Released on December 3, 2021
The Government of Saskatchewan has once again joined the world in recognizing December 3, 2021, as the United Nations (UN) International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
"Whether it's expanding the Autism Spectrum Disorder Individualized Funding program, increasing Deafblind community services or continuing to develop legislation to remove and prevent accessibility barriers for people with disabilities, our government is actively working to achieve our goal of making Saskatchewan the best place in Canada to live for people with disabilities," Social Services Minister Lori Carr said.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was first proclaimed by the United Nations in 1992 to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities, and to increase awareness and understanding of disability issues. This year's UN theme is "Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world."
Organizations across Saskatchewan including the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), continue to deliver innovative programs and advocate to empower people to live their dreams. CNIB is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today and tear down barriers to inclusion.
"CNIB promotes the right of individuals with sight loss in our community," CNIB Saskatchewan Executive Director Christall Beaudry said. "Whether it is a guide dog handler's right to enter a public establishment or voter's right to cast a ballot independently in an election, we work to smash barriers for individuals with sight loss every day. This is an important day to raise awareness and amplify our collective voice."
The Saskatchewan Disability Strategy is the framework for improving the lives of people with disabilities in Saskatchewan. The strategy, which was released in June 2015, sets the vision of a Saskatchewan that is welcoming, responsive, innovative and accessible so people with disabilities can live the life they choose. Accessibility legislation is one of the recommendations of the Disability Strategy. More information on this work can be found at saskatchewan.ca/accessiblesk.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca