Children with Disabilities

UNICEF's Fight for Equality

One out of every 20 children aged 14 or younger—93 million kids around the world—are living with a moderate or severe disability of some kind. Many are invisible, excluded from school, hidden by their families and abandoned by their governments. We believe that regardless of ability, all children have a right to reach their full potential.

VIDEO: UNICEF and Disabilities

Removing Barriers so Kids Can Flourish

The United States has made enormous progress in addressing the needs of people with disabilities, and should be helping other countries build the political will, policies and infrastructure for truly inclusive societies. But the U.S. can't take the lead until it commits to the global treaty that specifically addresses these issues: the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Approving the CRPD won't require changes to American law, but it will require other countries to improve their own records and remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from realizing their dreams. Urge your senators to take up and ratify the CRPD this year.