| Collingwood, ON [2 December 2024] – The Town of Collingwood proudly joins the global community in observing the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3. This day is dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and raising awareness of their situation in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life. The theme for IDPD 2024, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” resonates strongly with the global disability rights movement’s slogan, “Nothing About Us Without Us.” This theme highlights the importance of empowering persons with disabilities to take on leadership roles and actively participate in decision-making processes.At the local level, the Town of Collingwood’s Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) exemplifies this commitment. The committee works tirelessly to create change, promote leadership, and ensure that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard and respected. Lana Roman, Chair of the AAC, emphasized the commitment, stating, “Building an inclusive community starts with acknowledging the barriers that individuals with disabilities may encounter. The committee is dedicated to recommending strategies that eliminate or lessen these obstacles, understanding that a comprehensive approach is the most effective way to create lasting change.”According to the World Health Organization, disability is a natural part of being human. Globally, it is estimated that 1.3 billion people, approximately 16% of the population, have a disability, and this number is increasing as the population ages. In Canada, 6.2 million people live with a disability. Understanding the different types of disabilities and the experiences of those who have them is crucial for building inclusive and equitable communities. The Canadian Survey on Disability identifies ten types of disabilities: vision, hearing, mobility, flexibility, dexterity, pain-related, learning, developmental, mental health-related, and memory. Many people experience more than one type of disability, and many disabilities are invisible.As a community, our strength lies in our diversity. We are all unique, each with different needs, skills, and abilities. By being respectful and flexible, we can adapt to the needs of others and avoid making assumptions or judgments about a person’s disability or accessibility needs. For more information and additional resources, visit the Government of Canada Consulting persons with disabilities website. |
