IDPD 2022
This year's International Day of Persons With Disabilities brings the theme of "Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world“.
For more information, read below or visit the website: https://idpwd.org/
"The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3 December was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
The 2022 global observance to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be around the overarching theme of innovation and transformative solutions for inclusive development, covering in three different interactive dialogues the following thematic topics:
- Innovation for disability inclusive development in employment (SDG8): this dialogue will discuss the linkages between employment, knowledge, and skills required to access employment in an innovative, rapidly changing technological landscape to all and how assistive technologies can increase accessibility to employment and mainstream in the workplace.
- Innovation for disability inclusive development in reducing inequality (SDG10): this dialogue will discuss innovations, practical tools, and good practices to reduce inequalities in both public and private sectors, which are disability inclusive and interested in promoting diversity in the workplace.
- Innovation for disability inclusive development: sport as an exemplar case: a sector where all of these aspects coalesce; sport as a good practice example and a site of innovation, employment, and equity."
We at ALACD were extremely excited to see sport as an exemplar case and highlighted on this day and with that, we highlight one of our own projects, youth engagement.
Youth Engagement
Over the past two years, Sierra, our Youth Engagement Assistant, has been engaging with people with disabilities across the country, specifically youth. As a final deliverable, ALACD will be hosting a virtual Youth Summit in February 2023 that will bring youth with disabilities (ages 15-30 years old) together to share experiences, solutions, and passions for physical activity, sport, and recreation and to strengthen our communities. For more information on the summit, you can follow this link: https://sites.google.com/ualberta.ca/aapa-symposium/youth-summit?authuser=0.
As part of the initiative, Sierra has put together a youth planning committee compromised of six youth leaders across the country that will lead the youth summit.
Meet the Youth
James (Victoria BC): James is studying Sociology and Social Justice Studies and is a para-rower. "I participate in physical activity because it gives me community, joy, and a sense of self."
Taylor (Burlington ON): Taylor is part of the 2022 Canadian Women's National Para Ice Hockey Team. "I hope to help create meaningful opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities."
Geneva (Edmonton AB): Geneva retired from the Women's Para Hockey team and is now the Equipment Manager. She also is the Partnerships and Para Sport Development Coordinator at TSC. "I am passionate about para sport and creating opportunities for individuals of all abilities to be active in sport."
Payton (Halifax NS): Payton is a grade 9 student who loves wheelchair racing, zip-lining, and swimming. "I am always up to try new things and am very passionate about advocating for people with disabilities and their rights."
Morgan (Edmonton AB): Morgan is studying Disability Studies, is an adapted fitness instructor, and is a para-swimmer. "I found that being physically active has helped me tremendously in combatting all of the changes that my body, physical and mental health have gone through. "
Sierra (Victoria BC): Sierra is the Youth Coordinator for Active Living Alliance/The Steadward Centre, a movement specialist, and an adaptive mountain bike instructor. "Physical activity gives me the freedom to express myself, be curious, and explore what is possible."
Stay tuned for more details soon! We hope this initiative shows other organizations how to be youth-centered and to ensure that we are providing services/opportunities that follow the idea of "Nothing About Us Without Us".
If you have any questions about youth initiatives at ALACD, reach out to Sierra at tscyouth@ualberta.ca.
Youth Research
- Another exciting youth initiative is the recent news of the release of the Disability Report Card. The Disability Report Card is Canada's first-ever comprehensive summary of physical activity data for children and adolescents with disabilities. This Disability Report Card resource suite presents several resources that highlight Canada’s grades and the grading process, as well as recommendations to improve the accessibility and inclusivity of physical activity experiences for children and adolescents with disabilities. You can find all that information in this link: https://cdpp.ca/resources-and-publications/canadian-physical-activity-report-card-children-adolescents-disabilities
- The TRAIL Lab at Holland Bloorview is also recruiting youth as part of their employment for youth with disabilities project. To see the research project and how to participate, follow this link: https://hollandbloorview.ca/discrimination-ableism-and-racism-hurt-inclusion-can-heal-listening-intersectional-lived
Know of other youth initiatives in the sector we should know about, let us know at info@ala.ca or directly to the youth coordinator, Sierra, at tscyouth@ualberta.ca.
Happy International Day of Persons With Disabilities!