Saturday, Dec. 3, is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD)! Since 1992, the United Nations has declared this international date to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and to increase awareness of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. 

This year’s theme for IDPwD is Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation in Fuelling an Accessible and Equitable World. 

There are tons of great events happening throughout the week leading up to, and after, the big day! To celebrate, we put together a list of our top 10 ways you can participate.

RHF Events

Nov. 30, 2022 Join the Power of Inclusive Allyship Panel 

RHF is hosting a live discussion on ‘The Power of Inclusive Allyship’ with allies, advocates, and people with lived experience. Please join us for what promises to be an engaging discussion about the importance of allyship and how you can be an ally for people with disabilities. Panelists will discuss the definition of allyship and its importance, what allyship means from a personal perspective, and tangible actions we can take to become better allies with the disability community. This panel takes place at 10:00am PST on November 30th. Register.

Dec. 1 and 2, 2022: Youth Exchange: Disability & Social Justice 

The Rick Hansen Foundation School Program (RHFSP) is hosting two panels, one in French and one in English. 

Dec. 1 (French): Join an RHF Ambassador and member of RHF’s Youth Leadership Committee as they discuss topics such as social justice and the social model of disability on Dec. 1 at 7:00am PST. This panel will be in French only and is designed for an audience of grade 6 to 12 students. Register.

Dec. 2 (English): Join members of the Rick Hansen Foundation's Youth Leadership Committee as they discuss topics such as social justice and the social model of disability on Dec. 2 at 10:00am PST. Designed for an audience of grade 6 to 12 students. Register.

Following the Youth Exchange Panel:

Have your classroom or youth group compare the laws set out by the United Nations Convention on Persons with Disabilities to current realities around the world. Designed for students in grades 9-12. Get the lesson now.

Quick Actions 

Right Now: Join the conversation on social media using #IDPwD2 and #IDPwD2022. Follow influencers and content creators who are persons with disabilities (we have included a few suggestions below):  

• Molly Burke (@MollyBurkeOfficial on Instagram) 
• Imani Barbarin (@Crutches_And_Spice on Instagram) 
• Bean Gill (@branzoid on Instagram) 
• Russell Harvard (@russellwharvard on Twitter) 
• Lauren “Lolo” Spencer (@itslololove on Instagram) 
• Spencer West (@Spencer2TheWest on TikTok) 
• Haben Girma (Haben Girma on LinkedIn) 
• Taylor Lindsay-Noel (@AccessByTay on TikTok) 
• Jessica Kellgren-Fozard (Jessica Kellgren-Fozard on YouTube) 

Anytime: Get Informed! Learn about the origins and theme of IDPwD from the United Nations.

Other Great Events  

Dec. 2: Addressing Ableism, Disability, and Accessibility in Canadian Higher Education 

The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) is hosting the second in the series of National Dialogues and Action for Inclusive Higher Education and Communities on Dec. 2 from 10:00am-5:00pm EST. The discussion will explore barriers for persons with disabilities learning and working in post-secondary education, and ways to create meaningful solutions. One of the panelists is Kate Clark. Kate is a research professional at Dalhousie University’s School of Planning, an RHFAC Professional and has served as a member of the Goods and Services Working Group for Dalhousie University’s Accessibility Plan. Register.

Nov 29-30, Dec 7-8: Disability and Work in Canada 2022 Virtual Conference 

The Disability and Work in Canada 2022 (DWC 2022) Conference will be held virtually this year over four days (Nov. 29 and 30 and Dec. 7 and 8) from 12:15pm-3:30pm EST. The theme for this year’s conference is the “Disability, inclusion and belonging in the Canadian Workplace,” with subthemes for each day as follows

Tuesday Nov. 29, 2022, at 12:15pm-3:30pm EST – Disability in the workplace

Wednesday Nov. 30, 2022, at 12:15pm-3:30pm EST – Inclusion in the workplace

Wednesday Dec. 7, 2022, at 12:15pm-3:30pm EST – Belonging in the workplace

Thursday Dec. 8, 2022, at 12:15pm-3:30pm EST – Inclusive workplace strategy

Register.

Nov. 30 UBC Okanagan Campus 

In collaboration with Thrive Month at UBCO, the University is welcoming students, staff, faculty, and community members to come together at their Okanagan Campus between 12:00pm and 3:00pm for snacks, a pop-up art gallery, games, a chance to win a door prize and the opportunity to take an ASL (American Sign Language) lesson at 1:00pm or 2:00pm. Everyone is welcome! Learn more.

Dec. 5: Canadian Accessibility Network (CAN) and Statistics Canada Deafblind Panel 

On Monday, Dec. 5, the Canadian Accessibility Network (CAN) and Statistics Canada are cohosting a panel that will provide insights into the Deafblind community from 12pm to 1 pm EST. This informative discussion will provide insights into the Deafblind community, share inclusive practices, and address misconceptions. The panel will feature perspectives and lived experiences from two Deafblind individuals, as well as a representative from an organization that provides Deafblind community services. Register.

Nov. 29: Accelerating Accessibility: The Launch of a New Coalition

The Accelerating Accessibility Coalition (AAC) is a community of residential real estate and accessibility leaders that are striving to create a more accessible Canada. On Nov. 29 at 10:00am EST, learn from housing and accessibility leaders on the importance of creating accessible communities and how to get involved, as well as a panel discussion of diverse speakers of how we can significantly increase the supply of new housing that is accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and abilities. Register.

Bonus Event! Dec. 5: Employment and Social Development Canada Youth with Disabilities Town Hall

Employment and Social Development Canada is holding a virtual Youth with Disabilities Town Hall on Monday, Dec. 5, from 11:00am to 1:00pm (EST). The Town Hall will be hosted by the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, as part of the Government of Canada’s program in recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022.

Register for this event by providing the following information to Accessible-Canada@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca no later than 5:00pm (EST) Nov. 30:
 
•    Contact information: Name, phone number, email address
•    Confirmation that the participant is between 15 to 30 years of age
•    If accompanied by a support person, please provide their name, phone number, email address
•    Official language of preference: English or French
•    Interpretive or other services or accommodations that the participant requires
•    Confirmation that the participant has read and agrees to the terms outlined in the attached ESDC Video and Photo Consent and Release Form. This may either be done by completing the attached form or confirming in the registration email that the participant has read and accepts the terms outlined in the form.
 

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Have an event for IDPwD you’d like us to feature? Email us at info@rickhansen.com