December 2, 2014 at 9:00 PM
International Day of Persons with Disabilities marks
the day of recognition for all persons with disabilities. In 1976, the United
Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1981 as the International Year of Disabled
Persons. It called for a plan of action at the national, regional and
international levels, with an emphasis on equalization of opportunities,
rehabilitation and prevention of disabilities.[1]
Spot and think about it. We find it much easier to accept a disability that
we can see, as opposed to those challenges that are not visible.
Words and actions can be hurtful. We need to be attentive to what we say and
do. So think before you speak or act. Have you ever said something you regretted
saying; or acted in a manner that you wished you had not? Many of us have at one
time or another.
Make today the day we make the change in the right direction.
On December 3rd, think of those individuals with disabilities. Be part of the
solution to educate and inform those around you that negative attitudes to
persons living with disabilities are detrimental to us all. Walk just one mile
in their shoes; practice empathy and respect the many challenges that these
people endure every day of their lives.
Stop and think: in a split second your life can change.
Linda Mryka
Human Rights Advocate
Unifor 2002
Statement from Unifor 
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ACCORDING TO STATISTICS CANADA (2006)
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14.3 % (4.5 million) Canadians live with disabilities
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The percentage
of Canadians with disabilities was lowest in Nunavut (6.4%) and highest in Nova
Scotia (20.0%)
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A greater proportion of females (15.2%)
reported a disability than males (13.4%)
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In adults most limitations were
due to pain (11.7%), mobility disability (11.5%), and agility (11.1%), followed
by hearing, seeing, learning, psychological, memory, speech and developmental
disabilities (0.5%)
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/14-12-03 International Day of Persons with Disabilities HTML en.txt