International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023 (UN)

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 08:09:38 -0500
access, accessibility, accommodation, day, disability, international, nations, person, service, technology, umbc, united

December 1 is the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, honoring the United Nation's commitment for promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities - more than 1 billion people worldwide are in this demographic, the world's largest minority. The day raises awareness of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of disability that affects people around the world.

The theme for 2023 is "united in action to rescue and achieve Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by persons with disabilities. The theme reflects recent consideration of the impacts of COVID-19, climate change, and the invasion Ukraine. More information about the UN Virtual New York Commemoration event, including registration is linked here. To view the December 1 10a-1p activities remotely, click here at that time.

Working toward an accessible future is everyone's responsibility. As a campus, we engage together to create a future which insists that people are not needlessly excluded due to health conditions that create substantial limitations in how people engage with the world. Report barriers when you encounter them - at UMBC our accessibility concern form is available 24/7 to report any issues that arise: https://accessibility.umbc.edu/report-campus-accessibility-concern/.

UMBC's Accessibility & Disability Services partners with the entire campus community -departments, groups, and individuals - to overcome barriers. Student Disability Services is a resource for all students with disabilities. We have a strong partnership with UMBC Sustainability as well.

If there is an accessibility concern on campus - report it via this linked form. With Facilities Management maintenance or repair reporting - the best, first step is to report it to Work Control via 410-455-2550 or Workorder@umbc.edu. For residential hall repair conditions, non-emergencies can be reported to http://fxit.umbc.edu, and emergencies can be called in to the FXIT line: 410-455-3948.

Looking for more content? ADA Live Episode 88 A Day For All discusses IDPD

Need a theme song? Artist James Ian's song "Spaces" and inclusive, collaborative process with his Spinal Muscular Atrophy community were featured on CANVAS (link). Spaces song link.

Musician Gaelynn Lea shares how Accessibility is the New Punk Rock live on stage at The Moth

Professor Sara Hendren shares on Our Bodies, Aliveness and The Built World via the On Being podcast.

A thumbnail of a signpost with more than ten colorful directional arrows naming several countries and their distances in French/kilometers