Today I read a little bit more about what the Special Olympics is doing for people with disibilities. I read about a law that advocates for people with disabilities are trying to get passed. It’s called the Fitness and Athletics Equity for Students with Disabilities Act. This act is like the Title IX Act which gave girls equal treatment in school sports, but this time it’s for students with disabilities. I’m not so sure that this is a good thing yet because it could be unfair in some ways.  For example, if you are in a running competition, people with wheelchairs could end up competing against people on foot which gives them an advantage.

I also read and watched some more on the CRPD. The CRPD is working for …

• The right to make one’s own decisions
• The right to live in the community of one’s choice
• The right for equality and protection from discrimination
• The right to respect for physical & mental integrity
• The right to freedom from torture, violent exploitation and abuse
• The right to healthcare and to free and informed consent in health services
• The right to education
• The right to protection and safety during situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies
• The right to vote and to participate in public & cultural life
• The right to liberty of movement and nationality
• The right to personal mobility (access to mobility devices and training)
• The right to work, and to an adequate standard of living
• The right to privacy
• The right to access to justice
• The right to freedom of expression and opinion
• The right to habilitation & rehabilitation
• The right to receive information in accessible formats
• The right to marry and to divorce, and to share equally in child custody
• The right to procreate, & the right to obtain contraception
• The right to sign contracts, and own and inherit property
• The right to accessible public transit and public accommodations

When I was reading this I was wondering why we need laws like this to protect people with disabilities because we are all humans and are all equal. Later, I learned that without these laws, it’s possible that some people might treat kids and adults with disabilities poorly. We need laws like this to stop that from happening. But I really want to know from you: do you think we need these laws or not? Please leave me a comment. I’m learning a lot from what I’m reading and from people who comment and email me.

Advertisement