Chair Wheeler, Commissioners:

Thank you for inviting us to be here with you today.

In preparing my testimony to you today regarding your adoption of a resolution in support of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I found myself poring over statistics and demographic data, rereading the wonderful and eloquent speeches and writings that have been put forth by disability advocates around the world regarding the convention, and, in general, searching for the words to express my feelings on the subject. It quickly became a nearly overwhelming task, especially if I was to keep the statement brief enough to fit within your busy agenda today.

After many hours of reflection and several drafts of my thoughts, I realized that what I wanted to say to you was actually quite simple and straightforward. The words that best convey what's in my heart, are the two simple words, “Thank you”. “Thank you” for recognizing the plight of people with disabilities throughout the world. “Thank you” for understanding that many of the issues addressed in this convention are still very much a reality for people with disabilities right here in our local community. “Thank you” for, on behalf of Multnomah County, standing in solidarity with the disability community as we continue our work toward full inclusion and equal opportunity in today's societies for all people with disabilities everywhere.

While it is true that this convention is an international treaty negotiated and brought into being by the United Nations, the true spirit of this landmark legislation is only realized when it is adopted and put into practice at all levels of governance in a society. Multnomah County's history, both yours and that of your predecessors, is truly exemplary when it comes to issues of importance to the disability community. Your adoption of this resolution today serves to reaffirm the county's well-known legacy of support for people with disabilities and will further add to its reputation as a leader in inclusive community governance.

Thank you again for doing this…

Joe VanderVeer

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OREGON
RESOLUTION NO.

Resolution Supporting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners Finds:

• Historically, persons with disabilities have been marginalized, stigmatized and deprived of opportunities and freedoms afforded to individuals without disabilities.
• On December 13, 2006, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus a landmark treaty, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to promote and protect the rights of the world’s 650 million disabled people.
• The Convention was the most rapidly negotiated human rights treaty in the history of international law; it is the first human right treaty of the 21st century.
• The Convention will require ratifying nations ‘to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities; to promote respect for their inherent dignity” and promote awareness of capabilities of those who are disabled.
• 2005 census updates for Multnomah County estimates there are 54,341 people with disabilities aged 18-64 living in Multnomah County or 8% of the population of the county.
• 21.5% of adults with disabilities live at or below the poverty level in Multnomah County.
• Multnomah County serves many people with disabilities and values its citizens who have disabilities, supporting their rights to dignity, independence and freedom of choice.
• Multnomah County complied with the regulations for governments when the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted in 1990. However, stereotypes about people with disabilities are destructive and attitudes about people with disabilities will not change without resisting these stereotypes. Therefore, it is in the best interests of the entire county to support the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners Resolves:

• Supports the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• The Chair and Board will communicate the Multnomah County’s support of the Convention to the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and the Acting U.S. Representative to the United Nations, Alejandro D. Wolff and urge ratification of the Convention by the United States.

ADOPTED this 6th day of December, 2007.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OREGON
Ted Wheeler, Chair

REVIEWED:
AGNES SOWLE, COUNTY ATTORNEY FOR MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OREGON

By:
Agnes Sowle, County Attorney

SUBMITTED BY:
Commissioner Rojo de Steffey