International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Turning purple for disability equality
The Disability Staff Network (DSN), supported by the Whitworth, the Manchester Museum and The University of Manchester marked the 25th anniversary of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) during the week of 3 December 2017.
Central to the activities, was the invitation to staff and students to wear purple on Monday 4 December. The colour purple is growing in its recognition as the symbol of disability. Groups and individuals, both with, and without disabilities, across the UK are joining together in a purple light-up!
Why this day is important
This is one of the most significant days in the calendar for focussing on contributions disabled people make to our communities, the economy and the barriers disabled people face. By making an impact around this day, this year - and in future years - we can help ensure that awareness of disability equality grows. Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration a success.
People got involved by:
- Downloading and displaying this poster and encourage your colleagues to do so!
- Coming to work on Monday Dec 4th wearing purple
Social media @UoMDSN #purplelightup
- Engaging with the Twitter campaign (beginning on Sunday 3 December)
- Tweeting a selfie of yourself wearing purple on Monday 4 December
Meeting Kenny Borland, from the School of Medical Sciences and Anthony Williams, School of Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering who are working to raise disability awareness.
- Reading their feature in Epilepsy Today and
- Listening to their interview on BBC Radio
The Whitworth and the Manchester Museum
The Whitworth held its first autism friendly 9:00 am early opening on Sunday 3 December the actual International Day of Persons with Disabilities to mark the day and launch the campaign.
The following Saturday, 9 December, the Manchester Museum held a similar early opening, from 9.15am - 10.30am.