December 3rd - International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Courageous Conversations for a more Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive and Accessible Future

November 16, 2021 - Defence Stories

On December 3, 2021, the Defence Team will come together to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). On this day, we are reminded of our responsibility to better understand disabilities, and promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in our communities.

This year, the Defence Team is commemorating IDPD under the theme “Courageous Conversations for a more Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive and Accessible Future.’’ The theme is about empowering change through open, honest, and engaged dialogue. It is about having difficult conversations that allow us to reflect on our own unconscious biases, in order to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and promote awareness and understanding.

This December 3, I will be hosting a national event that will take place at National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ) Carling in Ottawa from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST, which will also be broadcasted live on MS Stream. The presentation will feature MCpl (Ret’d) Mike Trauner, a 2017 Invictus Games double gold medalist in rowing who lost his legs while deployed in Afghanistan, the National Co-Chairs of the Defence Advisory Group for Persons With Disabilities and videos from diverse organizations. Kiosks from the department will also be present onsite from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST for those able to attend in person.

Please note, captioning will not be available during the live virtual broadcast, but will be made available once the event is complete. The event will also have American Sign Language (ASL) and Quebec Sign Language (LSQ) interpreters onsite, who will also be broadcasted to virtual attendees.

I encourage all DND employees and CAF members to join me for this important event, as we work towards a more accessible and inclusive workplace.

Date:
Friday, December 3, 2021

Time:
Kiosks: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST
Presentation: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST

Location:
Building 3, NDHQ Carling, 60 Moodie Drive, Ottawa
Presentation on MS Streams - Click here to join

For those unable to join me in person or virtually, there will be IDPD events held across Canada, and I encourage you to find one close to you. These serve as great opportunities to start important discussions about a more equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible future, and raise awareness about disabilities in our communities.

Len Bastien
Defence Champion for Persons with Disabilities, Assistant Deputy Minister (Information Management), and Defence Chief Information Officer

Related links

• Defence Advisory Group for Persons with Disabilities (accessible only on the National Defence network)
• Directorate of Human Rights and Diversity (DHRD) (accessible only on the National Defence network)
• Employment Equity, Diversity and inclusion (accessible only on the National Defence network)
• Workplace Accommodation (accessible only on the National Defence network)
• True Patriot Love Foundation (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website)
• United Nations (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website)
• Employee Assistance Program (accessible only on the National Defence network)