Children, Seniors and Social Development
December 1, 2017
International Day of Persons with Disabilities Calls for Resilience and Sustainability
The Provincial Government is recognizing the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities which is held annually around the world on December 3. This day increases awareness and celebrates the achievements and contributions of persons with disabilities.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities supports the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and promotes an understanding of disability issues.
This year’s theme - Transformation Towards Sustainable and Resilient Society for All - focuses on enabling conditions for transformative changes such as affordable and accessible innovative technologies, including urban development, climate-related hazards and natural disaster responses.
For accessibility and inclusion to take hold as a more natural part of daily lives, collective efforts need to occur to address barriers. The Provincial Government continues to work with the community of persons with disabilities and all residents to move forward on its commitment to promote a more inclusive Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to advancing inclusion and increasing each person’s access to meaningful participation in all aspects of society. Through a collaborative approach, and integrating the knowledge and experience of persons with disabilities, we are removing existing barriers to inclusion and preventing new ones.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities
“This year’s theme, which focuses on being transformative, sustainable and resilient while creating community for all, couldn’t be more in line with the work of the coalition. We have the opportunity today to build and create resilient and inclusive communities now in our province; to build knowledge and agency around what it truly means to belong. As a province, we need to continue to push forward on inclusion, not only on this day, but hold ourselves accountable to be inclusive to the full extent possible every day.”
Emily Christy
Executive Director, Coalition of Persons with Disabilities – NL
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Learn More
International Day of Persons with Disabilities - www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-3-december.html 
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Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Jennifer Barnable
Communications & Research Coordinator
Coalition of Persons with Disabilities – NL
709-722-7011
jennifer@codnl.ca
2017 12 01 9:50 a.m.