21 June 2023
Self-advocate and ‘Our Voice’ member Emma Bishop has just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip, where she spoke at the United Nations in New York.
Watch Emma in action on the video below
Emma, who is 44, was speaking as a self-advocate at the biggest meeting on disability in the world. She gave two presentations to UN officials, NGOs and people from across the globe, about what policies could be changed to make the world a more inclusive place for people with disabilities.
‘When I did my speech, I felt power building inside me like a volcano. I am so happy about reading my speeches and speaking up for people like me, who don’t have a voice.’
Emma was speaking at COSP, the annual Conference of States Parties to the Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities. Her first presentation was about the need for everyday information to be made accessible for everyone. She told the panel:
‘Think about all the things you need to read each day. Well, I need to read these too. Having things in Easy Read allows me to be in charge of my life.’
Her second presentation was about voting, to which she said:
‘I love voting. It feels good inside and makes me happy about something I’ve done.’
The chair of the panel, Charlotte McClain-Nhlapo, a Human Rights Lawyer from America, congratulated Emma for ‘knowing and using her power’.
Emma was asked to attend the conference by the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA). She is a member of our self-advocacy group ‘Our Voice’.
Our Voice is a team of people who have Down’s syndrome who meet with DSA staff each week to discuss various subjects. Members support the DSA with making new resources, quality checking their information and co-producing training. They also help outside organisations check their resources. The group recently collaborated with the NHS for example, helping them with an Easy Read document about the reasonable adjustment digital flag, using their lived-experience and voices to help people with learning disabilities throughout their country.
Whilst at the conference, Emma also had a meeting with the Minister for Disabled People, Tom Pursglove, as well as networking with other self-advocates from across the globe. She was accompanied by Chris Rees, the DSA’s Policy Manager and Abigail Harris, a DSA Information Officer.
Speaking on her return, Emma said:
‘I think it was an amazing trip. I have never been to New York before. It was fantastic and I am so happy about reading my two speeches and I am so pound of myself.’
You can also listen to Emma talking about the trip Live on BBC Radio Devon here.
Find out how to join Our Voice here