The International Day of Disabled Persons is today, 3 December, with a 2020 theme of hidden disabilities.
We don’t necessarily notice those with chronic pain, hearing impairment, brain injuries, autism, learning disabilities or mental illness, so this year, the aim is to raise awareness of the impact for sufferers, many of whom remain silent in fear of being stigmatised or discriminated against.
WHO’s recent report on diability tells us there are over 1 billion people living with a disability, 450 million of whom have a mental condition. In the UK alone, 1.5 million people have a learning disability.
Completely healthy people are finding 2020 very tough. Imagine having a disability and coping with disrupted routine, reduced support and disconnection; sometimes isolation.
We hope you will join us in celebrating and helping us to raise awareness of the importance of International Day of Disabled Persons this year.
3 December in Leeds
14:00 – 15:00 Sing-a-long with Sage
A singing session of age old classics, combined with an introduction to Makaton, so that signing can be practised to some of the songs. Music and words will be provided on screen. You can enjoy being with others but only you will hear your own singing!
16:00 – 17:00 DeafBlind UK, Sensory Loss, Accessibility Workshop
Aimed at encouraging increased accessibility and the take-up of social opportunities.
19:00 – 20:30 Purple Patch Arts, Disco
Rousing classics to sing and dance to. Contact [email protected] or 07725 041801 to Book
Friday, 4th December
9:30 – 11:00 Forum Central, Employment, Discussion
Discuss the impact of the pandemic on disabled folk in Leeds, in terms of employment and isolation.
11:30 – 12:30 Advonet, Friendships Relationships and Sexuality Quiz
A quiz to provide a taster of workshops in an accessible format.
14:00 – 15:00 People in Action, Stay Active
A fitness session online, accessible for all.
15:30 – 16:30 Jointly hosted by Space and SAGE, Poetry Event
LGBT Women’s Space and Sage invite you to read your own poetry or the poetry of someone you admire or find relevant, and listen to other participants.
19:00 – 21:00 Leeds Disabled People Organisation
A discussion amongst a panel of people about developing strategies for activism in a post-COVID world, and how to work successfully with other groups.
You can visit Eventbrite for all the events available.
Photograph by Jonathan Rados.
