29 November 2019
International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) is recognised each year on 3 December, and is a day used to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
This year’s theme is ‘The Future is Accessible’ – meaning we must all, together, look toward a future where the barriers that stand in people’s way no longer exist.
In recognition of IDPWD, St Helena’s Active Participation in Enterprise (SHAPE) has organised a parade through Jamestown to celebrate and raise awareness of disability.
The parade will start from Barracks Square on Tuesday, 3 December, at around 11am and will end at the Mule Yard. Participants will be dressed in orange and blue.
SHAPE Finance & Administration Manager, Danielle Anthony, explained:
“For this parade, participants will be dressed in orange and blue. These colours represent certain meanings. The colour blue symbolises support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of people with disability, and orange symbolises the inclusion of people with disability in all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life.
“SHAPE is also inviting departments across the Island to wear blue and orange on the day and make a donation to show your support.”
The Children & Adults Social Care Directorate are supporting SHAPE and their awareness raising of IDPWD. Community & Residential Disabilities Manager, Nicolene Adams, added:
“Internationally recognised days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern and to mobilise political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity and more importantly the service users and services of our Island. The theme this year focuses on the empowerment of persons with disabilities for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development. As a Directorate we will continue to aim to improve service provision to the disabled persons on our Island.
“The Children & Adults Social Care Directorate wish to sincerely thank the management and staff of SHAPE and fully support working together to provide an invaluable service to promote the wellbeing of all disabled persons in the community of St Helena.”
#StHelena #IDPWD #SHAPE
29 November 2019