This comes on the first day of the landmark 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP17), which will take place from 11-13 June 2024.
From chairing COSP16 to liveblogging for UN News at COSP17, the Down Syndrome activist said she made it her mission to amplify voices and drive change on this year’s themes of employment, technology and humanitarian response in times of crisis.
Ahead of COSP17, our guest editor shared a further message:
“What I’m looking forward to most is connecting with others and meeting people who are interested in the same things as me. I’ve made new friends this past year and we’ve been able to share our stories with each other. It’s been a really great experience.”
I’m also excited about accessibility and inclusion. What really stood out to me last year was how much everyone was talking about making things easier for people with disabilities. It was great to see so many people care about making the world a better place.
I’m from Canada and I’m passionate about disability rights. I’m part of the L’Arche community in Toronto. L’Arche has around 160 communities in 37 countries around the world, fostering inclusive relationships between people with and without intellectual disabilities to improve each other’s lives.
Nick Hurd in the UN General Assembly Hall at COSP16.
Jobs, technology and humanitarian crises
This year, COSP17 will focus on technology, employment and humanitarian crises from a disability perspective. Technology is transforming the way we live and work, but it is no different for people with disabilities.
We discuss how advances in technology can create new opportunities and support for individuals like us. From accessibility features on our smartphones to assistive devices in the workplace, technology has the power to level the playing field and enrich our lives.
Unfortunately, conflicts and wars around the world disproportionately affect people with disabilities and I have seen first-hand the challenges faced by members of L’Arche communities in conflict zones. COSP17 will shine a light on these issues and advocate for better support and protection for those affected by conflict.
When it comes to work, finding and keeping a job is hard for everyone, but it’s especially difficult for people with disabilities. Discrimination, lack of accessibility and prejudice are just some of the barriers we face. Through dialogue, we will work towards solutions to improve employment opportunities and guarantee equal rights for all.
These issues are important to me, as is the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
How can technology help me as a person with a disability?
Technology plays an important role in improving the quality of life for me with a disability by enabling me to connect, communicate, and understand information more easily and independently. Here’s how it works:
Stay connected: Technology helps us connect with friends, family, and the world around us. Social media, video calling, messaging apps, and more keep us in touch wherever we are. You can also follow me on Instagram.
Improved communication: Technological tools like speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and communication apps help make communication easier. Whether you’re chatting with friends or attending a meeting, it makes it easier to express your thoughts and understand the thoughts of others. For example, I plan to use WhatsApp to stay in touch with the L’Arche team while I’m at COSP17 in New York City.
Comprehending information: Technology helps people comprehend information. Tools such as screen readers, magnifiers, and accessible websites help people effectively access and understand information so they can learn, work, and engage in different activities.
Nick Hurd is working as a creative consultant on L’Arche’s short film production sites in Canada and the US in March 2022.
3 ways getting a job changed my life
For people with disabilities, work is important. Most importantly, acceptance is important.
My animated film Freebirds was shortlisted for the 2021 Academy Awards. This was a huge milestone for me, showing that people with disabilities can also be in the spotlight. Working as Creative Director on this film was a highlight of my career.
It’s also important to work together. In my acting work, collaboration is key – working with others helps us come up with better ideas and achieve great results.
Equally important is being able to express yourself. For me, as an artist and freelancer, having work means being able to express my unique perspective. Being able to be myself and express my talents is a wonderful thing.
Dignity and Disability
Every person has the right to feel safe and respected in life. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or if you have a disability. It is never okay to be treated poorly. Bullying, abuse, or neglect should never be tolerated, whether at school, work, or anywhere else.
In difficult situations such as emergencies, disasters, and wars, it is very important that governments do everything in their power to keep us safe. They must follow the rules set by the world to make sure everyone is safe.
It is very important to remember that no one should be forgotten or left behind. We all have the right to be protected and valued.
Nick Hurd (right) and his L’Arche Canada colleague Warren Potts are interviewed at the United Nations.
Human Rights for All
Why do human rights matter to me as a person with a disability? Human rights are more than just words on a piece of paper. They are essential for people like me to live full lives and make meaningful contributions to society. I think there are three reasons why this is so:
Get the help you need: Humanitarian rights allow you to access vital resources and support services, such as healthcare, education, work and tools tailored to your needs, so you can live a life of dignity and independence.
Feeling included: These rights promote inclusion by fighting disability-based discrimination. These rights combat stereotypes and prejudices and ensure fair treatment for all. Humanitarian rights make societies more welcoming and value the contributions of everyone.
Speak up for change: When it comes to conflict, we know that people with disabilities are harder hit in war. As part of L’Arche, we have communities experiencing this in places like Haiti, Bethlehem and Ukraine. Being part of L’Arche’s support community unites us, gives us strength and resilience, and allows us to come together in difficult times. With the support of humanitarian rights, we can ensure that people with disabilities are not forgotten in difficult situations.
Rights and Opportunities
Living a life of dignity means having all the rights of a human being. Everyone should have the right to make their own choices about what they want to do and where they want to go. We all have the right to a safe home and enough food to eat every day.
COSP17 begins on Tuesday at United Nations Headquarters.
Communication is also very important. It is very important to be spoken to in a way that we can understand, so that we can express ourselves and be understood by others. And it’s not just about talking. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to get health care, to go to school, to find a job they love.
Governments have a big role to play in ensuring these rights are protected, and it is vital that our voices are heard. People with disabilities deserve the support they need to live happy and fulfilling lives.
COSP strives to ensure everyone has a fair chance in life, regardless of ability. It’s a place to create change for the better.
Let’s work together to ensure that everyone has the rights and opportunities they deserve.
I will be doing the UN News live blog on 11 June, so please join me there. I will be live at 8am. Tune in!”
Read more UN news here.