Council's Champion for Disabilities International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022 message

Published: Fri 2nd December, 2022

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a United Nations-led day of recognition which takes place every year in December. This year it takes place on Saturday, December 3, with the theme being transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.

The aim is to promote the rights of people with disabilities in every area of society. The day aims to increase the awareness and wellbeing of disabled people in all aspects of their life.

Councillor Robin Popley, the council's Champion for Disabilities, said: "International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be the third marked since I assumed the role of Disabilities Champion. With each previous event, the importance to raise awareness becomes more and more prevalent, especially at a time when people are struggling so much in a matter of other ways.

"Sadly, due to those same issues, such important matters, may be overlooked. Nevertheless, that does not lessen the need to properly fund support programmes to assist disabled people. During my tenure, I have been very vocal about the need to improve sports provision for disabled people, and this was well demonstrated during this summer’s Commonwealth Games. 

"The theme for 2022 is 'Transformative solutions for inclusive development' with innovation being cited, as a major factor. In the workplace, we need to all be vocal about what requirements can be aptly introduced to help with this. We must also be prepared to call out discrimination wherever it may exist. I am proud that Charnwood leads in its support for Disabled people, but we cannot rest on our laurels, and more can always be done to help. I say that both as a Councillor, and someone who has both physical and cognitive disabilities, too. 

"Please support this year's campaign and promote inclusivity all year round: it is that message which helps to build a platform.”

For more information on IDPWD, including support, donation details and more, visit https://idpwd.org/