Joseph Murray, WFD Board member and Chair of WFD Human Rights Group, reports from the 5th session of the UN Conference of State Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in New York.

WFD President Colin Allen, WFDYS President Jenny Nilsson are also in attendance at today’s meeting, along with deaf people from six different countries – Japan, Italy, Thailand, Hungary, Nigeria and the US. Other organisations are also present including non-government organisations (NGOs)

The interesting part of this morning session is the elections for members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Twenty candidates are in the race for nine places. Dr László Gábor Lovázy from Hungary, who is hard of hearing, was elected to the Committee. He is the first hard of hearing candidate in this important position. The WFD congratulates Hungary. You can see the WFD President’s interview with Dr Lovázy on the WFD website and Facebook group.

There is a press conference with Jenny Nilsson of WFDYS and Member of European Parliament Dr Adam Kosa. The importance of deaf children being taught in signing environments is raised.

In the afternoon, a round table event takes place on the subject of accessibility and technology. Examples of the implementation of accessible technologies are offered, a highlight being the German government’s website, which is fully accessible in German Sign Language.

Joseph Murray informs that WFDYS President Jenny Nilsson will sit on a round table event the following day on the subject of Children with Disabilities.