International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2015: A Day for All
This year’s theme “A Day for All” gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of persons with disabilities in our families, workplaces, schools and communities. It is also a day to reaffirm our commitment toward embracing diversity in our lives, and to celebrate and welcome disability as part of human diversity.
Across the globe, many people with disabilities enjoy freedom, dignity and equal rights. They are free to choose their work, receive wages, learn skills and be part of the general workforce. As active participants in society, they can improve their standard of living and contribute to the communities where they live. Their acceptance as productive and equal members of the community illustrates how their “differences” represent human diversity.
While much has been achieved over the past years and persons with disabilities have gained recognition of their rights by countries around the globe, and with them, their rightful place in society, there is also much work ahead. For a vast majority of disabled people formidable barriers – attitudinal, physical, legal, policy, lack of information in accessible formats –remain. Yet by creating more supportive and inclusive communities and institutions in which diversity is fully embraced, societies prosper and endure.
To mark the Day, the ILO will host a dialogue on Challenging Stereotypes that will feature Spanish actor Pablo Pineda who was born with Down syndrome. Mr. Pineda received the San Sebastian International Film Festival’s “Concha de Plata” award as best actor of 2009 for his leading role in the movie “Yo También” (“Me too”). He is also the first student with Down syndrome in Europe to obtain a university degree. Mr. Pineda is also connected to Fundación Adecco in Spain. Adecco is one of the 11 multinational companies that signed the ILO Global Business and Disability Network Charter on promoting the inclusion of disabled persons in the world of work.
Follow the event live from the ILO headquarters on Thursday, 3 December, from 10:30 to 12 noon.
For the complete list of events being organized around A Day for All, individually and/or in collaboration with other international organizations, visit: www.ohchr.org/aday4all
While much has been achieved over the past years and persons with disabilities have gained recognition of their rights by countries around the globe, and with them, their rightful place in society, there is also much work ahead. For a vast majority of disabled people formidable barriers – attitudinal, physical, legal, policy, lack of information in accessible formats –remain. Yet by creating more supportive and inclusive communities and institutions in which diversity is fully embraced, societies prosper and endure.
ILO event: Dialogue on Challenging Stereotypes (Live webcast)
 Actor Pablo Pineda |
Follow the event live from the ILO headquarters on Thursday, 3 December, from 10:30 to 12 noon.
#ADayForAll – Join the campaign
Share your materials, pictures, videos and other information items using the hashtag #ADayForAll.Other events being organized around “A Day for All”
For the first time in more than a decade, the ILO will join with other international organizations in Geneva to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities under the theme of “A Day for All”.For the complete list of events being organized around A Day for All, individually and/or in collaboration with other international organizations, visit: www.ohchr.org/aday4all