International Day of People with a Disability Dec 3rd 2016

We at Self Advocate Net would like to join the United Nations in recognizing and celebrating December, 3^rd International Day for Person’s with a Disability.

We share the goal of building a more inclusive and equitable world for persons with disabilities. We hope the stories on our website help show that people with diverse abilities want to contribute and have a voice in creating the world we want together.

Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Ottawa, Ontario

December 3, 2016

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities:

“On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate the contributions made by persons with disabilities to our country, and recommit ourselves to building a Canada that is truly inclusive and equal.

“Around the world, far too many persons with disabilities still face major barriers – stigma, discrimination, limited accessibility, even denial of basic human rights – to fully participate in society.

“Here at home we are trying to do our part to address this challenge.

Over the last several months, Minister Carla Qualtrough – Canada’s first ever federal minister of persons with disabilities – has consulted across the country on planned accessibility legislation to promote equality of opportunity and increase the inclusion and participation of Canadians who have disabilities or functional limitations.

I welcome everyone to partake in these consultations, which will continue until the end of February 2017.

“Today, and every day, let us take action to break down the barriers that exclude Canadians with disabilities.

We cannot rest until persons with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else.”

Hello everyone.

My name is Carla Qualtrough — Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.

I want to take this opportunity to speak about an important occasion being celebrated today. December 3rd marks the 24th United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities. On this day, Canada joins countries from around the world in celebrating the vast contributions of people with disabilities.

Each year, the United Nations selects a theme for the day. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want.”

This year’s theme brings attention to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, and gives us an opportunity to think about how these goals can create a more inclusive and equal world for people with disabilities.

More importantly, it reminds us that people with disabilities still face barriers to fully participating in society both in Canada and around the world. These barriers can be physical, but can also include how we think about disabilities.

Ensuring greater accessibility and opportunities for Canadians with disabilities in their communities and workplaces is a priority for the Government of Canada. We believe that all Canadians deserve equal rights to fully participate in society. When people are included, they become empowered to use their skills and talents and this leads to a better society for everyone.

In naming the first Minister of Persons with Disabilities, the Prime Minister has shown commitment to the support of Canadians living with disabilities. Prime Minister Trudeau has also asked me to lead a consultation process on federal accessibility legislation, which is currently underway.

We are inviting Canadians to participate in the consultation either in-person or online. I invite you to visit Canada.ca/Accessible-Canada to complete the online survey.

On this important day, I invite you to join me in celebrating Canadians with disabilities and to embrace a culture change about accessibility and inclusion in Canadian society.

I believe that by working together we can truly make a difference in the lives of all Canadians.

B.C. recognizes 24th International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Statement Victoria

Friday, December 2, 2016 10:00 AM

In honour of the United Nations’ 24th International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation issued the following statement:

“Each year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities brings renewed worldwide focus to the contributions and successes of people with disabilities across all borders. This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme – Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want – draws from the United Nations’ recently adopted Sustainable Development Goals and the role these goals play in creating a more-sustainable world for people with disabilities.

“Here in British Columbia, we are fortunate to have so many talented and passionate people of all abilities. Whether learning a new job, developing leading-edge technology solutions, participating in international sports events or contributing more fully in their community, people of all abilities continue to strengthen and expand the social fabric of our province every day.

“Accessibility 2024, B.C.’s 10-year action plan to become the most progressive province for people with disabilities in Canada, is a reflection of B.C.’s commitment to continuing the work of providing opportunities and reducing barriers for all people with disabilities. Through ongoing collaboration with the disability community, significant changes are being made that are having a positive impact in the lives of people with disabilities throughout the province.

“Modernization of the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act to make sure handlers have equal access to areas enjoyed by all members of the public, annualized earnings exemptions and increased asset limits for people receiving disability assistance, and the Technology@Work program to support employment opportunities are just a few examples of recent changes.

“As a member of the disability community – and a mother, a politician and an athlete – I can tell you that anything is possible, and here in B.C., it is evident that by working together we will be able to succeed in reaching our accessibility goals for people of all abilities.

“This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I commend the disability community for its dedication to create a more inclusive and sustainable province for people of all abilities, and I congratulate those around the province for their contributions and achievements that help make British Columbia such a vibrant and welcoming place to call home.”

CLBC celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Each year, Community Living BC joins self advocates, families and our partners in the community living sector in recognizing December 3 as the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

This day shines a light on the rights of the individuals we serve and recognizes efforts to ensure they have a good quality of life in welcoming communities.

This year, the day coincides with the 10-year anniversary of the United Nations adopting the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Convention’s commitments to rights and respect continue to guide us as we all work together to create more inclusive communities and celebrate each individual’s diverse abilities.

To learn more about International Day of Persons with Disabilities, visit the United Nations website here.

Sincerely,

Seonag Macrae
CEO, CLBC

B.C. family committed to good lives locally, globally

In the spirit of United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Rachelle Rasolofo Czerwinski, whose son Nicholas is supported by CLBC, is making efforts across the world in Madagascar and in Vancouver to help build strong and supportive communities for everyone.

Click here to read her story.

Canada announces process to adopt additional provisions under UN Disability Convention

Approval would strengthen enforcement of disability, inclusion rights

December 1, 2016

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC–Today, the federal government announced the launch of a consultation process on Canada’s accession to the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the Optional Protocol).

The announcement, by Foreign Affairs Minister Stephan Dion and Minister for Sport and Persons with Disabilities Carla Qualtrough, noted that provinces and territories have a key role in this decision and that consultations are currently taking place with them on this matter.

The Optional Protocol would provide a new safeguard for the rights of people with disabilities by establishing two procedures aimed at strengthening the implementation and monitoring of the UN Convention.

1. A complaint procedure allowing individuals and groups to bring petitions to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities claiming that their rights under the convention have been violated.

2. An inquiry procedure giving the Committee authority to investigate allegations of grave or systematic violations of the provisions of the convention by a state party.

The Optional Protocol was adopted by the UN in 2006 and entered into force in 2008. As of November 2016, there are 92 states parties to the protocol.

Link to Government of Canada announcement

Inclusion BC will share more details, analysis of implications and how people can support this, as we learn more.

The announced provincial consultations on the Optional Protocol are distinct from the ongoing public consultation process already underway on planned federal accessibility legislation, which includes public hearings, an online survey and acceptance of formal written submissions until

February 2017.

More on the federal Accessibility consultations

This information from website for international day for people with disabilities on Dec 3rd 2016

Each year the UN announces a theme. The theme for 2016 is: Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want, which draws attention to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and how these goals can create a more inclusive and equitable world for persons with disabilities.

The annual theme provides a frame for considering how people with disability are excluded from society by promoting the removal of all types of barriers; including those relating to the physical environment, information and communications technology (ICT), or attitudinal barriers.

This has been occurring since 1992 when the General Assembly proclaimed 3 December as the International Day of Disabled Persons.

Today, countries all around the world celebrate the day.

ADVISORY: Canada commits to strengthening disability rights

Canada makes further commitment to support rights of persons with disabilities