Did you know the difference between the CRPD and the ADA?
The CRPD (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities) is a global human rights treaty that tells countries how disabled people’s rights should be protected.
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) is a U.S. civil rights law that bans disability discrimination and gives us concrete rights we can enforce here at home.
Knowing about both matters because the ADA is what we can use right now to ask for access, push back on discrimination, and file complaints or lawsuits.
The CRPD gives us a global standard and language to say, “Disabled people everywhere deserve more than the bare minimum” and to hold governments accountable.
Together, they help us see when what we’re getting is just compliance with the law vs. what true disability justice and human rights should look like.
When we understand these tools, we’re better equipped to advocate for ourselves, support each other, and push for systemic change, not just small accommodations.