Decent work for persons with disabilities

International Day for Disabled Persons – December 3

This year’s theme draws attention to the unemployment and underemployment of disabled persons. Without decent work, a decent life is difficult or impossible, and if we fail as a society to tap into the talent pool represented by disabled persons, we all lose.

The International Day of Disabled Persons was created by the United Nations in 1992 to advance the understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well being of persons with disabilities. It also aims at highlighting the gains to be made from the successful integration of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life-political, social, cultural and economic.

Over 500 million people are disabled as a result of mental, physical or sensory impairment and wherever they live, physical, social or economic barriers often limit their lives. In many countries up to 80% of disabled persons are unemployed while most others are underemployed. In Canada, a study by Human Resources Development Canada reported:

"Persons with disabilities face barriers to full participation in the labour market…They face a number of barriers to labour market success, including lower levels of education, employer attitudes and behaviour, and a lack of workplace accommodations." (Human Resources Development Canada, Knowledge Matters: Skills and Learning for Canadians, 2002.)

Decent work makes an important difference, and it can be encouraged in many ways. The United Nations promotes programs such as supported employment, social enterprises, cooperatives, on-the-job disability management (job retention and return to work measures), and the promotion of entrepreneurship, self-employment and viable micro and small businesses.

CEIU locals can take part in a number of supportive activities that include:

• Organizing forums on disability issues to spark discussions on the needs, interests, and aspirations of disabled persons. This could be a conference or seminar with expert speakers;
• Organizing and participating in local, national and international activities to advance the status of disabled persons globally;
• Displaying material on union bulletin boards to raise awareness of disability issues. Awareness events are important vehicles to draw attention to disability issues;
• Writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper or magazine regarding employment opportunities (or lack of) for disabled persons;
• Encouraging media persons to cover stories and events on disability issues;
• Learning about the lives of people with disabilities and how you can help make a difference. Check your local library for appropriate information;
• Holding activities in your Local about disability issues, such as having a member cope with a disability for a day.

Improving the economic prospects of persons with disabilities is critical: we all need decent work. And when they can successfully turn their many abilities to productive work, we all benefit. Please do your part to help on December 3.