Civilizing Disability Society: The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Socializing Grassroots Disabled Persons' Organizations in Nicaragua

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is increasingly used to civilize grassroots disabled persons organizations (DPOs) around the world, but this can lead to local groups being targeted for change instead of disability-rights advocacy. Civilizing Disability Society demonstrates how local organizations navigate pressures from abroad as they attempt to address the health, education, and economic needs of their members.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 26 May 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is gaining widespread adoption among grassroots disabled persons organizations (DPOs) across the globe. The international disability rights movement actively advocates for the core norm of the CRPD, which encourages disabled individuals to mobilize in support of their rights under the Convention. However, an unintended consequence of these efforts is that local groups dedicated to social support and service provision, rather than disability-rights advocacy, are being targeted for change. While the resources provided by international actors to grassroots organizations offer new opportunities, they also create barriers to local groups' ability to promote full civic participation of their members within the local community.

To explore this issue in depth, Civilizing Disability Society provides a detailed account of grassroots DPOs in Nicaragua. Through this case study, the book demonstrates how local organizations navigate the pressures from abroad as they strive to fulfill the health, education, and economic needs of their members within their own communities.

One of the key challenges faced by grassroots DPOs is the need to balance the demands of international actors with the local context and priorities. Many international organizations prioritize the promotion of disability-rights advocacy and may pressure local groups to align their activities with their global agendas. This can create tensions and conflicts within local organizations, as they may prioritize the needs and perspectives of their members over the dictates of international donors.

To address this challenge, grassroots DPOs often develop strategic partnerships with local governments, community leaders, and other stakeholders. These partnerships can help to ensure that the CRPD is implemented in a way that is responsive to the local context and addresses the specific needs of disabled individuals and their communities. By working collaboratively with these stakeholders, grassroots DPOs can develop more effective and sustainable strategies for promoting their members' rights and well-being.

Another challenge faced by grassroots DPOs is the lack of resources and capacity to implement their programs and activities. Many DPOs operate on a shoestring budget, relying on volunteers and community donations to fund their operations. This can limit their ability to provide comprehensive services and support to their members.

To address this challenge, grassroots DPOs often seek funding and support from international organizations, government agencies, and private donors. These partnerships can provide valuable resources and expertise that can help to strengthen the capacity of local organizations and enable them to provide more effective and sustainable services to their members.

In conclusion, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is increasingly being used to civilize grassroots disabled persons organizations (DPOs) around the world. While these efforts offer new opportunities for disability-rights advocacy, they also create barriers to local groups' ability to promote full civic participation of their members in the local community. By developing strategic partnerships with local governments, community leaders, and other stakeholders, grassroots DPOs can navigate the pressures from abroad and implement the CRPD in a way that is responsive to the local context and addresses the specific needs of disabled individuals and their communities. Additionally, by seeking funding and support from international organizations, government agencies, and private donors, grassroots DPOs can strengthen their capacity to provide more effective and sustainable services to their members.

Weight: 268g
ISBN-13: 9781108446433