But in 1981, the International Year of Disabled People, the World Programme of Action concerning disabled people saw the light and was finally adopted by the United Nations in 1992. Still there was no international binding document. So in 1993 the UN Standard Rules on the Equalisation of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. All 75 governments in all member states agreed with these Rules and signed the papers. That means that the member states are not legally forced to carry out the Rules, but morally they have to work on it and it should become an accepted standard internationally.
The Rules cover all aspects of a disabled person's life and show how governments can make social, political and legal changes to make sure that disabled people become full and equal citizens of their countries. They also provide the basis for technical and economic co-operation among states, the United Nations and other international organisations.
What can you do as a (member of a) stuttering association?
The most important thing is to read and learn about the Rules. You can get an information kit in English, French, and Spanish; but in many countries, other disability organisations are also working with the Rules. They might have information material in your own language. In other ways, try the Ministry for Disabled People, the Department of Social Services, or the Office for Foreign Affairs. Get to know more about the United Nations.
Ask your government what is being done about the Rules. Are there meetings ? What laws and policies are there right now ? Whom should you ask, or talk to ? Try to contact different departments. Put pressure on your political representatives to follow the Rules. Try to involve professionals, such as Speech Therapists. Show the cost-effecfiveness of people who stutter being participating members of the community.
What are organisations for disabled people in your country, or at local level, doing ? Are they working on the Rules ? Can you "join hands" and get stronger ? Maybe you fight for the some rights; it will make your voice stronger if you join forces.
Use the media. Write them, call them. Advertise about meetings, talk about what is going on. Talk about yourself ! Talk about your stuttering association, both at local and national levels; talk about your own problems and what you can do if you get the chance.
Use the Standard Rules as a basis for your arguments to get better services and improvements to legislation. You can also use the ELSA statement. Don't just talk to governments. Use the Rules to speak to your local authorities and communities. They need to conform to the Rules as well !
Every project you start, every letter you write, every call you make, reminds people of the Standard Rules. They are written for us; let's use them !!
Editor's note: this is an abridged version of a presentation originally given by Anita at an ELSA seminar in Köln, Germany in October, 1996.
Key objectives 
Youth meetings 
