International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December
International Day for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is held every year on 3 December. The date was set by the United Nations in 1992 with the aim of promoting the rights and well-being of disabled people in every aspect of life – political, social, economic and cultural. The UN states that the major focus of the day is about taking practical action to meet the day’s objectives - to improve the rights and well-being of disabled people.
This year’s theme for the IDPD is “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all”. More information here: https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-3-december/idpd2017.html
The UN encourages member countries, and local communities, to observe IDPD by holding inclusive and collaborative events that focus on the issues faced by disabled people and to include disabled people as both beneficiaries and agents of change.
The day is marked around the world with celebrations involving music, sport and academia, giving disabled people the opportunity to show their potential. There are a number of events going on in New Zealand
There will be a variety of events going on around the country. Here are some we are aware of. If you know of any other events, let us know and we’ll share them here and on our Facebook page. Email – odi@msd.govt.nz
Join in the celebration at an event near you:
Christchurch
- Celebrate Us concert, organised by CCS Disability Action and Play it Strange, 1-8pm Sat 2 December, Corner Madras and Gloucester Streets. More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/796475543835353/
- Salonica - theatre performance with New Zealand Sign Language, 7.30pm Fri 1 & Sat 2 December at The Piano: Centre for Music and the Arts. More info: https://artsaccess.org.nz/events/salonica%20to%20open%20in%20christchurch
Wellington
- Disability Pride Day, sponsored by the Wellington City Council, Sun 3 December, Wellington Waterfront. More info: https://disabilityprideaotearoa.nz/Events/Disability+Pride+Day+Wellington
- Film screenings at Nga Taonga Sound and Vision, Sat 2 December:
- 2.30pm -“Visions and Realities” – a documentary about the rise of the disability rights movement in NZ
- 4.30pm – “Defiant Lives” – a film about the disability rights movements in the US/UK/Australia.
More info: https://www.ngataonga.org.nz/events?location=wellington
- Tape Art New Zealand will be running a series of workshops for disabled people during Disability Pride Week (Thurs 30 Nov to Tues 5 Dec), culminating with the creation of murals at the Library and Nga Taonga Sound & Vision. More info: https://disabilityprideaotearoa.nz/News+Index/Tape+art+returns+to+2017+event
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