International Day of People with Disabilities
International Day of People with Disabilities was created in 1992 by the UN, and symbolizes the actions we should take every day, in order to create diverse and accepting communities.
What is IDOPWD for?
- Celebration – to recognize and value the diversity of our global community, and to cherish the role we all play, regardless of our abilities;
- Learning – to understand and learn from the experiences of people living with a disability;
- It is a day for optimism – to look towards the future and the creation of a world where a person is not characterised by their disabilities, but by their abilities;
- Action – where all people, organisations, agencies and charities not only show their support for International Day of People with Disabilities but take on a commitment to create a world characterised by equal human rights.
This year we're focussing on hidden disabilities, and taking a special look at neurodiversity. Some disabilities, like mental health disorders, chronic pain and fatigue, are invisible – but that does not make them any less devastating to someone’s quality of life.
Find out more:
- Neurodiverse Celebrity Role Models
- Neurodiversity Resources
- Anonymous testimonial: Functional Neurological Disorder, and how it affects me
- Testimonial: Sue Westwood, BGH Mentor
- Neurodiversity Campaign Page
Get Involved:
Join Julie Casanova on Thursday 2nd December for a Lunch and Learn entitled 'Neurodiversity: Getting the Communication Right'.
In a short presentation, Julie will cover communication barriers, neuro-inclusive methods of communication, as well as host a quick terminology quiz. Two special guest speakers will share their experience of engaging with neurodiverse individuals creatively. This will be followed by a Q&A and open discussion. We will be sharing resources that will help you navigate the world of neurodiversity, including a calendar of neurodiverse role models.
Register for the session here.
You can also catch up with last month's Neurodiversity Lunch and Learn, entitled “Understanding Neurodiversity”. It gave colleagues a better sense of what neurodiversity means and why we need to embrace individuality over labels. Special guest, Peter Craen, team leader at GC’s Business Growth Hub, shared his experience of raising a son with autism. The session also included an open discussion.