In celebration of the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), held an event to share the U.S. experience in developing the ADA and to discuss Ethiopia’s draft comprehensive disability proclamation, which is Ethiopia’s first effort to effectively address the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
The program featured Executive Director of the United States Access Board, Dr. Sachin Dev Pavithran, who joined virtually to talk about the ADA and other issues related to PWD in the United States. Dr. Pavithran responded to questions about the challenges of persons with disabilities, civil and human rights issues, and the importance of inclusion raised by participants. Members of the House of People’s Representatives (HoPR), senior members of the EHRC, civil society representatives, rights advocates, and representatives from organizations of persons with disabilities were present to share their views and concerns. Representatives from the Ministry of Women and Labor, who are working on the draft comprehensive disability proclamation, attended to learn more about the process, challenges, and impact of the ADA in the United States and to listen to stakeholders.