This week we celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities.

This global event promotes equality for people with disability and celebrates their achievements. It has been celebrated every year since 1981. 

It is also a day to promote awareness of the challenges faced by over 1 billion people living with disabilities, and the role communities and societies play in breaking down barriers to inclusion.

Article 2 - No Discrimination

The United Nations Convention for the Rights of a Child applies to every child without discrimination, whatever their ethnicity, gender, religion, language, abilities or any other status, whatever they think or say, whatever their family background.  

 

Article 23 - Children with Disabilities

A child with a disability has the right to live a full and decent life with dignity and, as far as possible, independence and to play an active part in the community. Governments must do all they can to support disabled children and their families.

 

Exploring International Day of People with Disabilities

Why do you think the world has a special day to focus on people with disabilities?

How many reasons can children think of? 

Here are a few!

• We should welcome all people and celebrate differences.
• There are millions of people with disabilities – they should feel part of society.
• Some people want help to be more supportive of people with disabilities.
• Not every disability can be seen – we need to be more aware of different types of disabilities.
• Some people still treat people with disabilities badly.
• Some governments do not properly support people who are disabled
• Sometimes people are prejudiced about disability and may say or do hurtful things.
• People who are disabled have all the rights that everyone else has.
• Everyone needs to learn more and understand what it’s like to live with different disabilities.
• Celebrating and including people with disabilities will make the world a better place.

In school this week, we have been thinking about the International Day of People with disabilities and linking it to our school vision which celebrates everyone's uniqueness and the need to treat everyone with respect and dignity. Here are some ideas for you explore at home.

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A Birthday for Ben 

Watch this clip of a story book by Kate Gaynor titled ‘Birthday for Ben’. Why doesn’t Ben like parties at first? How does Ben make sure that everyone can participate in his party? How can you make sure that everyone feels included and is fully able to participate in your class?

 

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 Promoting Inclusion and Diversity - Design a poster

Use dolls, toys and/or images to open up a discussion with children about disability. Design a poster for your class to promote inclusion and diversity linked to Article 2.   

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Communicating

Sign language is a way of communicating using your hands. It is not only used by some people with hearing loss but helps with other communication disabilities too. In school, we learn some Makaton signs, and you can learn more about Makaton here.

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Logo

This is the logo for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Have a discussion with your child about what they think it represents.

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Paralympic Games

Watch this short highlights film from the 2020 Paralympics. What sporting opportunities are available in your community for children with disabilities? Is there something you could do to increase access to sports for children with disabilities so they can enjoy their rights to the fullest? 

 

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Charity- Scope

Cope area charity whose aim is to create an equal future for people with disability and provide help and support. You can find a list of books on their website to help teach children about disability.  You can find this here. 'My Brother is an astronaut', by Michelle Rundle, for example, is about a girl whose younger brother has sensory needs and sees the world differently.