RI Global: Office of Communications
Contact: Adrian Brune, +1 347-759-9501
Today, 3 December, marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Disability-inclusive Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology”, which aims to harness the power of technology to promote inclusion and accessibility to help realize the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in society and shape the future of sustainable development for all.
RI is heavily involved with various United Nations events related to this day, and RI Secretary General Venus Ilagan was one of only two representatives from Civil Society Organizations to speak at the Opening Session, held at United Nations Headquarters in New York this morning.
“A young child who cannot speak may use a communication device to express his or her needs in a preschool class. A young adult with visual impairment may use a computer screen reading software program. A junior high school student who is blind may use a computer instead of a paper and pencil to complete math homework. Many people with disabilities use technology to enhance learning, work and independence- for them to reach their full potential,” said Ilagan.
“Through increased independence and productivity, PWDs can be physically, socially, academically, recreationally and vocationally integrated into the community. Whether it is a common tool, a customized device or a product system, technology can promote, increase, maintain and improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.”
In addition to her involvement this morning, Ilagan will also attend a reception tonight hosted by the Ambassador of Korea to the UN, who is the Chair of the Bureau for the 2015-16 Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Yesterday, Ilagan spoke as a panelist at an event hosted by UN-DESA, which focused on creating enabling work environments. Tomorrow from 1-3 pm New York time, she will speak at a side event held at United Nations Church Center entitled “The Intersection of Ageing and Disability,” organized by the UN NGO Committee on Ageing.
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RI Global: Founded in 1922, Rehabilitation International (RI Global) is a worldwide network promoting the rights and inclusions of persons with disabilities (PwDs) through advocacy, habilitation and rehabilitation to achieve an inclusive world in which all people can enjoy active participation and full human rights.
Join us at the 2016 RI Global World Congress: riworldcongress.com
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