Celebrating and commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
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 was “The Future is Accessible.”
More than one billion people, or approximately 15 per cent of the world’s population, experience some form of disability, compared to approximately 17-19 per cent nationally and 3 per cent 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 3 highlights that many persons with disabilities continue to experience physical, educational, social, technological, communicative, and attitudinal barriers in accessing work, study and social spaces, profoundly affecting one’s ability to reach their full potential. 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 3, the AccessMac Program in the Equity and Inclusion Office and the McMaster Accessibility Council (MAC) announced the launch of the second Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Update 2018-2019, 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 among disability and accessibility communities.
The update showcases progress made in a number of areas including:
- Community engaged research and project development
- Student initiatives and advocacy
- Campus accessibility audits and barrier-free design
- Enhancing accessibility and inclusion in service delivery
- Technologies, such as Echo 360 lecture capture, that better enhance access to built, online and social environments
- Developing and updating McMaster accessibility policies and frameworks
Persons with disabilities and allies are also envisioning and contributing to a body of scholarship dedicated to disability studies and disability justice, and creating space and mentorship opportunities to support new job, study, volunteer, and social inclusion opportunities.
READ FULL ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION UPDATE 2018-2019
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 the AccessMac Program at access@mcmaster.ca to submit updates for the Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Update 2019-2020 or for more information, questions or concerns related to accessibility at McMaster.
