UN International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

December 3rd United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the observance of the day in Bermuda will be led by the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged [NOSPC], Health, Seniors and Environment Minister Jeanne Atherden on Friday [Nov 28] in the House of Assembly.

Minister Atherden said, “By highlighting this Day, the Ministry of Health, Seniors and Environment and NOSPC aim to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

“We also seek to increase awareness of the gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities into every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.”

Minister Atherden’s full statement follows below:

Mr. Speaker,

Thank you for the opportunity to make Members of this Honourable House and the listening public aware that Wednesday, 3rd December, 2014 is the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The observance of this important day in Bermuda will be led by the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged (NOSPC).

Mr. Speaker,

By highlighting this Day, the Ministry of Health, Seniors and Environment and NOSPC aim to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

We also seek to increase awareness of the gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities into every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

The theme for this year will be Sustainable Development: the Promise of Technology, and will focus on the role of technology in:

- Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Responses;
- Creating Enabling Working Environments; and
- Disability-Inclusive Sustainable Development Goals.

Wednesday’s observance will provide opportunities for participation by all stakeholders including Government Departments, Businesses, and Organizations of People with Disabilities.

NOSPC has arranged to have a display booth set up in the lower level of the Washington Mall from 11am to 2pm on Wednesday. As well as staff from the Disabled Persons Office, the Department of E- Commerce will be there to provide cyber tips for seniors.

The Government Departments will be supported by representatives of businesses and disability charities including I-Click, Medical House and the Society for the Blind.

These organizations will, in keeping with the Technology theme of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, provide demonstrations on how technology can be used to enhance the live of a person with a disability.

In addition, clients from the Opportunity Workshop will be on hand to offer their crafts for sale. The clients and staff at Opportunity have been working hard over the last several months to learn new skills and to produce Holiday Themed crafts that can be sold to the public.

Mr. Speaker,

When I visited Opportunity Workshop earlier this month, I was given a preview of some of the candles that were made by the clients, and I look forward to being able to purchase some next Wednesday. I encourage the public and Members of this Honourable House to lend their support to this important observance

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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