Te Pou's celebration of the International Day of Disabled Persons 2021 (IDDP21)

On the Friday 3rd December Te Pou virtually celebrated the International Day of Disabled Persons 2021 (IDDP21).

The IDDP is observed on 3 December internationally and promoted by the United Nations. This day is to celebrate the contributions disabled people and tāngata whaikaha make to our communities. This day increases awareness of the importance of inclusion of disabled people, tāngata whaikaha and family/whānau in social, political, economic, and cultural life.

This year’s theme was: ‘Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era.”

Our celebration was hosted by Joshua Fuimaono, National I.Lead National committee. Te Pou was joined by the following speakers:

• Paula Tseoriero MNZM, Disability Rights Commissioner
• Martine Abel-Williamson, World Blind Union President
• Bridget Snedden, World Down Syndrome International President
• Alex Snedden, former President of People First (Northern region)
• Paul Holmes, Te Pou Advisory Group member
• Nigel Ngahiwi, Te Pou
• Lara Draper, Deaf Aotearoa
• Prudence Walker, Disabled Persons Assembly
• Manase Lua, Kanorau Pasifika, Te Pou.

Themes from our speakers included the importance of celebrating IDDP21 and being visible. Our speakers also acknowledged the challenges, barriers and resilience of disabled people and the deaf community during the global pandemic. A talking point this year was the System Transformation announcement made in November 2021 and the importance of a future that is inclusive and accessible.

Woven through our livestream was digital art from Touch Compass, music and spoken word performances from PHAB, Joom (SIVA) and the The Mutes (from Mars), as well as workforce initiatives from Te Tuhi Contemporary art space.

To round of the celebration, Te Pou officially marked the signing of the Accessibility Charter.

If you were unable to join our livestream on Friday 3rd Dec, you can watch our celebration by clicking on the the video below.