- Why do we need a CRPD course from a survivor of psychiatry perspective?
Many survivors, activists, would-be activists and allies know about the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) as a human rights treaty that requires the abolition of forced psychiatry. This course will help them to understand the technical details of the CRPD to make these arguments.
- Who can take this course?
This course is for anyone who is interested in learning about the CRPD from a survivor of psychiatry perspective. Students will be asked to address the issues from this perspective, as a survivor or as an ally.
It is not necessary to have a prior background in human rights or in law. Lawyers are welcome and will find materials to engage their thinking. Non-lawyers are equally welcome and will find that if they put in the effort they will gain a good understanding.
- Who is the teacher?
Tina Minkowitz, a human rights lawyer and a survivor of psychiatry active in the movement since 1978, was the main representative of the World Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry in the drafting and negotiation of the CRPD. She set out the initial building blocks for advocacy that led to the normative change requiring abolition of forced psychiatry, and continues to develop the practical theory needed to put this norm into practice. Please see her writings at https://uio.academia.edu/TinaMinkowitz and her blog posts on Mad in America and on her individual blog tastethespring.
- How does the course work?
Stay tuned for details. We are currently revising the format, though it is likely the content will not change much.
In the past, the course was taught by lectures via online webconferencing, with readings and assignments for students to work through on their own, and an email list for discussions. Students who completed all the assignments received a certificate.
The materials and assignments currently viewable on the site are free for anyone to make use of in the interim period.
- Sponsoring organization and related sites
The course is a project of the Center for the Human Rights of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry. Please visit us at www.chrusp.org, and visit our Absolute Prohibition Campaign at www.absoluteprohibition.org.
We will generally not respond to requests for individual advocacy or advice, as we do not provide such services. We hope that others will develop the capability to meet those urgent needs.
(c) Tina Minkowitz 2020