CMHA WW Recognizes International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Dec 1, 2023

On December 3rd, CMHA Waterloo Wellington recognizes International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).

The IDPWD, was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992. IDPWD is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities, improve our understanding of the barriers they face, and evaluate our effort towards building inclusive and accessible communities and workplaces.

On this day, we are reminded of our responsibility to better understand disability issues and to promote the rights and well-being of those who live with visible and/or non-visible disabilities in our communities. People with disabilities often experience health disparities caused by stigma, discrimination, poverty, and systemic barriers embedded within our core social institutions including education, employment, and healthcare. Accessibility—whether in buildings, transportation, services, technology, or communications – remains a top concern for persons living with visible and/or non-visible disabilities in Canada.

It is estimated that one in five Canadians over the age of 15 (that is, 6.2 million Canadians) live with at least one disability. Persons with disabilities are  twice as likely to  suffer from depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke, obesity and poor oral health. Similarly, people living with disabilities are 15 times more likely to struggle with finding accessible and affordable transportation than their able-bodied counterparts.

Did you know approximately 28.5% of the clients served by CMHA Waterloo Wellington within the new Children and Youth Services Building will be served through Children’s Developmental Services?

The CMHA Waterloo Wellington Infant and Child Development Program supports children, from birth to school entry who have a developmental concern or delay, or an identified risk of delay. The program is family centered with support located primarily in the home.

CMHA WW works in partnership with families to offer Family Support Options, a range of supports to families who are caring for a child, up to the age of 18, with a developmental or physical disability living in Wellington County. Learn more here.