Work: A Human Right

[SARN Memo for March 4, 2009]

In many places, people with disabilities do not get equal treatment. Take work: We don’t get hired, even though we can do the job. We might not even get an interview, just because of how we look.

But we have rights. In 2007, the United Nations passed a new law. It says people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else. It says we have an equal right to work, in a job we choose. It says we have the right to earn a decent living.

1. The Problem: Lack of Equal Treatment at Work
2. What Does the New UN Law Say?
3. Group Activity: What Does That Mean?
4. Resource

• Respond to this memo!
• Read Responses

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1. The Problem: Lack of Equal Treatment at Work

Sound familiar?

• The job was open, but I had no way to get there.
• “Hiring someone like you will cost me more than it’s worth.”
• I want a real job—one that makes a difference.
• When they saw me at the interview, I knew they would not hire me.
• They will not hire me because they think I am not healthy.

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2. What Does the New UN Law Say?

Here are some of what the new law says about the equal right to work (paraphrased):

• Our work is more than something to keep us busy.
• We are a labor force waiting to be tapped.
• We should get equal pay for equal work.
• Wages help us enjoy our other rights.
• We have an equal right to get a job.
• We need to be able to ride the bus to hold a job.
• We need good health care to be able to keep a job.
• We need laws to protect our right to work.
• We have a lot to give.

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3. Group Activity: What Does That Mean?

Work as a group to read what the new UN law says about work (below) and figure out what it means.

“State Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others: this includes the right to the opportunities to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in the labor market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities.”

Here’s how: Read the above paragraph out loud. Pause every few words and ask what that part means. Include every person in the process. Rewrite the paragraph with simple words, starting with “We have the right to...” When you’re done, rewrite the paragraph on poster paper and decorate it. Send copies to local leaders with a letter. Ask them how your state or nation is making laws to protect this right.

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4. Resource

We Have Human Rights
(28 pp, full color)
Today’s memo is based on a dynamite new book for people with developmental disabilities. You can use it to learn about your rights. You can also use it to talk with others about your rights. It even has great exercises for your group. It’s written for self-advocates around the world.

1. Free download. Get a free download copy of the book from the publisher, Harvard Project on Disability.
2. Order a hard copy. Order hard copies of the book in volume discounts from ACT’s online catalog.

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Reader Responses

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