Each year on November 3rd the United Nations recognizes International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). This day increases awareness of diverse abilities and promotes inclusion for the disability community.
This year, the United Nations set the theme for IDPD as “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World.”
In Canada, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a conversation happening about universal basic income. It is crucial that the disability community be included in this conversation and that people with disabilities be guaranteed universal basic income along with the rest of Canadians. Make sure you write your MP and tell them how important this is to you!
Normally to celebrate IDPD there is an event at City Hall in Calgary. Agencies and members of the disability community gather to share, celebrate, and advocate for people with disabilities. Because of the pandemic, we aren’t able to get together this year. We miss seeing everyone and hope we’ll be able to get together in person again next year.
The Disability Pride Alberta Foundation normally has a table at the IDPD event, and we engage the community by asking:
What does the word “disability” mean to you?
What does “pride” mean to you?
We invite attendees to answer these questions on a white board, and we take pictures of everyone standing proudly with their answers. The responses we get are vast, varied, and always inspiring! We’ve included pictures from previous IDPD celebrations to keep you feeling loud and proud.
Even though we can’t be with you to take your picture, we still want to know what these words mean to you. So please leave a comment, post on social media (tag @disabilityprideab #disabilityprideab #IDPD2020), or email us at info@disabilitypridealberta.com and tell us:
What does
“disability” mean to you?
What does
“pride” mean to you?
We can’t wait to see and share your responses!
Happy IDPD from the Disability Pride Alberta Foundation.
Stay safe, healthy, loud and proud!
Disability is normal, awesome, beautiful & amazing. Pride is essential. 
Disability is the beauty to teach others how to love unconditionally. Pride is inclusion. 
Disability is being unique. Pride is not being afraid. 
Disability is a societal construct. Pride is necessary. 
Disability is whatever you want it to be. Pride is courage. 
Disability is a different kind of ability. Pride is celebration. 
Disability is normal. Pride is not just for gays. 
Disability is challenge. Pride is success. 
Disability is something to embrace and celebrate. Pride is undeniable LOVE. 
Disability is unique. Pride is powerful. 
Disability is powerful and strong in the community. Pride is for everyone. 
Disability is constraining. Pride is being excited about something. 
Disability is universal and common. Pride is integrity of keeping true to who you are. 
Disability is everybody. Pride is everybody. 
Disability is really being unstopABLE. Pride is being proud of who you are. 
Disability is difference worth celebrating. Pride is feeling fantastic and powerful in your own skin. 
Disability is differently abled. Pride is recognizing value. 
Disability is power. Pride is empowerment. 
Disability is someone that needs assistance. Pride is being happy and accepting who you are. 
Disability is the path to my light. Pride is seeing my daughter. Really seeing her. 
Disability is being proud of what you have. Pride is LOUD AND PROUD!! 
Disability is perception. Pride is being yourself. 
Disability is ability. Pride is a parade. 
Disability is a fight. Pride is a feeling. 
Disability is love. Pride is loving yourself for who you are. 
Disability is physical and mental. Pride is to take challenges and opportunities. 
Disability is challenging. Pride is honor. 
Disability is something to be proud of. Pride is breaking down the barriers! 
Disability is stigma relief diverseABILITY! Pride is emotional wealth. 
Disability is not who you are. Pride is be confident with who you are. 
Disability is just a part of someone’s story. Pride is joy in one’s identity. 
Disability is difficulty. Pride is peaceful. 
Disability is challenge. Pride is never let go or down. 
Disability is overcoming obstacles. Pride is recognizing your strength. 
Disability is a different way of doing something. Pride is comfortable and open. 
Disability is my life. My time. Pride is on my own terms. 
Disability is I don’t believe in the word. Pride is owing who you are. 
Disability is battling my body. Pride is changed behavior. 
Disability is environment. Pride is community. 
Disability is good. Pride is loud and proud. 
Disability is downsyndrome. Pride is accepting who I am. 
Disability is what it’s supposed to be. Pride is feeling good about yourself. 
Disability is what it’s supposed to be. Pride is feeling good about yourself. 
Disability is sucky. Pride is awesome sauce. 
Disability is unique. Pride is courageous. 
Disability is provides a different and valuable perspective on the world. Pride is courageous. 
Disability is inclusion. Pride is capacity. 
Disability is personal. Pride is for everyone. 
Disability is diversity. Pride is embracing our differences. 
Disability is creativity. Pride is confident. 
Disability is diversity. Pride is satisfaction. 
Disability is awesome. Pride is being proud. 
Disability is overcoming barriers. Pride is staying positive. 
Disability is not a dirty word. Pride is embracing our differences. 
Friends 🙂