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Recognizing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

By December 3, 2009August 6th, 2019Uncategorized

We all know when Boxing Day is – it’s on our calendars and it’s ingrained in our culture. However you may not be aware that December 3rd is officially the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Promoted by the United Nations, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an annual international observance that began in 1992. Every year focuses on a different topic relating to disability such as “Arts, Culture and Independent Living” in 1992 or “E-Accessibility” in 2006. This year’s theme is “Making the MDGs Inclusive: Empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world,” to ensure that internationally agreed upon development goals are inclusive and take into account the rights of persons with disabilities.

In Canada, nearly half (49.5%) of working age adults with disabilities are either unemployed or not in the labour force. (Click here for more stats on disability in Canada)

Career Edge Organization celebrates diversity in abilities every day by creating paid internship opportunities for recent graduates with disabilities with our host employers, and our Ability Edge program is continuing to grow and gain momentum.

How did your organization recognize this day? We want to hear from you! Share your stories with us and we will post them on our blog!

Here are a few interesting articles about how this very important day is being commemorated in different parts of the world:

Geneva: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-12/03/content_12578389.htm

Mysore, India: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/International-Disability-Day-observed/articleshow/5297438.cms

Sri Lanka: http://www.colombopage.com/archive_091/Dec1259853822CH.html

New York” “Stevie Wonder has hot debut as UN peace envo” http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gz6eEVmGX6X7ZT4XJY2LjPPTDsigD9CC1SG80

Ghana: http://www.ghananewsagency.org/s_social/r_10033/

Australia: http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/6500-youth-with-disability-in-aged-care-20091203-k74a.html