The theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities is “Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want”. Today is a very special day for our members with Disabilities and around the world, as we recognize the 23rd anniversary of the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities”. We know that there are still far too many members who face social and economic barriers to realizing their potential and being fully active participants in society. Too often, persons with disabilities are confronted with stigma, discrimination and, ultimately, denied the most basic human rights. We have to raise our voices for change!
I am encouraging our members to participate in the government’s consultation on the development of planned accessibility legislation. This is an important opportunity to provide input based on our experiences. The deadline is February 28, 2017.
We have a duty to help eliminate the systemic barriers that persist in our society. We need to work with other equity seeking members, and with our allies to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
In Solidarity,
Souad Soubra Boone
PSAC Ontario Council
Members with Disabilities Representative