Today (Tuesday 3rd) is the International Day of Disabled People and to celebrate Disability Wales have released a series of films as you can see in the following press release. This is followed by a tweet from the Labour Party who used the day to release their Disabled Peoples Manifesto. There will be more about this in subsequent blogs.
I would just like to wish all of my disabled brothers and sisters a happy and active day.
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PRESS RELEASE
International Day of Disabled People
3rd December 2019
#IDDP2019
Disability Wales is marking IDDP 2019 by launching a suite of specially commissioned films funded by Welsh Government featuring disabled people from around Wales sharing their personal take on the theme “the future is accessible”.
Elin, Joe, Josh, Kevin and Sue speak openly and honestly about the barriers they’ve faced as disabled people, how they’ve dealt with these and what still needs to be done to ensure a more inclusive society. These barriers include low expectations at school, negative attitudes, physical barriers in getting out and about and limited options in achieving independent living.
Importantly the films also celebrate their lives and achievements: Sue Kent is successfully running her own business; Disability Rights activist Josh Reeves is a regular contributor to BBC Sesh; Joe Powell transitioned from being a care home resident to Chief Executive of All Wales People First; Elin Williams has gained national recognition for her Blog My Blurred World; while Kevin Chunisingh has developed new found talents as an artist:
Joe: “Leaving care, seeing the bigger world, getting a job, getting a degree which I was told would never happen……I feel like I’ve hit the big time!”
Josh: “Going to a mainstream school, I was isolated, I was the only wheelchair user there…..if I didn’t have any issues growing up – in education – I wouldn’t be doing what I am today.”
Disability Wales Chief Executive Rhian Davies said:
“There are believed to be 1 billion disabled people globally, in Wales, disabled people comprise one fifth of the population. Our films show the diversity among disabled people in Wales, the wide array of experiences, achievements, hopes and ambitions but also how society holds people back through lack of access, support and opportunity. Our films seek to challenge stereotypes regarding disabled people as well as strengthen commitment at all levels of society to tackling discrimination and promoting equality and inclusion.”
The five films, produced on DW’s behalf by Dogma Films will be streamed on our social media platforms throughout IDDP including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
*ENDS*
