On December 3 of each year, we recognize the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. This annual event acknowledges the humanity, inherent value, and rights of persons experiencing disability and reminds us that all citizens of the world have a stake and a role in authentic inclusion. This year’s event is co-hosted by the Anti-Ableism and Mental Health (AAMH) working group of PACHRED and the Brock Niagara Center of Excellence in Inclusive and Adaptive Physical Activity. This free online event was on December 3, 2021, 11:00 am -1:00 pm.

This year’s event featured guest speaker, Dr. Jay Dolmage, from the University of Waterloo, presenting on Academic Ableism, that is, actions, deliberate and conscious or otherwise, that contribute to barriers for and discrimination against members of disability communities in their experience of teaching, learning, research, service, and any other aspects of campus life. He will also suggest ways to participate in anti-ableism.

We also recognized Brock student submissions to the national Innovative Designs for Accessibility (IDeA) competitions and announced the Brock Inclusion and Accessibility Recognition Award recipient, Sydney Sloan.

Engaging in events committed to diversity and inclusion awareness allows attendees to support the values underpinning inclusion and diversity awareness—the acknowledgement that all humans are worthy and valuable, and all have the right to engage in societal and cultural experiences in an autonomous and participatory fashion. It is also an opportunity to engage with disability identified individuals, their families, allies, and advocates.