The International Day of Persons with Disability (IDPD) is celebrated around the world on December 3. It is a day focused on the positive celebration of disability pride and inclusion.
For the 2019 event, Disability Action Advisors wanted to share activities with children who have impairments in a way that enabled to experience limitless fun, and show them that it’s possible to do things that others might not think them capable of.
“It’s important to show children with impairments that they can have fun the same way that any other child can," says Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board chair Chris Makoare.
With a grant from Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board, CCS Disability Action Auckland was able to put on an incredible event which focused on children just being children, with treats including a petting zoo, candyfloss, cupcakes and special guests.
“The benefits of an event like this for members in our community that experience disability is something the board was happy to support. Especially at a time of year when it’s important to focus on children.”
“This is a day we aim for the acknowledgement that disabled people are just like everyone else,” explains Lyle Palmer National Funding Coordinator of CCS Disability Action Otago.
“It is a day to acknowledge that disabled people’s rights have come a long way, but still have a way to go, and it’s a day to acknowledge and celebrate non-disabled people who support and promote disabled people living the lives they choose to.”
“Part of the board's considerations when reviewing grant requests is ‘how does the help our community?’ and does it fit the priorities which are set out in the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board Plan priorities – which the community helped us write” explains Chris Makoare.
“We considered this event to be an important part of supporting the community, and those who support people with disability in our community.”
CCS Disability Action branches celebrate IDPD in a variety of different ways across the country. Previous celebrations in Auckland have included a concert in Westfield Manukau, which showcased a line-up of disabled entertainers, a free sausage sizzle in the middle of the viaduct which was aimed at challenging the concept of charity.
