E-Accessibility – 2006 theme for the International Day of Disabled Persons

E-Accessibility is the theme for the 2006 International Day of Disabled Persons. The theme was chosen to raise the appreciation of the significant benefits to persons with disabilities and society when they are empowered with increased access to information technologies.

More than half a billion people are disabled as a result of mental, physical or sensory impairment and wherever they live, their lives are often limited by physical or social barriers.

December 3 is the International Day of Disabled Persons. This annual recognition was created by the United Nations in 1992 to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

Observance of the Day offers an opportunity to foster changes in attitudes towards persons with disabilities and eliminate barriers to their full participation in all aspects of life. Suggested activities for CEIU Locals for the International Day of Disabled Persons 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 access, transport or services (or lack of);
• 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.

Learning about how disabilities impact individuals is an important step in developing open minds on this critical issue. Open minds lead to fuller participation in all aspects of life. Please do your part this year.

In solidarity,

Kathy O’Shea
Member, CEIU Human Rights – Race Relations Committee