Defence Team Co-Champions mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

November 28, 2025 - Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 1:45

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed annually on December 3rd. Established by the United Nations in 1992, IDPD promotes the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. It is a day to raise awareness of the barriers faced by persons with disabilities and to advocate for their full and equal participation in all aspects of society.

An estimated 1.3 billion people experience a significant disability. This represents 16% of the world’s population, or one in six people. (Source: World Health Organization Factsheet)

To mark IDPD, all Defence Team members are invited to join us on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 1 to 3 PM EST for a panel discussion where we will explore our theme, “fostering a disability-inclusive organization”. You can participate in person at the Carling Campus (Building 3 cafeteria) in Ottawa or online via MS Teams, to learn how to make the Defence Team more disability inclusive. Information about the event can be found on the IDPD webpage.

To amplify the Defence Team’s ongoing commitment to remove barriers to accessibility, we would also like to highlight the Defence Team Accessibility Feedback and Request Form. The form is available to all Defence Team members and to the public.

Feedback is welcome on Defence Team accessibility plans, progress reports, or any barriers experienced when interacting with our institution’s services, programs, policies, practices, or events. Feedback will help improve accessibility by identifying gaps and accessibility best practices. Requests for documents and products in alternate formats or requests for locating accessibility-related resources can be submitted via the form. For questions related to accessibility in the Defence Team, or if you need assistance to provide your feedback, you can contact the Defence Team Accessibility Office.

We can take deliberate action together to identify and eliminate institutional barriers and create inclusive and operationally effective spaces where everyone in the Defence Team can perform to their fullest potential, free from inequality.

Thank you for your continued commitment to this important work.