Today, Dec. 3, marks the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This year’s theme, Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities, speaks to the importance of accessibility to promote the social, political and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities to have an equal voice in their communities.
“The goal of International Day of Persons with Disabilities is to increase awareness of the benefits of integrating persons with disabilities in every aspect of life,” said Community Services Minister Joanne Bernard
“Persons with disabilities still face many barriers to realizing their full contribution as citizens and consumers in Nova Scotia,” said Anne MacRae, executive director of the Disabled Persons Commission. “We need to continue to support education and awareness of disability issues across Nova Scotia to promote the significant contributions that persons living with disabilities make to our society.”
A flag-raising ceremony was held at Halifax City Hall, today, Dec. 3, to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Events were also held earlier this week to celebrate the international day. On Dec. 1 and Dec. 2, the 8th annual Symposium on Inclusive Education and Employment brought together educators, employers, human rights advocates and persons with disabilities to learn from each other to promote inclusion and empowerment.
Established in 1992, the International Day of Persons With Disabilities aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of the progress from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.