December 3rd – International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Removing Visible and Invisible Barriers

November 16, 2022 - Defence Stories

On December 3, the Defence Team comes together each year to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). This annual event reminds us of our responsibility to better understand disabilities, and promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in our communities.

This year, on Friday, December 2, 2022 I will be hosting a national event that will take place at National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ) Carling in Ottawa from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST, which will also be broadcasted live on MS Stream.

The Defence Team will be commemorating IDPD 2022 under the theme of “Removing Visible and Invisible Barriers.’’ This theme is about breaking down the obstacles, seen or unseen, that can hinder accessibility, inclusivity, and progress. By working to remove these barriers, we open our doors to a more creative, diverse, and welcoming environment.   

The presentation will feature HCol James (Jim) Kyte, an advocate of accessibility and inclusion, who is an honorary appointee of the Information Management Group by the 76 Communication Regiment. Additionally present will be the NCR Regional Co-Chairs of the Defence Advisory Group for Persons With Disabilities. Kiosks from across the department and Shared Services Canada will also be present onsite from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST for those able to attend in-person.

Please note, captioning will not be available during the live virtual broadcast, but will be made available once the event is complete. The event will also feature American Sign Language (ASL) and Quebec Sign Language (LSQ) interpreters, who will also be broadcasted to virtual attendees.

I encourage all DND employees and CAF members to join me for this important event, as we work towards a more accessible and inclusive workplace.

Date:
Friday, December 2, 2022

Time:
Kiosks: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST
Presentation: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST

Location:
Atrium of Building 5, NDHQ Carling, 60 Moodie Drive, Ottawa
Presentation on MS Stream (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website)

For those unable to join me in-person or virtually, there will be IDPD events held across Canada, and I encourage you to find one close to you. These serve as great opportunities to start important discussions about a more equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible future, and raise awareness about disabilities in our communities.

Len Bastien

Defence Champion for Persons with Disabilities, Assistant Deputy Minister (Information Management), and Defence Chief Information Officer

Related links:

• Defence Advisory Group for Persons with Disabilities (only accessible via the DWAN)
• Employment Equity and Diversity - MPC (only accessible via the DWAN)
• Employment Equity, Diversity and inclusion - HR(Civ) (only accessible via the DWAN)
• Office of Disability Management – HR(Civ) (only accessible via the DWAN)
• Employee Assistance Program (only accessible via the DWAN)
• Workplace Accommodation (only accessible via the DWAN)
• True Patriot Love Foundation (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website)
• United Nations (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website)