International Day of People with Disabilities

25 November 2021

The virtual International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD) event is back again for a second year following last year’s success.

This year’s event will take place on Friday, 3 December to mark the International Day of People with Disabilities.

Organised by West Northamptonshire Council’s Disability Forum, Teamwork Trust’s Disability Forum, the Staff Disability Network for both West and North Northants Councils and Northants Sport, the event will be live streamed over YouTube from 11am.

The event is being organised to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with all abilities and to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance in the community. The theme for 2021 is ‘Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era’.

Cllr Alan Chantler, Co-Chair of the Disability Forum said: “This year, we are celebrating the challenges, barriers and opportunities for people who live with disabilities, in the context of a global pandemic.

“During the pandemic, isolation, disconnect, disrupted routines and diminished services have greatly impacted the lives and mental well-being of people with disabilities.

“Spreading awareness of invisible disabilities, as well as these potentially detrimental— and not always immediately apparent— impacts on mental health is crucial as the world continues to fight against the virus.

The information-packed virtual event which will be hosted by Kian Saville, disabled people's forum member, will also look to raise awareness of the different support, sports, and work opportunities available to disabled people in West Northants.

After the event an information sheet will be sent out to all attendees with all the contact details of the organisations talked about and answers to any questions that are asked.

Personal experiences from residents will also be shared as part of the event to help raise awareness and understanding of disabilities that are not immediately apparent, such as mental illness, learning differences and cognitive dysfunctions, chronic pain or fatigue, sight or hearing impairments, brain injuries, diabetes, and neurological disorders among others.

West Northamptonshire Council’s Disability Forums for 2022 will be held on the first Thursday of the month at 2:30pm.

• 3 February
• 7 April
• 9 June
• 4 August
• 6 October
• 1 December (IDPWD event)