Here is the announcement on Facebook by Speech Pathology Australia:
Speech Pathology Australia has just been granted NGO (Non-Government Organisation) Accreditation Status by the United Nations! The Association’s application for new NGO accreditation to the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD (Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability) was recently approved by consensus at the first meeting at the CoSP 11th session on 12 June in New York.
What this means is that Speech Pathology Australia can send delegations to the CRPD Conference of State Parties and participate in UN meetings and the Civil Society forum concerning the implementation of the Convention. The Association can now also host a side event at future CRPD Conferences of States Parties. Such a proposition has been under active consideration by the International Communication Project, as well as the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Human Rights Commission.
It is pleasing that the RCSLT has also just been granted accreditation status, providing further support for possible future ICP activities to promote communication as a human right. Additionally, the Association is aiming to apply for Consultative Status with United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which will provide further opportunities for consultation at this global level.
Gail Mulcair Chief Executive Officer
