Books flying into a tablet (metaphor for ebooks).

Convenient and affordable access to books in formats that can be read by individuals who are blind or visually impaired has long been a major struggle. With high-quality audio and braille production, and more recently, digital production, books are now far more available for those of us with vision loss, at least in the wealthier nations.

Please take action today—this afternoon and early tomorrow—and contact your U.S. senators to urge them to vote yes to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The Senate will take up the CRPD tomorrow (December 4) at noon. It is fitting that we take this action today, as we recognize the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

World flags on display, waving in the wind against blue sky and clouds.

On July 26, the 22nd anniversary of the Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is considering whether to recommend that the Senate ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Wooden gavel, as symbol for legislation.

On May 24, by a vote of 96 to 1, the U.S. Senate passed a massive package of policy updates known as the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act. Read more about the legislation at:

http://www.help.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=e1bfeed3-75b8-4945-81bd-af83bdaec2d3&groups=Chair