National Federation of the Blind Urges Senate to Ratify Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, extension 2330 (410) 262-1281 (Cell) cdanielsen@nfb.org National Federation of the Blind Urges Senate to Ratify Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities Baltimore, Maryland (June 5, 2012): The National Federation of the Blind, the nation’s oldest and largest organization of blind people, today urged the United States Senate to ratify the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is intended to protect the rights of persons with disabilities throughout the world. Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: “As an organization comprised of blind people advocating for ourselves, we know the critical importance of laws, regulations, and policies that protect our rights and allow us to fully and equally participate in society. All people with disabilities, in every country, deserve equal rights and an equal opportunity to contribute to society. We urge the U.S. Senate to ratify this convention immediately so that the dignity and rights of all disabled people are recognized and protected.” About the National Federation of the Blind With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.