Today, we observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations (UN) has outlined and reiterated its commitment to calling for the creation of inclusive, accessible and sustainable societies and communities – most notably with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
Over time, the UN has honed its focus on promoting the well-being and welfare of people living with disabilities, and in 1992 called for an international day of celebration for people living with disabilities to be held on 3rd December each year.
This year, IDPD focuses on the empowerment of persons with disabilities for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as anticipated in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which pledges to ‘leave no one behind’.
“When we secure the rights of people living with disabilities, we move closer to the agenda of 2030, to leave no-one behind,” stated UN Secretary-General, António Guterres. “While we still have much to do, we have seen important progress,” which he outlines in the video below.
US EVENT
There are various events taking place around the world to mark IDPD. A one-day event organised by the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs, will take place at its US headquarters today. Following the official launch of the IDPD, there will be a panel discussion on new initiatives for disability inclusion, as well as its ‘spotlight’ event, ‘Sport for all for peace and development’, confirms the UN. Click here for more.
UK EVENTS
The UK’s non-profit Business Disability Forum has published a ‘Manifesto for Inclusive Change’ today, and is calling on the future UK Government to commit to a series of actions to support businesses to deliver on disability inclusion, as reported earlier today.
The CEO of Purple Space, Kate Nash, and Caroline Casey, Founder of #valuable and The Valuable 500, will also start their ‘epic’ #PurpleLightUp journey across London in a purple taxi to find out how businesses are supporting disabled employees to mark the day.
Just a few days ago, Purple Space, which represents the world’s Disabled Employee Networks, announced that it has aligned its PurpleLightUp initiative with The Valuable 500, the global movement putting disability on the business leadership agenda. According to both Nash and Casey, this partnership will ensure that their work drives further progress for people with disabilities, and supports the work of the International Labour Organisation’s Global Business and Disability Network. In the video below, both leaders explain the benefits of uniting their movements.
ASIA WEBINARS
Community business has organised several webinar events across Asia focusing on disability. It has launched two Asia Disability Country Briefs – one for Singapore and the other for the Philipinnes – to discuss initiatives designed to support employers and invite leading companies to share their approach to disability in both countries. Another webinar, This is Me in India – Disability Perspective, will showcase the power of sharing stories on personal experiences of disability, including long-term health conditions. Click here for more information on the Community Business webinars.
AUSTRALIAN EVENT
The Physical Disability Council of New South Wales in Australia is holding an event to explore Disability Access & Inclusion on 11th December 2019 in Liverpool. Entitled ‘How to improve Disability Access and Inclusion – Working for Change in your Community’, the event will be hosted by Geoff Trappett, a wheelchair user and Director of Inclusion Moves.
Trappet will be visiting the Liverpool Peer Group to share his experience and discuss the strategies he uses to work for change. He’ll share his approach to breaking down stereotyping around disability and talking to business to improve access, says the organiser. The free event, which will be held in the Orange Room at Liverpool Library, is limited to just 30 places, so early booking is advisable. Click here for more details.
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