By Sheila C. Serup
Building back towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-Covid 19 world is one of the key principles of the 2021 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
On December 3rd, people with disabilities can take action to make our communities more inclusive for everyone by sharing stories and promoting awareness through social media.
The theme for 2021 IDPD is: Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-Covid 19 world.
The origins of this significant day began in 1992 when the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the annual observance of IDPD to promote the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also increases awareness of the importance of inclusion in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
Celebration of IDPD in Action
Prior to the pandemic, I had the privilege of participating in many IDPD events around Alberta as a member of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities.In particular, one school stands out.
Each year, Crestwood Elementary School in Medicine Hat hosted an annual event for all its students to learn about and experience being disabled through over 20 activities and presentations. Community members came to the school and hosted a variety of interactive events. In one morning, all students were invited to try activities such as wheelchair basketball, sledge hockey and stick curling (for users in wheelchairs), and learn skills such as braille, sign language and lipreading.
This event, in celebration of IDPD, strives to help children build empathy, but also demonstrated what disabled people are capable of doing.
Why it is important to Celebrate IDPD
Today, more than one billion people experience disability, and this figure is predicted to rise, due in part to an aging population and an increase in the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases.
The World Report on Hearing, issued on March 3rd, reported that one in five people worldwide are living with hearing loss, and 430 million require rehabilitation services.
In Canada, it is estimated that one out of 10 Canadians, four million, having a hearing loss including six out of 1000 children. The report noted that approximately 90 percent of people with hearing loss can improve communications with hearing assistive technology or environmental changes.
The World Health Organization notes that “while disability correlates with disadvantage, not all people with disabilities are equally disadvantaged. Much depends on the context in which they live, and whether they have equal access to health, education and employment, among others.”
As we emerge into a post-Covid 19 world and chart a course forward, it is important for members of CHHA to feel they are included in health system planning, development and decision making. Ensuring that people with disabilities are part of the post-Covid recovery period is instrumental in ensuring accessibility and inclusion.
We have learned that COVID-19 has resulted in further disadvantage and increased vulnerability for many persons with disabilities due to barriers in the health and social sectors, including discriminatory attitudes and inaccessible infrastructure.
Celebrating IDPD is important as it shares the successes of people with disabilities with the wider community. Celebrations of this nature breaks down barriers, and leads to greater inclusion.
Where to Attend Virtual IDPD Celebrations Across Canada
This year, organizing committees are hosting events across the country. The following is a sampling of some of the virtual events being held. (Check community listings for events in your area.)
• Edmonton IDPD: The Road to the Podium: Moving from Recreational to Competitive Sports https://www.idpdedmonton.ca/
• Calgary IDPD: Strive Towards your Dreams https://www.facebook.com/CalgaryIDPD
• Manitoba IDPD: Removing Barriers for People who Use Service Dogs https://accessibilitymb.ca/idpd.html
• Toronto IDPD: City of Toronto co-presenting with Toronto Public Libraries a virtual event to celebrate stories and lives of people with disabilities.
How to Share Your Stories and Let your Voice be Heard
Celebrating IDPD in your community or virtually through social media ensures that your voice is heard. Sharing your stories promote understanding of the barriers you have overcome to participate in your communities, and highlights where more work is needed to be done. Everyone can join on social media by:
• Using the hashtags #IDPD | #EveryoneIncluded | #CRPD and promoting this year’s theme on “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.”
• Or simply spread awareness by sharing the website https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-3-december/2021-2.html
We hope that you will join us in celebrating this important occasion!