NB 1547
Dec. 3, 2007
FREDERICTON (CNB) - In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed that Dec. 3 would be observed every year as the International Day of Disabled Persons.
This date was initially proclaimed to commemorate the anniversary of the General Assembly's adoption of the World Program of Action Concerning Persons with Disabilities. The goal is to promote understanding about disability issues and to increase awareness of the benefits for society that are possible through the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of our political, social, economic, and cultural life.
The Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons in New Brunswick is pleased to support the recognition of this special day for citizens with disabilities around the world. The slogan chosen this year by the United Nations is 'Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities'.
This year's International Day of Disabled Persons focuses on how to ensure decent work for persons with disabilities and on ways to tap into the abilities of this sometimes marginalized talent pool. The recently adopted Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes in Article 27 the rights of persons with disabilities to work and employment on an equal basis with others. It stresses the right of persons with disabilities to earn a living from freely chosen work, and to work in an environment that is both accessible and accepting.
Laura Peters, chairperson of the Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons, explained the importance of this year's slogan. "The slogan sends a powerful message to the international community that people with disabilities need to be included in the workforce," she said. "People with disabilities are a largely untapped resource of individuals who are ready, able and willing to work in these times of a booming job market and a looming skills shortage."
"The skills and talents of persons with disabilities have gone unnoticed for too long," said Randy Dickinson, executive director of the Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons. "It is hoped that the focus on employment for 2007 will help raise awareness among employers of the value of persons with disabilities in the workplace."
To mark the United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons, the Premier's Council released its new Disability Action Plan Strategy Report during an event in Fredericton. The report contains a number of specific recommendations aimed at improving programs and services for persons with disabilities. Included as part of the report is an entire section on employment, which has several recommendations on how to breakdown barriers to employment facing persons with disabilities. The full report is available online at http://www.gnb.ca/0048. Details on the upcoming Disability Awareness Week 2008 were also unveiled during the same event.
07/12/03
EDITOR'S NOTE: Click here for background information on the International Day of Disabled Persons and Disability Awareness Week. MEDIA CONTACTS: Randy Dickinson or Gary Comeau, Premier's Council on the Status of Disabled Persons, 506-444-3000.
07/12/03