December 3 is observed annually as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). In 2024, the theme is Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future. “This theme recognizes the important role that persons with disabilities play in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world for all. It also emphasizes the importance of the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes that affect their lives.”
Globally, the theme seeks to create momentum for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by bringing attention to the importance of the leadership role that people with disabilities play in reaching these goals. In Canada, the Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation (SPAR) sector plays a vital role in achieving some of the SDGs, most specifically related to Goal #3: Good health and well-being. The sector can also play a role in Quality Education (goal #4), Gender Equality (goal #5), Reduced Inequalities (goal #10), Sustainable Cities and Communities (goal #11), Climate Action (goal #13), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (#16) … and I would argue there are others.
At the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability (ALACD) we have, for over our 35-year history, honoured and practiced one of our core beliefs which is the consequential role that persons with disabilities play in ensuring we are advocating for and creating the right things, in the right way. As we begin on a new journey, we will continue to amplify the centrality of the leadership role of persons with disabilities both in what we promote and what we practice.
We start at the heart of our organization with our staff and board, at least four of whom identify or have lived experience with disability. One resource, in particular, that we produced – In Her Words – reflects the voices and experiences of mums with disabilities who want to both be active with their children as well as role models. Further, we are currently developing a Municipal Guide to Promising and Best Practices for Disability Inclusion in Recreation and Physical Activity which is built on the engagement, knowledge and experience of persons with disabilities through leadership in the project and involvement on a consensus panel and in focus groups.
As we move through our strategic planning process, we will always maintain the philosophy of “nothing for or about us without us”. We also acknowledge and will act on the important role that we play, from a sport, physical activity and recreation perspective, in achieving the SDGs in Canada, through a disability lens.
To our colleagues in both the SPAR and disability advocacy sectors, watch for us in the coming months as we launch our new strategic plan and revitalized mandate. It centres around how we can support you and your work of increasing participation in sport, physical activity and recreation opportunities for persons with disabilities, guided by persons with disabilities in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.