Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Theme for 2015: Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities


Background 

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has been commemorated since 1992 to promote awareness and mobilize support for critical issues relating to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society and development. The Day works to promote action to raise awareness about disability issues and draw attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all.
Governments, UN agencies, civil society organizations, academic institutions and the private sector are encouraged to partner with organizations of persons with disabilities to arrange events and activities to commemorate the Day.


Theme for 2015: Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities
The estimated one billion people living with disabilities worldwide face many barriers to inclusion in many key aspects of society. As a result, people with disabilities do not enjoy access to society on an equal basis with others, which includes areas of transportation, employment, and education as well as social and political participation. The right to participate in public life is essential to create stable democracies, active citizenship and reduce inequalities in society.
Participants performing at a special event organized by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2014.Persons with disabilities must be able to fulfil their role in society and participate on an equal basis with others. It is important to focus on the ability and not on the disability of an individual. Often, the societal image of persons with disabilities is impacted by attitudes based on stigma and discrimination, as well as archaic ideas about disability and persons with disabilities that are often the greatest barrier to their full and equal participation in society and development on an equal basis with others. It is important to note that disability is part of the human condition, and that all of us either are or will become disabled to one degree or another during the course of our lives.

By promoting empowerment, real opportunities for people are created. This enhances their own capacities and supports them in setting their own priorities. Empowerment involves investing in people - in jobs, health, nutrition, education, and social protection. When people are empowered they are better prepared to take advantage of opportunities, they become agents of change and can more readily embrace their civic responsibilities.
Sub-themes for IDPD 2015:
  • Making cities inclusive and accessible for all
  • Improving disability data and statistics
  • Including persons with invisible disabilities in society and development
Making cities inclusive and accessible for all
It is estimated that by 2050, 66% of the world’s population will be living in cities. The United Nations’ Third Global Conference on Housing and Sustainable Development - Habitat III  - will take place in 2016 to review the progress, experience and lessons learnt in the past and to design a “New Urban Agenda”. This Agenda of focused policies and strategies is hoped to harness the power and forces behind urbanization. Habitat III will provide an important platform for the world’s urban development policy-makers and practitioners, as well as those working in the field of disability to review current practices and identify opportunities for change.

Importantly, the New Urban Agenda must ensure that future cities, towns and basic urban infrastructures and services are more environmentally accessible, user-friendly and inclusive of all people’s needs, including persons with disabilities. The International Day will be used to discuss and present some best practices of inclusive urbanization.
Resources:
Improving disability data and statistics

The lack of data and information on disability and the situation of persons with disabilities at the national level contribute to the invisibility of persons with disabilities in official statistics. This presents a major obstacle to achieving development planning and implementation that is inclusive of persons with disabilities. In particular, to be internationally comparable, data should be collected in line with international standards. Data collected can be used the implementation and monitoring of internationally agreed development goals for persons with disabilities, such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The International Day will be used to highlight measures to strengthen national capacities to improve and mainstream disability data collection, based on existing good practices. The Day will also be used to highlight challenges and map out strategies to involve persons with disabilities and their organizations in disability data and statistics collection and dissemination.

Resources:
Including persons with invisible disabilities in society and development
Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities represent a significant proportion of the world’s population. Millions of people worldwide have mental health conditions and an estimated one in four people globally will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Almost one million people die due to suicide every year, and it is the third leading cause of death among young people. Persons  with mental and psychosocial disabilities often face stigma and discrimination (World Health Organization), as well as experience high levels of physical and sexual abuse that occur in a range of settings, including prisons, hospitals and homes. Persons with other invisible disabilities, such as persons with hearing impairments, are also at risk of exclusion from mainstream activities, education or social activities.

The International Day can be used to draw attention on the situation of persons with invisible disabilities, such as mental health and psychosocial disabilities, intellectual disabilities, as well as hearing impairments. The Day can be used to identify good practices of integrative and inclusive education, to organize social activities and awareness raising initiatives, as well as highlight good practices and make recommendations.

Resources:

Events at UN Headquarters (Conference Room 4)

10.00 to 11.00 a.m. Opening
10.00 to 10.15: Musical Performance
Musicians with disabilities from the Republic of Korea
Facilitator: Ms. Daniela Bas, Director, Division for Social Policy and Development, DESA

10.15 to 11.00: Opening session
Call for Action
• Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations
• Ms. Catherine Pollard, Under Secretary-General of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management
• H.E. Ambassador Luis Gallegos, Chair, G3ict, Special Advisor, Nippon Foundation
• Ms. Miki Matheson, Disabled Peoples’ International (DPI)
• Ms. Maleni Chaitoo, International Disability Alliance – International Disability and Development Consortium
• Professor Motoo Kusakabe, Founder and President of Open City Institute
Commitment to Action
• H.E. Amb. Oh Joon, Permanent Representative of PM of Republic of Korea
• H.E. Amb. Motohide Yoshikawa, Permanent Representative of PM of Japan
• H.E. Amb. Gillian Bird, Permanent Representative of PM of Australia
• H.E. Amb. Macharia Kamau, Permanent Representative of Kenya
• H.E. Amb. Diego Morejon Pazmino, Deputy Permanent Representative of PM of Ecuador
• H.E. Amb. Sebastiano Cardi, Permanent Representative of PM of Italy
• H.E. Amb. Roman Oyarzun Marchesi, Permanent Representative of PM of Spain

11:00 to 11:10: Video messages from leaders of DPOs and UN agencies (Part one)
11.15 a.m. to 12.15 p.m.: Panel Discussion: “Accessible New Urban Agenda and inclusion of persons with disabilities” (co-sponsors: Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments)
The panel will review the current policy and practices and how they deal with accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities. The discussion will also identify challenges that cities face in making urban development to be more accessible and inclusive. (Background Note)
Moderator: Ms. Yamina Djacta, UN Habitat
Introduction: Mr. Eric Guozhong Zhang, SCRPD/DESA/DSPD

Panellists
• Ms. Ana Moreno, Habitat III Secretariat 
• Mr. Jun Ishikawa, Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan
• Mr. Quemuel Arroyo, Policy Analyst for Accessibility, Dept. of Transportation, NYC
• Mr. Victor Pineda, University of California, Berkeley (by video message)
• Mr. Eugenie Birch, World Urban Campaign /Univ. of Pennsylvania Professor
• Ms. Venus Illagan, Rehabilitation International
• Ms. LoriAnn Girvan, GAATES
12.15 to 1.15 p.m.: Panel Discussion: “Invisible Disabilities” (co-sponsors: Argentina, Nippon Foundation)
The panel will bring attention to action points for implementing SDGs for persons with mental, intellectual or psychosocial disabilities. Panellists will share good practices and lessons learned regarding integrating mental well-being and disability in development efforts with a particular focus on experiences and expertise on improving accessibility for persons with mental, intellectual or psychosocial disabilities. (Background Note)
Moderator: H.E. Ambassador Luis Gallegos, Special Advisor, Nippon Foundation
Opening Remarks: Akiko Ito, SCRPD/DSPD/DESA
H.E. Amb. Mateo Estreme, Chargé d'affaires a.i., Permanent Mission of Argentina

Presenters
• Mr. Takashi Izutsu, Associate Professor, The University of Tokyo
• Mr. Atsuro Tsutsumi, Coordinator, UNU
• Mr. Mark van Ommeren, Scientist, WHO (by video message)
• Mr. Patricio V. Marquez, Lead Health Specialist, World Bank Group
• Ms. Kathyrn Goetzke, Founder, iFred
• Ms. Vivian Pender, Special Advisor, American Psychiatric Association/Chair, NGO Committee on Mental Health
1.15 to 2.30 p.m.: Panel Discussion: “Operationalizing the 2030 agenda for sustainable development: Disability data, statistics and indicators, monitoring and evaluation for inclusive development” (co-sponsors: Australia, United Kingdom, ADD International)
The panel will review the current practices of data collection and analysis and discuss how to improve the monitoring of the 2030 Agenda to make it disability-inclusive. The panel will identify good practices of disability data collection and recent efforts in disability indicators development which can be used to better inform a disability-inclusive monitoring of the 2030 Agenda. (Background Note)
Moderator: Ms. Maria Martinho, SCRPD/DSPD/DESA
Opening remarks: Ms. Akiko Ito, SCRPD/DSPD/DESA

Presenters:
• Amb.Caitlin Wilson, Deputy Permanent Representative, PM Australia
• Ms. Linda Hooper, UN Statistics Division/ DESA
• Ms. Margaret Mbogoni, UN Statistics Division/ DESA
• Ms. Claudia Cappa, UNICEF
• Ms. Alarcos Cieza, WHO (by video message)
• Ms. Julie Weeks, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA
• Mr. Derrick Cogburn, Institute on Disability and Public Policy for the ASEAN Region
• Mr. Mosharraf Hossain, Action on Disability and Development International
• Ms. Dorodi Sharma, Disabled Peoples' International
3.00 to 6.00 p.m.: United Nations Enable Film Festival (UNEFF)
The UNEFF presents a selection of short films from around the world to promote awareness on disability issues and to advance the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society and development.
• Video messages from leaders of DPOs and UN agencies (Part Two)
• Welcome: Ms. Daniela Bas, Director, Division for Social Policy and Development, DESA
• Introduction: Mr. Victor Calise, Commissioner, Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, New York

Final selection forthcoming. Further details on the Festival and screenings from previous years available at: http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1562.

UN Enable Photo Exhibition “Images of Ability”
Over 150 photos from around the world were submitted, of which 10 were selected for exhibition during the IDPD, to promote awareness on the situation of persons with disabilities in society. Further details available at: http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1639.
"Like Wildflowers, Like Stars" Art Exhibition by Mr. Kim Geun-tae (Flyer)
At the United Nations Headquarters, 1B Neck Area
Evening Reception and Concert, hosted by MIKTA (Invitation)
7.00 p.m. at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea
#DrawDisability exhibition
 #DrawDisability is a one year, youth led global campaign that GEFI is running in partnership with the Global Observatory for Inclusion and GEFI’s Youth Advocacy Group. In order to raise awareness on the issues related to disability and inclusive education, the campaign encourages dialogue among children and young people to reflect on their understanding of disability. Thousands of artworks have been received from 50 countries across the globe. The campaign draws to a close 03 December 2015, and exceptional drawings together with the 100 winning finalist will be exhibited at the United Nations in New York from 30 November until 04 December.
Heidi Latsky Dance, 9:30 to 10.00 a.m., and 2:30 to 3.00 p.m. (Visitors Lobby, UN Headquarters)
Heidi Latsky Dance will stage a movement installation of 20-30 performers who together form a living gallery. The installation features different and unexpected bodies in white clothing  (signifying all the colors of the rainbow and a metaphor for inclusion) moving as reverent sculptures in the space. Further information: http://heidilatskydance.com/
United Nations Church Centre, 3 December, 3:30 - 5:00 P.M., Boss Room, 8th Floor
Manhattan Multicultural Counseling, Inc. (MMC) is holding a panel discussion on education and social inclusion. The focus will be on practical stategies and initiatives for giving access to education and social-emotional well-being for these chuldren through music, education and assistive technology (for more information: carolkennedy5@aol.com)

How you can commemorate IDPD 2015 in your local community

Include: Observance of the Day provides opportunities for collaborative and inclusive events by all stakeholders – Governments, the UN system, civil society and organizations of persons with disabilities – to focus on issues related to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in society and development, both as beneficiaries and agents of change.

Organize: Hold forums, public discussions and information campaigns in support of the themes of IDPD 2015 to discuss and share ways of including and empowering persons of all abilities to develop and be fully included in their local communities.

Celebrate: Plan and organize performances everywhere to celebrate the contributions made by persons with disabilities as agents of change in the communities in which they live. Celebrate persons with disabilities by creating opportunities to help realize their potential, be it through music, sport, academia or interpersonal skills.

Take Action: A major focus of the Day is practical action to realize the objectives of the Day for persons with disabilities and their communities. So, highlight best practices and think about making recommendations to your local political leaders, businesses, academic institutions, cultural centers and others. Work to ensure that your activity leaves a legacy and brings about lasting change.

Commemorations from around the world

UN Agencies

UN Office in Geneva
3 December - A Day for All. A group of UN agencies, international organizations, independent experts and civil society organizations in Geneva are hosting a series of activities to acknowledge the achievements and contributions of persons with disabilities, as well as to reaffirm their commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities. Activities include an unveiling of an artistic intervention to the ‘broken chair’ monument, at the Place des Nations and a roundtable with Spanish actor and writer Pablo Pineda in Room XX at the Palais des Nations (See Flyer, Invitation)
UN Women
UN Women commits to continue to promote the production of disability statistics and, when available, use it in its research and work including in the context of sustainable development goal 5, on gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. For UN Women’s web feature for the Day see: www.unwomen.org/
UNICEF
UNICEF is launching the global campaign to #Endviolence against children and adolescents with disabilities. Sponsors of the Campaign are UNICEF, UNFPA, the Global Partnership on Children with Disabilities, the Office of the SRSG on Violence against Children, the Global Partnership to End Violence against Children and the International Disability Alliances. The online campaign #Endviolence against Children and Adolescents with Disabilities will focus on five main areas from stigma and discrimination, violence in emergencies to data on violence. The campaign will be launched on December 3rd and it will be rolled out through 2016. secretariat@gpcwd.org, http://www.gpcwd.org/endviolence.html.


National and local commemorations

Bangladesh
Physically-challenged Development Foundation (PDF), working with the students with disabilities, will arrange a rally and seminar at the University of Dhaka and the University of Rajshahi. Persons working with policy change will give their opinions on the sustainable development goal. PDF aims to develop an inclusive society and making all the university campuses disable friendly. (info@pdfbd.org, www.pdfbd.org)
Bolivia
International Services, in collaboration with the  Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)  at the UN, is  hosting a workshop about the development of public policies for disability with an awareness raising event together with the departmental committee of disability (CODEPEDIS). The event will take place at the main square in La Paz. (george@isbolivia.org, http://www.light-for-the-world.org)
Bosnia and Herzegovina  
"MyRight- Empowers people with disabilities" is implementing capacity building programme in five coalitions of organisations of persons with disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina which will organize different activities to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Also, the Joint Commission on Human Rights of Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina together with the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH and Council for Persons with Disabilities of BiH  is organising thematic session dedicated to the  rights of persons with disabilities, following the ratification of UN CRPD. (www. myright.ba orinfo@myright.ba).
Canada
Community Futures Saskatchewan and the North Saskatchewan Independent Living Resource Centre’s Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Programs are hosting a workshop: Self Employment Resources for People with Disabilities.  The panel of entrepreneurs with disabilities will share their stories of business success. There will also be a speed networking event that will showcase the many resources available for entrepreneurs with disabilities or health conditions in Saskatchewan.  (edpinfo@mts.net)
Canada
The Inclusion BC Foundation and BC Self Advocacy Foundation are teaming up to host a Sprout film festival - Making the Invisible Visible - in New Westminster on December 3, 2015. This film festival will be held at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster, featuring films created by and about people with developmental disabilities and Autism. This inclusive film event is open to the public and members. (nlanglois@inclusionbc.org, http://inclusionbc.org/whats-new/international-day-persons-disabilities-film-festival-new-westminster)
Canada
The Association for Stroke and Head Trauma victims of the Estrie (Association des accidentés cérébro-vasculaires et traumatisés crâniens de l’Estrie) l’ACTE is putting on a show to commemorate IDPD. Beginning at 10:15 am, the show will be held inside the association’s building at 68 boul Jacques-Cartier N. in Sherbrooke, Québec. The Choir, made up of association members who have suffered a stroke or a head trauma and a few volunteers,  will present 11 songs. This event is open to the public and members. (peter.nieman@acteestrie.com, http://acteestrie.com/)
Congo
Congo Handicap Members in South Kivu will organize sports activities, music, and support a walk through the national campaign to raise-awareness about the accession and ratification of the CRPD by Congo. Congo Handicap seeks partners to help promote these activities. (congohandicap@gmail.com; Facebook:congohandicap)
Ethiopia
Union of Associations of Persons with Disabilities (UAPD) is an organization of network of Disabled persons’ organizations (DPOs) in southern Ethiopia. To celebrate the IDPD 2015, UAPD will raise awareness of the issues of concern of persons with disabilities by involving communities, political leaders and other development actors’ through a walking campaign advocating the issues. The DPO will also organize t-shirts and head-capes, a panel discussion, photo exhibition, blood donation events with live TV and radio coverage. (uadp.org@gmail.com)
Faroe Islands - Tórshavn
The Ministry of Social Affairs, The Council on Disability Awareness and the Disabled Peoples Organization (NGO) will hold an event with presentations by the Director of Visit Tórshavn, who has been working with a programme regarding access for tourism in the Faroe Islands, and Clear Comm, who have developed a IT-communication program for people with autism. Faroese music will also be represented at the event. (www.radidfyribrekad.fo or rfb@radidfyribrekad.fo)
Finland
Lyhty ry Finland will broadcast two radio programs, with the theme ‘The Rights of Disabled Persons - Right to economic and social security’ together with University of Helsinki and National Taiwan Normal University.  The discussion programs are hosted by disabled persons themselves with the support of the students from two universities who majored in education.  Listen the programs from: http://www.radiovalo.fi/fi/ohjelmat/satakieli.  (yilin.leesetala@gmail.com, http://www.radiovalo.fi/en, http://www.lyhty.fi/)
India
Samarthanam Trust is organising the 11th Bengaluru Walkathon, which was first hosted in 2005. The event is a unique platform to bring together people from different walks of life, including persons with disabilities, to enhance awareness and a feeling of oneness, and to understand and appreciate their needs of equality and empowerment. The Walkathon is scheduled on December 12th, Saturday at Rani Chennamma Stadium Jayanagar, Bangalore, South of India from 3:00 PM onwards. (proposals@samarthanam.org, www.samarthanam.org).
India
Department of Psychology, University of Calicut (Kerala) along with District Social Justice Department, Malappuram are jointly commemorating the day through a Differently Abled Talent Show in which over 500 students from various Special Schools in the District are expected to participate. An exhibition of their  science models and craft items will also be held. Along with this, various competitions have been organized, such as Click Inclusion Photography Competition for the public as well as Writing and Painting competitions for school children, which will be exhibited and the winners awarded on the day. (uocdisability2015@gmail.com)
India
IEEE (Special Interest Group on Communications Disability) is organizing a "Sign Bee Contest" event for School Children in Bangalore, India. The purpose of this event is to popularize the learning of 'Sign Language' among school children who can then act as Interpreters for their disadvantaged friends in various social fora. This will go towards an inclusive society and help in removing the stigma associated with Hearing Impairment by sensitizing the society through education and awareness campaigns. (signbee.india@gmail.com)
Iran
Raad Rehabilitation Goodwill Complex, in collaboration with Motorcycle and Automobile Federation of Iran has organised a Rally to promote social inclusion of people with disabilities. People with all abilities who participate in this competition will need to read a map to find their way through the city from starting to finishing point. In addition, a one day event will be held on 3rd December in order to celebrate the IDPD and to increase public awareness of disability issues. The event will consist of inspirational talks and success stories of people with disabilities. (int@raad-charity.org, www.raad-charity.org)
Israel
Beit Issie Shapiro is organising a wide public campaign throughout December, aimed at changing attitudes and raising awareness to people with disabilities in the community. The campaign includes the displaying of photographer Rick Guidotti’s “Positive Exposure” international photo exhibition, in partnership with Beit Issie Shapiro, at a number of venues in Israel, including the Tel Aviv Cinemateque, the Israeli Knesset (Parliament), the Israeli High Court of Justice, and the Tel Aviv Cultural Center. In addition, a promotional video will be screened at movie theaters and three Israeli TV channels, and an article about Beit Issie Shapiro’s research on the perceptions of children towards children with disabilities will be published in one of the main daily newspapers. For more information: (sharony@beitissie.org.il, http://en.beitissie.org.il/international-disabilities-day-2015.)
Italy
In collaboration with regional and local government in the Italian region of Marche, the NGO - Associazione Premio Eleanor Worthington, will organise a series of cultural events in the Italian cities of Urbino and Urbania. Using the language of visual and performing arts, interactive events aim to promote sensitivity to the concerns of persons with disabilities and their families, and to contribute to the long-term goal of lowering barriers and fostering social inclusion. (mjw65@cam.ac.uk; http://www.eppela.com/eng/projects/5028/art-and-disability-in-urbino)
Lithuania
Association "Lithuanian Disability Forum“ is  organising a special conference in the Parliament of Lithuanian Republic. LDF will present its alternative report on implementation of the CRPD in Lithuania. Legal gaps and practical barriers for effective implementation of the Convention will be highlighted. Together with the conference an exhibition revealing life in institutions will be opened, calling for debate on the reform of the social care system in Lithuania.  (info@lnf.lt,www.lnf.lt)
Malaysia
Malaysian Foundation For The Blind (MFB), together with local and international stakeholders will be holding a press conference on IDPD 2015 to enhance public awareness of persons with disabilities and also the importance of volunteerism. The emphasis is on the critical issues and everyday challenges faced. Speakers include several important community leaders. (enquiry@mfb.org.my, http://www.mfb.org.my/events)
Malaysia
The Special Education Program, Faculty of Education  at the University Kebangsaan, in Pusanik is hosting an event at the university's student centre, in line with the programme's learning outcome on advocating persons with disabilities and raising awareness on disability.  Students taking masters and undergraduate courses in special education will be organising awareness activities on disabilities.  Children with autistic spectrum disorders from the faculty's Autistic Learning Laboratory and other local organisation for persons with disabilities will be invited to celebrate the day along with other people without disabilities.(mma@ukm.edu.my)
Maldives
As in previous years, the Maldives Association of Physical Disabled (MAPD) will be holding a ceremony in which concerned authorities will announce the opportunities to persons with disabilities for the future. Persons with disabilities and their parents will be given opportunity to express their concerns to government dignitaries including members of parliament. (mapd.mv@outlook.com, http://www.mapdmv.org/)
Nigeria
In Karu (Abuja), the International Care Initiative  for the Physically Challenged (ici for pc) is collaborating with the traditional rulers based in Karu and Jikwoyi satellite towns. Government Agencies, the media, personalities and about seventy persons living with various forms of disabilities are expected to attend. A forum will be held were papers will be delivered by resource persons. Banners will be made, T-shirts and caps will be distributed and wheelchairs will also be distributed. At the end of the day, there will be an understanding of disability issues and support for the dignity rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities. (iciforpc@yahoo.com, www.iciforpc.org)
Norway
Plan International Norway, the Atlas Alliance, and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights is organizing a seminar which aims to promote an understanding of the situation of refugees with disabilities by highlighting the rights and wellbeing of refugees with disabilities. How do we ensure the rights of refugees with disabilities and what responsibilities do we have? Politicians as well as national and international aid organizations are invited to take part. (Anja.Stokkan@plan-norge.no, http://www.jus.uio.no/smr/english/about/current/events/2015/inter-day-disability.html)
Pakistan
Family Education Services Foundation (FESF), in collaboration with Graeae Theatre Company (UK) and Artabled organised a education performance  on Friday November 13, in promoting the IDPD 2015 theme and of promoting inclusiveness in Arts and development of opportunities and professional development for disabled artists & educators. FESF Deaf Reach students partnered with fellow students from Ida Rieu School & College for the Deaf and Blind and the JS Academy for the Deaf through a stage performance of Ted Hughe’s novel “The Iron Man”. Students promoted the concept of “inclusiveness” as a way of living. (ameenamohyuddin@gmail.com , http://www.hipinpakistan.com/news/1148346/artists-with-disabilities-win-hearts-at-napa)

Philippines and Vietnam
MY IDEA (Movement of the Youth for Inclusive Development through Education in ASEAN) is implementing a convention which aims to further empower student teachers to become advocates of inclusive education. This convention is a gathering of 35 student teachers from 10 Teacher Education Institutions in the province. The three-day event will to be held in Dumaguete City, Philippines on December 3, 2015. During the convention, Vietnam will also hold an event to bring the cause of inclusion at the local and global level. MY IDEA is a youth-led and youth run initiative whose goal is to mobilize student teachers in Negros Oriental to become advocates of inclusive education. (myideainitiative@gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/MY-IDEA-349366688582811/?fref=ts).
Saint Lucia
Sacred Sports Foundation Inc. is holding its 4th Annual Festival, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education Human Resource Management & Labour’s Special Education Unit and its special schools sports committee as part of their ongoing physical activity drive. The day’s activities will be aimed at: 1) Play: A fun day of physical activity and sports in an effort to engage special needs youth; 2)  Build: An effort to develop greater cohesion between schools and communities and foster greater links in a friendly environment and 3) Join: An opportunity to educate young people and the general public to be more sensitive to the requirements of the special needs community and solicit their support and involvement in the programme. (nova@sacredsportsinc.com, http://www.sacredsportsinc.com/)\
South Africa
At 9:30 in Sandton,Talent Centric in partnership with the Technoseed Foundation and other corporate partners will be launching a programme to develop entrepreneurs living with disabilities. The programme aims to address the gap that exist for economic inclusion of people living with disabilities. The programme seeks to help persons with disabilities youth to create start-ups and innovate to get in the mainstream economy. In total the full program will ideate, educate, incubate and seeks to accelerate existing small enterprises owned by persons with disabilities in Africa. (thabo@talentcentric.co.za or blessing@mfactory.mobi, http://www.talentcentric.co.za/)
Sri Lanka
Piyapath Foundation will organize a walk for people with disabilities in the area that will begin at 9.00 a.m. on 3 December and cover Mirigama town. At the end of the walk, a public meeting will be held in Mirigama town (in front of the new bus stand) at around 11.00 a.m. (piyapathfoundation@gmail.com)
Switzerland
The European Union is organising an interactive Exhibition entitled "How Colour Blind People See", aimed at raising awareness on colour blindness, where people will be able to look at daily objects through the eyes of a colour blind person. The initiative "comedevonoidaltonici.com" consists of two main projects: inspiring a change in the motor vehicle code to allow access to all kind of driving licences and the establishment of a ministerial observatory on colour blindness (www.comevedonoidaltonici.com - info@comevedonoidaltonici.com).
Tanzania
The Department of Disability Affairs (DDA), a secretariat of the Zanzibar National Council for People with Disabilities, will organize a debate for students from public and private schools. The event will discuss the inclusion of people with disabilities and development in Zanzibar . Various programs to increase awareness of disability issues with live TV and radio coverage, documentary on best practice of persons with disabilities and advertisement on challenges facing persons with disabilities on accessibility of infrastructure will be aired (abeidarashid@gmail.com).
Timor Leste
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteers are working with four organizations and schools to organise and promote the public presence and enlightenment of people with disabilities in Timor-Leste. Students, people who come to rehabilitation, and volunteers from each participating NGOs and school walk around the town of Dili, the capital city, and pick up empty plastic bottles. All the participating NGOs and school gather together and assemble their segments as one big signboard. (e-k1.yasu@hotmail.com).
United Kingdom
Independent Living in Scotland project (ILiS) has organised Scotland’s first-ever Annual Disabled People's Summit, titled ‘Getting our Rights right’.  The event is for persons with disabilities, their organisations, allies and decision-makers. The event will discuss the status of human rights and equality for persons with disabilities in Scotland. (ryan@ilis.co.uk; www.ilis.co.uk).
United Kingdom
In Newbury, England, West Berkshire Disability Alliance and West Berkshire Independent Living Network will celebrate, together with others, themes of ‘Inclusion matters: access and empowerment of people of all abilities’, with inspirational speakers, information stands and networking opportunities, also exchanging greetings with colleagues around the planet, further to inspire international co-operation and solidarity. (JohnMHoltBSc@aol.com, www.wbna.org.uk)
United Kingdom
Disability Action Wyre forest will be holding a public meeting in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities at Wyre Forest. The group is currently working on ensuring all new dwelling built in the district have disabled access (disabilityactionwf@hotmail.com, http://www.disabilityactionwf1.co.uk)
United Kingdom
In Coventry, West Midlands, Coventry City Council are working with assist-Mi, a Disabled Person’s User Led Organisation to launch the first ever citywide pilot deployment of their smartphone app disability assistance tool, revolutionising accessibility across the city. The aim is to showcase the most inclusive and accessible city in the UK, with many service providers signing up to the scheme, including (amongst others) public buildings, restaurants and universities to offer bespoke assistance to disabled users on the go. (dom.hyams@assist-mi.com, www.assist-Mi.com)
United Kingdom
Solihull Council, West Midlands, in partnership with key statutory and voluntary organisations, is hosting their third annual celebration. Four local initiatives will be promoted across Solihull, each involving persons with disabilities. Launched by the Mayor of Solihull, there will be a keynote speech on conquering fear and blindness to achieve success, various entertainers with a range of disabilities and information displays from 45 disability related services (See Solihull Council’s news page: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/news/ArtMID/820/ArticleID/969/Solihull-to-celebrate-UN-International-Day-of-People-with-Disabilities- or email: alankeen@solihull.gov.uk).
United States
Manhattan Multicultural Counseling, Inc. (MMC) is holding a panel discussion on education and social inclusion. The focus will be on practical stategies and initiatives for giving access to education and social-emotional well-being for these chuldren through music, education and assistive technology (for more information: carolkennedy5@aol.com)
United States
The Auburn University and Auburn University at Montgomery Logan Project have organized a virtual event entitled “Solving the Problem of Accessibility to Math Education”. This will be a panel discussion on math education inclusion. The focus will be on the need for practical strategies and initiatives for giving access to math education and, in general, to STEM education. More information about the Logan Project Team and Goals can be found at http://aum.phanfare.com/pw/70c2847cc284c2817f777ec2837e15/6907017. (agulley@aum.edu ; http://UN-IDPD.eng.auburn.edu).
Worldwide
The German NGO Sozialhelden is holding the worldwide mapathon "MapMyDay" in cooperation with the WHO, ITU and IBE-UNESCO to raise awareness for accessibility and to collect important information on the wheelchair accessibility of public places. People around the world are called upon to mark places in their neighborhoods according to their wheelchair accessibility on the online, crowdsourced map Wheelmap.org. More information at www.mapmyday.org
World Health Organisation
Colleagues at WHO headquarters in Geneva will celebrate the day with Ambassadors from a number of countries, representatives of UN agencies and civil society organizations, and the public. Following a roundtable during which participants will describe progress made in implementing the WHO global disability action plan 2014-2021 in select countries, colleagues will join a ceremony launching a temporary addition to Geneva's iconic symbol, the Broken Chair, which will be equipped with a prosthesis. (http://www.who.int/disabilities/en/)
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You tell us! If you are commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in your community and would like to share an innovative idea that includes other stakeholders, such as your Government, a UN agency, an NGO/DPO or a community, please let us know about it. We will showcase the idea on our website to inform and inspire others to do the same. Please send your ideas to Enable@un.org.

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