Celebrating Opportunity

Yesterday, December 3rd, marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a designation recognized worldwide. The aim of the day is to increase the understanding of disability-related issues, both the encountering and overcoming of challenges, and to promote the full participation of persons with disabilities into all social, economic, and cultural aspects of our daily lives.
 
I refer back to the painting that is featured on this blog. This painting has personal significance to me and to my business as it depicts a world in which all blind individuals are participating fully and actively in all aspects of the social and economic mainstream, which is the true vision behind T-Base Communications.
                             
There were a number of events organized in recognition of the day’s importance, one of which I had the privilege of participating in. On Tuesday, as part of their week long schedule of activities, I was invited to Statistics Canada for an information session on accommodations for employees in the workplace. My presentation highlighted the provision of accessible HR materials, primarily for blind and partially sighted employees, and I was pleased to learn that many of the suggested practices have already been implemented into this department.
 
December 3rd means bringing awareness to the rights, challenges, and successes of persons with disabilities. To me, the day acts as a reminder that while I have all of these things, it is the abilities, not the disability, that truly defines who I am.