About Us

Disabled Peoples' International (DPI) is the international cross-disability organization established in 1981 to promote the human rights of persons with disabilities through full participation, equalization of opportunity and international cooperation. DPI is controlled and directed by persons with disabilities through their national assemblies in over 130 countries worldwide.

During its World Assembly in Sapporo, Japan, in 2002, DPI was mandated by its members to actively participate in the negotiations on a United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. The logo identifying this tool kit was developed by DPI-Japan to mark that World Assembly and is a reminder to DPI and its members of the commitment made in Sapporo. Since 2002, DPI members around the world have been involved in influencing this historic treaty, and drafting of the Convention is nearing a close. It is time now to work with national governments in all countries towards ratification of the Convention.

This tool kit was developed by DPI, with the generous support of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Finland to provide National Assemblies and individuals with disabilities with the information needed to be part of the ratification process. We welcome you to this site, and to the realization of this historic treaty.

DPI Founding Chair Ron Chandran-Dudley presents the Sapporo Declaration