UN Convention on Disability Rights and Manuals for Self-Advocates Part II

The United Nations has taken a strong position on disability, disability rights, and the need for a paradigm shift away from outdated, unproductive medical-model thinking. In 2006 the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was enacted. From the UN Enable FAQ (which seriously I want to quote in its entirety, it's that good):

The drafters of this Convention were clear that disability should be seen as the result of the interaction between a person and his or her environment. Disability is not something that resides in the individual as the result of some impairment. This convention recognizes that disability is an evolving concept and that legislation may adapt to reflect positive changes within society.

additionally, referring back to the theme of respectful language:

In most parts of the world there are deep and persistent negative stereotypes and prejudices against persons with certain conditions and differences. These attitudes themselves also shape who is considered to be a person with a disability in each society as well as have contributed to a negative image of persons with disabilities. The language used to refer to persons with disabilities has played a significant role in the persistence of negative stereotypes. Clearly, terms such as "crippled" or "mentally retarded" are derogative.

If you're like me and have trouble understanding the language of the actual Convention, the document We Have Human Rights from the Harvard Project on Disability (pointed out to me by Autism cause member Mark Romoser, thank you!) summarizes the rights of people with disabilities (including autism) under the UN Convention in direct, concrete language. Change Your Life with Human Rights is even better as it provides a number of concrete ways to develop and engage in self-advocacy--by gaining self-advocacy skills, by educating others, and by taking an active role in policy change. The Change Your Life document is a super read for learning about and engaging in self-advocacy, from the context of the UN Convention rights.