discomfort, avoidance, and patronization (e.g., Banks & Kaschak, 2003; Fine & Asch, 1988; Katz, Hass, & Bailey, 1988; Longmore & Umansky, 2001; Wright, 1988);

WHEREAS comprehensive individual development (including psychological development) can take place only under conditions that protect human rights (Sano, 2000; UNICEF, 2007 ; Walker et al., 2007);

WHEREAS the United Nations (U.N.), working with the cooperation of individuals, organizations, and governments produced a Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) that was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in December 2006, and is supported by hundreds of disability organizations;

WHEREAS the CRPD is the first treaty to specially address the human rights of people with disabilities, and recognizes and protects the human rights of some 650 million people with disabilities worldwide;

WHEREAS the CRPD has served as a catalyst in the global movement from viewing persons with disabilities as objects of charity and medical treatment toward including disabled individuals as full and equal members of society, with human rights;

WHEREAS it is inherent in the mission of the American Psychological Association (APA) to advance the creation, communication, and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives;

WHEREAS the APA opposes prejudice and discrimination based on any demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, sexual orientation, race, socio-economic status), including disability, as reflected in its adopted resolutions and guidelines (e.g., Resolution on the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2008; Policy Statement on the Full Participation for Psychologists with Disabilities, 1997; Guidelines for Assessment of and Intervention with Persons with Disabilities, 2011);

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the American Psychological Association commends the United Nations for directing world attention to persons with disabilities and endorses the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the American Psychological Association will:

Endorse the purpose and principles that are outlined in the CRPD that promote, protect, and ensure the rights of persons with disabilities subject to the understanding that the CRPD has no effect on U.S. sovereignty, parental rights, or abortion laws;

Encourage the dissemination and application of psychological research and education to strengthen and inform implementation efforts of the CRPD in countries where it has been ratified;

Encourage the use of psychological research and education to heighten awareness of the impact of stigma and discrimination on persons with disabilities, and the ways in which disability intersects with other minority statuses throughout the global community;

Encourage the inclusion and involvement of persons with disabilities in research, information and technology, public policy, and advocacy; and

Advocate for public policies that support global change toward egalitarian relationships and the elimination of practices and conditions oppressive to persons with disabilities.

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