British politicians have shown their support for a United Nations initiative to increase inclusion, access and empowerment for people of all abilities.
The UN’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, otherwise known as the UN Day of Disability, was marked in the House of Commons by an event organised by charity Papworth Trust.
A number of MPs joined Papworth’s chief executive Vicky McDermott to show their support for disabled people.
Among them were Sir David Amess, Daniel Zeichner, Sir Alan Haselhurst (pictured) and former SNP leader Alex Salmond.
Papworth Trust offers care and support to disabled and older people, their carers and families. McDermott said the charity “believes that disabled people should be enabled to live independent lives with access to the same opportunities as everyone else.
“In order for that to happen we have to challenge the misperceptions that still exist about disabled people. We will continue to champion equality for disabled people and bring about social change.”
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been celebrated since 1992. Other themes from this year include making cities inclusive and accessible for all, improving disability data and statistics, and including persons with invisible disabilities in society and development.
Papworth Trust produces statistics about disabled people and the challenges they face and is due to launch its 2016 report in early January.
Ahead of that, the UN’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, on Thursday 3 December, encouraged people to focus on the theme of inclusion, access and empowerment.
Published: 4 December 2015
