December 3 is International Day for Persons with Disabilities

Since 1992, December 3rd is marked as the International Day for Persons with Disabilities by the United Nations. This is a day to promote awareness on the issues faced by people living with disabilities.

Each year this international day of observance has a theme that addresses a priority for those living with a disability. This year’s theme is: "Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development". In 2006, Statistics Canada reported that more than 2.6 million Canadians are living with a disability, which is 13% of Canada’s overall population.

However, Harper’s Conservatives have eliminated the Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS) for 2011. PALS is a valuable survey that obtains data from Canadians living with a disability to assess their needs and how those needs are being met. PSAC calls on the Federal Government to reinstate PALS as a means of supporting the inclusion of all Canadians living with disability.

On December 3rd please remember and support the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.