Manitoba Government News Release–The Manitoba government is joining people around the world to celebration International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine, minister responsible for accessibility, announced today.
“We have a sacred responsibility to ensure all Manitobans are afforded equal opportunities in everything our province has to offer,” said Fontaine. “Our government is working to eliminate barriers and ensure we have a province that is inclusive for everyone. I encourage all Manitobans to use their voices to create a better world for those living with disabilities.”
International Day of Persons with Disabilities was first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992 as a day to promote an understanding of disability issues and reiterate support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities on a global scale. Dec. 3 is also proclaimed in perpetuity as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Manitoba.
Today, one in three Manitobans has a disability, which can be permanent, temporary, visible or invisible. Individuals may be born with a disability and acquire or develop one at any time throughout their life.
The minister noted the International Day of Persons with Disabilities falls during the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign, which runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10. According to Statistics Canada’s report, Intimate partner violence: Experiences of women with disabilities in Canada , 55 per cent of women with disabilities in Canada reported some form of intimate partner violence.
“People with disabilities are disproportionately more likely to experience gender-based violence,” said Fontaine. “Being aware of the additional barriers people living with disabilities face and taking steps to address them is a way all Manitobans can work towards a more equitable future free of gender-based violence for everyone.”
The Manitoba government remains committed to removing barriers through the full implementation of the Accessibility for Manitobans Act, which consists of accessibility standard regulations that serve as the building blocks for making real, measurable and effective changes to improve accessibility and remove barriers in Manitoba, noted the minister.
The Manitoba Accessibility Office will also be hosting its International Day of Persons with Disabilities webinar on Dec. 3. This free presentation features Rebecca Lauhn-Jensen from Manitoba Parks and para-athlete Colin Mathieson from Inclusiveness in Sport speaking about improving accessibility in recreational activities and inclusive sports. Participants can register at:
https://accessibilitymb.ca/resources-events-and-training/awareness-dates.html#IDPD.
For more information on International Day of Persons with Disabilities or to learn about the Accessibility for Manitobans Act, visit https://accessibilitymb.ca.