One of DRI’s main strategic goals is to advance the right of all people with disabilities to live as part of society. While Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities establishes a right to live in the community with choices equal to others, millions of children and adults with disabilities remain detained in orphanages, psychiatric facilities, and other institutions around the world.
In honor of International Women's Day, check out DRI's new page highlighting our work on behalf of women and girls with disabilities - www.driadvocacy.org/women-and-girls.
DRI President Laurie Ahern is the winner of the $100,000 Encore Purpose Prize in recognition of her pioneering work to protect the human rights of children with disabilities detained in institutions. Laurie has been with DRI for over a decade, and has served as DRI's President since 2009.
Each year, Encore.org awards the Purpose Prize to six outstanding individuals who are using their encore years - the time of traditional retirement - to undertake significant social impact projects.
Disability Rights International will be profiled on The Visionaries, the award-winning public television series, hosted by acclaimed actor Sam Waterston, formerly of Law & Order.
June 18, 2014 – Washington, DC – Last weekend, the New York Times shined a light into the dark corners