International Day of Persons with Disabilities logoTheme for IDPD 2021: “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.”

For a second time, we mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. With many parts of the world thinking about what the future and pandemic recovery looks like, this year’s IDPD theme reflects the necessity of including people with disabilities in the decision-making process. The future can and should be inclusive and accessible.

IDPD is a day which promotes equality for people with disabilities in all areas of society. On December 3rd, we celebrate IDPD with events that invite the community to come together and recognize the contributions of people with disabilities. This year , there are a number of arts- and community-focused events both virtual and in-person to enjoy. Learn about the journey to inclusion in BC, get to know the man who brought a daily dose of light to our COVID-19 briefings, and enjoy artwork from artists of all abilities.

Free December 3rd Events

Outsiders and Others - What Disability? An exhibition in celebration of persons with disabilities

What Disability?!? – Art Exhibition

Outsiders and Others presents What Disability?!?, an exhibition in celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The exhibition features work from over a dozen artists and will be displaying in their gallery on East Hastings and their window gallery on Howe Street.

December 3-19, 2021

outsidersandothers.com

Inclusion: The Journey to Community launch invitation

Inclusion: The Journey to Community – Exhibition Launch

Join the BC Self Advocacy Foundation, Community Ventures Society, Inclusion BC, and the Port Moody Heritage Society for the virtual launch of the interactive exhibition, “Inclusion: The Journey to Community.”

Come learn about the history of institutionalization in B.C. and be enlightened by stories from individuals who are now living and thriving in community.

Friday December 3rd, 2021
11:00 am – 11:45 am

Register at www.inclusionbc.org/museum-launch-2021

A middle-aged man in a dark blue shirt signing ASL

Who the Hell is Nigel? – Film Screening

If you live in BC, you’ve probably seen his face before. Who the Hell is Nigel? is a documentary film by Window Box Media, produced with the support of TELUS, about ASL interpreter Nigel Howard:

“In this time of crisis, an unwitting hero is made of an ASL interpreter who brings a daily dose of light to COVID-19 briefings in British Columbia. Yet through Nigel Howard’s rise to fame, the underrepresentation of the Deaf community becomes evident. “Who the Hell is Nigel?” expands on the narrative beyond Nigel Howard’s rise to internet celebrity. The piece tackles three major topics: who is Nigel Howard and how he came to be famous; Deaf culture in Vancouver, both historically and at present; and the specific impact of COVID on multiple Deaf communities.”

This December 3rd, the TELUS Abilities Network is excited to host a screening of this new documentary and a panel discussion with the film crew. The screening takes place from 5:00pm – 6:30 PM PT, virtually on TELUS’ conferencing platform.

A panel discussion will follow the screening including:

  • Nigel Howard – subject of the film
  • Ladan Sharaei – consultant for the film
  • Nigel Edwards – film production team
  • Brian Ceci – film production team

Friday December 3rd, 2021
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Register at Eventbrite

* ASL interpretation and real time captioning available

Kickstart New Wave exhibition Virtual Closing Ceremony banner

New Wave – Virtual Closing Celebration

The New Wave online exhibit, presented by Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture, is finishing with a virtual bang! Join Kickstart on Zoom for an evening of art & community, including performances by two award winning spoken word artists, and a DJ set during intermission.

This event will give us space to come together to watch some incredible performances by disabled artists, honour the artists who exhibited their work in the online exhibition, and celebrate ourselves and our community on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Friday December 3rd, 2021
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Register to attend

* ASL interpretation & live captioning available