Celebrating and commemorating International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an opportunity to recognize the challenges faced by those with disabilities, as well as the progress individuals and disabilities communities have made around the world, including here at McMaster, in advocating for equity and equality.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, established in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly, is commemorated annually on December 3. This year’s theme focuses on empowering people with disabilities and creating inclusive and equitable environments.
Over one billion people, or approximately 15 percent of the world’s population experiences some form of disability, compared to approximately 17-19% nationally and 3% as reported in McMaster’s 2016 Faculty and Staff Equity Census. The number for McMaster students with disabilities, however, is more in line with national averages.
December 3rd highlights that many persons with disabilities continue to experience physical, educational, social, technological, communicative, and attitudinal barriers in accessing work, study and social spaces. However, this day also celebrates the accomplishments and progress that individuals with disabilities and disability communities have made in advocating for equality and equity.
To commemorate and celebrate December 3rd, the Equity and Inclusion Office and the McMaster Accessibility Council (MAC) are excited to announce the launch of the first Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Update 2017-2018, which highlights the work of individuals and units across campus working in the areas of accessibility and disability inclusion, as well as their efforts to facilitate broader connection amongst disability and accessibility communities.
The update showcases progress made in a number of areas including:
- Accommodation and accessibility process design and implementation
- Barrier-free design
- Influencing and contributing to updating accessibility and accommodation policies at the University
- Technologies that better enhance access to built, online and social environments
Persons with disabilities are also envisioning and contributing to a body of scholarship dedicated to disability studies and creating space and mentorship opportunities to support new job, study, volunteer, and social inclusion opportunities.
READ FULL ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION UPDATE 2017-2018
The above captures only a small amount of work, thought and perspective that disability communities, as well as allies working in accessibility and disability inclusion work, have contributed to society at-large and on campus.
Please contact access@mcmaster.ca to submit updates for the Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Update 2018-2019 or for more information, questions or concerns related to accessibility at McMaster.
