Today, people around the world are recognizing the International Day for Persons with Disabilities – a day that was established by the United Nations (UN) to create awareness, understanding, and action for the legal and social rights of persons with disabilities.
An estimated 15 per cent of the global population – over one billion people – live with some form of disability, according to the World Health Organization.
For more than two decades, HEU’s People with disAbilities Standing Committee has provided resources and support to health care workers with visible and non-visible disabilities, and those on extended medical leave, LTD or WCB.
Canadian human rights laws also define drug and alcohol dependence as disabilities.
In 2010, Canada ratified and implemented the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and submitted its first report on compliance to the UN in 2014.
Although this country has a long way to go in supporting people with disabilities, who often find themselves in poverty and lacking adequate care, Canada was a pioneer in securing legal protections for people with disabilities through new language in the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.
To find out what’s happening in your community to mark December 3, visit the Council of Canadians with Disabilities.
You can also find useful resources on CUPE National’s website.