VetsFirst is urging the United States Senate to move forward with ratification of the Disabilities Treaty following the United States Supreme Court’s unanimous judgment in Bond v. United States confirming that the case is not an obstacle to ratifying the treaty –– a human rights treaty that promotes the ideals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) around the world.

The ruling removes an important barrier that key Senators had identified as hindering further consideration of the Disabilities Treaty.

VetsFirst is joining over 800 disability, veteran, and faith organizations and businesses to call on the Senate to proceed promptly to ratification of the Disabilities Treaty.

“Now that the Supreme Court’s decision has confirmed our assertions that the Bond case was not an impediment to moving forward on the Disabilities Treaty, VetsFirst urges the Senate to make every effort to ensure its ratification by the anniversary of the ADA on July 26, 2014,” said Heather Ansley, VP of VetsFirst, a program of United Spinal Association.

“Ratification of this treaty, which is based on the ADA, will foster the opportunities that will create increased accessibility for Americans with disabilities and disabled veterans as they travel abroad for work, education, and recreation,” Ansley added.

The Disabilities Treaty sets out the obligations of countries that ratify it to promote, protect, fulfill, and ensure the rights of people with disabilities. To date, 158 nations have signed the treaty, including the United States, and 147 nations have ratified it.