Dear DRI Supporter,

We know you care about children with disabilities and the work of Disability Rights International – and we continue to need your support. There were a total of 60 infants at this Kenyan facility, with only 4 caregivers, barely able to wash, feed and change diapers. No time for play, hugs, kisses or responding to a cry of fear or the need for touch. Even orphanages with the best intentions cannot provide for the needs of infants and toddlers in a large group setting. No matter how clean or humane they might appear, physical and psychological damage will occur.

Washington, DC – September 26, 2016 – DRI’s Worldwide Campaign to End the Institutionalization of Children is featured today in the Guardian. The Guardian article includes interviews with Eric Rosenthal, Executive Director of DRI, and Laurie Ahern, President, as well as photos from DRI’s investigations.

DRI has found through its investigations that abuse against women and girls with disabilities – such as trafficking, forced sterilization, sexual violence, and physical abuse – is rampant, especially when women and girls are locked away and forgotten in institutions and orphanages.

Listen to DRI President Laurie Ahern discuss how her personal background led her to DRI and her commitment to our work on Experience Talks, a radio show based in Los Angeles. Listen here: http://www.experiencetalks.org/listen. 

Laurie Ahern is the winner of the 2015 Encore.org Purpose Prize.  

One of DRI’s main strategic goals is to advance the right of all people with disabilities to live as part of society. While Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities establishes a right to live in the community with choices equal to others, millions of children and adults with disabilities remain detained in orphanages, psychiatric facilities, and other institutions around the world. 

 In honor of International Women's Day, check out DRI's new page highlighting our work on behalf of women and girls with disabilities - www.driadvocacy.org/women-and-girls.

DRI President Laurie Ahern is the winner of the $100,000 Encore Purpose Prize in recognition of her pioneering work to protect the human rights of children with disabilities detained in institutions. Laurie has been with DRI for over a decade, and has served as DRI's President since 2009. 

Each year, Encore.org awards the Purpose Prize to six outstanding individuals who are using their encore years - the time of traditional retirement - to undertake significant social impact projects.