UE recognizes that disability rights are fundamental human rights, and that those who live with a disability of any kind deserve the same opportunities, compensation, and protections as all other workers. Discrimination against any person on the basis of disability is a violation of our inherent dignity and worth.
People with disabilities face systemic barriers, discrimination, and exclusion in various aspects of life, including employment, education, healthcare, transportation, housing, and access to information and communication. Barriers that impede or hinder those with disabilities go against the principles of our union.
Most workers will experience some form of disability in their lifetime. Though the severity of disabilities varies, every worker with a disability also has a right to a healthy and safe workplace. Although much progress has been made since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), much remains to be done. Public access, workplace accommodation, accessible transit, legislative representation, access to education and vocational training, and job opportunity should be a priority of the labor movement as much as any other front on the fight for worker and human rights. Fellow workers, regardless of circumstance or ability, deserve full access to society and opportunity, and the dignity of labor.
UE affirms that all workers with disabilities should enjoy all human rights and fundamental freedoms, and believes that an inclusive society benefits all members by fostering diversity, innovation, and a stronger sense of community.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THIS 79th UE CONVENTION:
- Affirms its unwavering commitment to the full realization of the rights of people with disabilities, as enshrined in international and national legal frameworks;
- Calls for the immediate and effective implementation of policies and programs designed to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities and promote their full and effective participation and inclusion in society on an equal basis with others;
- Demands Congress strengthen the Americans with Disabilities Act;
- Calls on the union at all levels to commit to accessibility and accommodations in operations;
- Urges all relevant stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, businesses, and communities, to:
- Promote accessibility by ensuring physical accessibility to buildings, transportation, and public spaces, as well as digital accessibility to information, communication technologies, and services;
- Ensure inclusive education by developing and implementing inclusive education systems at all levels that provide quality, accessible, and appropriate education for persons with disabilities without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity;
- Advance employment opportunities by promoting equitable employment opportunities, prohibiting discrimination in the workplace, and providing reasonable accommodations to enable persons with disabilities to secure, retain, and advance in employment;
- Guarantee access to healthcare by ensuring non-discriminatory access to comprehensive health services, including mental health services, that are sensitive to the specific needs of persons with disabilities;
- Support independent living by fostering environments that support the independent living of persons with disabilities, including access to community-based services and assistive technologies;
- Combat discrimination and stigma by undertaking public awareness campaigns to challenge negative stereotypes, prejudices, and harmful practices concerning persons with disabilities and promoting a culture of respect and inclusion;
- Ensure participation by actively consulting with and involving people with disabilities, through their representative organizations, in the development and implementation of legislation, policies, and programs concerning them.