3 December is International Day of People with Disabilities 2020

This year’s theme is Not all Disabilities are Visible and focuses on spreading awareness and understanding of impairments that are not immediately apparent.

What a great theme for our community, especially in the time of COVID-19. Often there is a one-size fits all approach on how to stop the spread of the virus. But many tāngata whaikaha/disabled people can't always follow these protocols. And when their disability is not immediately obvious, their non-compliance can be misinterpreted as insensitive or rebellious. One example is not being able to wear a face covering.

However, over the past few months, some DHBs across New Zealand and then the Ministry of Health released official exemption cards for wearing face masks. It's a helpful resource that informs people around them that their disability or health condition prevents them from wearing a face covering safely or comfortably.

But going back to the International Day of Disabilities! Here's a couple of ways you can celebrate the occasion, whether in person or online on Thursday 3 December:

Circability

10am to 3pm
This is a day of workshops, art, information sharing and celebration! This event is koha entry. Suggested koha is $5 per participant. Here's more information about the event.

Changing Places

11am to 2pm
Changing Places are accessible public toilets that meet the needs of those unable to self-transfer without assistance.

There are over 1000 Changing Places in the UK, and dozens more in Australia. But there are currently only two Changing Places in New Zealand!

Changing Places NZ are pleased to invite you for a tour of their facility at Westfield Newmarket.

Purple Light Up – 24hr global broadcast

11am to 2pm (NZ time). Then continuing for 21 hours after this with content from around the globe.

#PurpleLightUp is a global movement that celebrates and draws attention to the economic contribution of the 386 million disabled employees around the world.

The 24-hour Global Broadcast will bring together CEOs, senior champions, network/ERG leaders and disabled employees to connect, share their stories and feel the power of change via webinars, interviews, panel discussions and more.

The Oceania region is kicking off this event from 11am to 2pm. After that follows 21 hours of international content as it works its way around the globe.

Hidden disabilities through a digital lens – webinar

12:30 – 2:00pm
A free 90-minute “lunch and learn” webinar event presented in partnership by Access Advisors, Access Alliance, Accessibility Tick, and Tech for Good. There's going to be an incredible line-up of speakers sharing their experience with hidden disabilities.

Available on Zoom – Get your tickets now from Humanitix

Here's more information about the event.

Air New Zealand Disability Social Enterprise Christmas Market

12.30pm – 2.00pm
Air New Zealand’s employee network, The Enable Network invites you to join a Christmas Market in the courtyard of our Fanshawe Street office on Thursday, 3 December 2020. This market is in recognition and support of International Day of People with Disabilities.

The market will involve a number of social enterprises that are run by or employ people with disabilities. The market will include businesses such as The Cookie Project, Downlights, Drink My Coffee and many more.

Here's a Google map of Air New Zealand The Hub where the Christmas market will take place.

ENDS

Published 24 November 2020