As December quickly approaches, we come together to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). For its 26th year, advocates, family members, caregivers, and community leaders promote the need for a deeper understanding of disability issues, awareness for the rights of individuals with disabilities, and support for inclusion in every aspect of life. The importance of this day is to honour the achievements and contributions individuals of all abilities make to society and to assist in amplifying the advocacy in place to help build diverse communities and inclusive futures for all.
Each year, IDPD is centered on a new theme that focuses on inclusive education, lifelong learning, and sustainable economic growth through employment. This year’s theme is “empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.” The overarching principle of this theme is to ‘leave no one behind’ and empower individuals to continue their contributions to society as active members. As based on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, this global framework strengthens the resilience of people with disabilities by providing full access to justice, health care services, infrastructure and accessible communities.
Exciting Must-Do FREE Events
Presented by a collaboration of community and nonprofit organizations with missions towards diversity and inclusion, this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities returns to Metro Vancouver on December 3rd with exciting events including an Art Show and Sale, musical performances, film festivals, and an outdoor gathering hosted by Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture! While you can enjoy fun activities at the Roundhouse Arts and Recreation Centre throughout the day, an outdoor afternoon gathering and evening film festivals will get you thinking about new perspectives on engaging topics and issues central to those in the disability community.
PEBCelebrates Live: Art Show & Sale and Musical Performance
Monday, December 3rd, 2018
Roundhouse Arts and Recreation Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver)
12:30 – 7:30pm
FREE
PEBCelebrates Live! is proud to feature an Art Show and Sale during the day on December 3rd along with exciting musical performances. When you attend, you’ll have the chance to mingle with local and international artists whose creative gifts and personal stories will inspire you.
PEBcelebrates Live: Film Festival and Performance Artists
Monday, December 3rd, 2018
Roundhouse Arts and Recreation Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver)
6:30pm – 8:30pm, FREE
For the evening portion of PEBCelebrates Live! you can enjoy a film festival and 19+ refreshments provided by Old Abbey Ales from 5:30 – 6:30pm. If you’d like to enjoy thought-provoking films and craft beer tasting, register at pebcelebrateslive.eventbrite.ca.
Inclusion BC: Sprout Film Festival
Monday, December 3rd, 2018
The Columbia (530 Columbia Street, New West)
1:00pm, FREE
To add to the excitement and positivity The International Day of Persons with Disabilities brings, Inclusion BC has partnered with Sproutflix to host film festivals across British Columbia. The Metro Vancouver Festival will take place in New Westminster. All featured films are made by and star individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture: Outdoor Gathering
Monday, December 3rd, 2018
Robson Street Plaza (South Side of Vancouver Art Gallery)
12:00pm – 2:00pm, FREE
To celebrate IDPD, Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture is hosting its third annual outdoor public gathering! Since being seen is part of the challenge for those with a disability, the event is hosted outdoors to tackle this issue and bring visibility to those with a disability! All are welcome to enjoy this casual and fun event and to come together with their community in celebration. For more information about this event see here.
Celebrate the Joy Inclusion and Awareness Brings
At posAbilities we’d collectively like to show our appreciation for diversity by celebrating this special day. Our aim is to continue promoting a persons centered approach to enrich the lives not only of persons served but their entire networks of friends and family. As coaches, supporters, and dedicated community builders we honour this day as one that ensures the persons we serve can participate in communities where they are welcomed and valued.
