2008 theme: Dignity and justice for all of us

December 3 is International Day for Disabled Persons

The United Nations estimates that 10% of the world’s population lives with disabilities. Many continue to encounter barriers to their full participation in society and the UN is calling for change through its 2008 theme: dignity and justice for all of us.

Making this year’s Day even more important is the coming into force of the UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Canada is a signatory to the Convention which spells out the legal obligations of governments toward persons with disabilities.

More information about this year’s Day is available from the UN’s website. For those interested in current research, York University’s Critical Disabilities Studies program will be of special interest.