Today, Thursday 3 December, is International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), which is a United Nations observed day celebrated internationally.
One in five Victorians have a disability, and IDPwD promotes an understanding of people with disability and encourages support for their dignity, rights and wellbeing. The day also seeks to increase awareness of the benefits of the integration of people with disability in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
In 2020, the IDPwD theme is ‘Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World’. The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected communities around the world, and people with disability are no exception. As COVID-19 continues to have wide-reaching impacts, it is more important than ever to increase awareness of the long-standing systemic inequalities that exist for people with disability, that have been highlighted by the pandemic.
At its December Meeting, Council will consider the Draft Active Ageing & Inclusion Plan 2020-2024, which if endorsed, will go out for public exhibition and feedback later this month. All residents are encouraged to get involved with the feedback process, to help Council live up to this year’s IDPwD theme.
Golden Plains Shire Council is proud to support IDPwD Day, and acknowledge its staff and volunteers with disability, as well as the dedicated Active Ageing and Inclusion team who support many local residents with disabilities.