People with disabilities – one billion people – are one of the most excluded groups in society. Annually, on Dec. 3, Vancouver joins cities around the world to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year’s theme, Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world, continues to promote the positive impact of integrating people with disabilities into all spheres of society – including political, social, economic, and cultural life.
The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
A local support event
Project EveryBODY’s PEBCelebrates Live! is a free event in Vancouver, recognising and celebrating the UN designated IDPD.
Presented by a collaboration of community and non-profit organizations, who embrace diversity and inclusion, the event showcases the talents of people of all abilities, honours the achievements of people with diverse abilities, and advocates for flourishing communities that are as diverse as they are inclusive.
The evening program includes short films, dance, and other exciting live presentations. The event is family friendly and free to the public. Meet local artists whose creative gifts and personal stories will inspire.
Inclusion is needed more than ever
Celebrated around the world, IDPD mobilizes support for critical issues relating to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, promotes awareness-raising about disability issues, and draws attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all. United Nations (UN) agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions and the private sector are encouraged to support IDPD by collaborating with organizations, for people with disabilities, to arrange events and activities.
Disability inclusion is an essential condition to upholding human rights, sustainable development, and peace and security. It is also central to the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no one behind. The commitment to realizing the rights of persons with disabilities is not only a matter of justice – it is an investment in a
common future.
The COVID-19 pandemic across the world has deepened pre-existing inequalities, uncovered the extent of exclusion and highlighted more pressing engagement towards disability inclusion. Persons with disabilities are among the hardest hit in this crisis in terms of fatalities.
In general, persons with disabilities are less likely to access health care, education, employment; and therefore, to participate in the community. An integrated approach is needed to ensure persons with disabilities are not left behind.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities promotes an understanding of disability issues, increases awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities, and supports their inclusion in every aspect of life.
In 2006, Council approved International Day of Persons with Disabilities as an official annual event in the City of Vancouver.
Be it through music, art, performance, comedy or something else, there is something for EveryBODY at PEBCelebrates Live!
The event, featuring an art show and sale, as well as a film festival and performance artist, is planned for Dec. 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.. The venue is fully wheelchair and walker accessible. ASL interpreters are available on site. VocalEye live description will be available for people with vision loss.
For more information visit:
www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/2022/10/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-2022
