Twenty-six years ago, the United Nations declared December 3 the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). This year’s theme is “empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality,” which aims to “ensure the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and create enabling environments by, for and with persons with disabilities.”
OPSEU and the OPSEU Disability Rights Caucus are committed to standing up for fairness and equity for all. We work every day to make our communities and our workplaces more inclusive and accessible. Yet we know that individuals with disabilities often face higher rates of unemployment and chronic poverty, particularly if they live with psychological or mental health disabilities.
Today, we ask you to consider the barriers to employment and in the workplace that many people with disabilities face. Take the time to educate others who may not be aware of these barriers and encourage them to speak up. Join our fight for fairness, equality, accessibility and inclusion. Together, we can increase the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in the workplace and in our communities. We need their knowledge, experience and voices. Let’s all pledge to leave no one behind.
In Solidarity,
Warren (Smokey) Thomas
President, Ontario Public Service Employees Union
Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida
First Vice-President/Treasurer, Ontario Public Service Employees Union