International Day of Persons with Disabilities

We are fast approaching International Day of Persons with Disabilities recognised each year on December 3rd. The 2011 theme?

“Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development”

A great committment for sure but I prefer something a bit more simple and closer to home so for 3rd December 2011 I am going to pull together some inspiring stories and artwork (photos, paintings, crafts, musings) from some very talented people who suffer with mental illness and collate them in a celebration of our combined and extensive ABILITY.

This is assuming of course that we think that depression and other forms of mental illness are disabilities and we consider ourselves disabled. It would seem that the majority of people surveyed in research carried out by the Depression Alliance and RADAR during 2009/10 thought that depression is a disability and are prepared to badge themselves as disabled in order to tap into a number of resources only available to the disabled community.

And what do I hope to achieve by showcasing this talent produced by the “mentally disabled?”

Mental illness should not be a barrier to achievement and success.
With encouragement and support we can live normal lives and recover to hold down jobs, look after our families and enjoy ourselves.
We are resilient and loyal
We are exceptionally talented and we should exhibit this talent freely.

I know lots and lots of very talented people across all spheres who have mental illness of one type or another so I may have to dedicate all my posts during December to this cause. I will enjoy doing that and I will be in touch with you soon…….

Big Ben on a winter’s evening-by Stephen Wiltshire

Tomorrow, December 3rd, is International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Is depression a disability? I think so, and so do many others who find themselves unable to function normally on a day-to-day basis. This was the conclusion of research carried out by the Depression Alliance and RADAR in support of a report entitled Depression, Disability and Employment sponsored by the Priory Group and launched at the Houses of Parliament back in October.

The Priory Group is now calling on the Government to class depression as a disability to improve people’s opportunities for employment and other forms of social participation.

In other words, depression should be treated as a disability in the same way as physical disabilities, and reasonable adjustments in the workplace made accordingly for those suffering from this illness.

Professor Chris Thompson, chief medical officer at the Priory Group said: “This important research clearly shows most people living with depression think it is disabling. Yet the stark truth is that our systems and services do not seem to have caught up with this recognition.”

Liz Sayce, chief Executive of RADAR and author of the report said: “People with depression face as many barriers as people with physical impairments. We need the mental health equivalent of the ramp and the mobility scooter – simply fair chances and support to live a full life including the chance to work and contribute. Often depression runs like a thread through lives affected by other challenges – from physical ill health to racial discrimination. Supporting people with depression helps people to turn their lives around.”

So, what will I be doing tomorrow?

I for one will be celebrating the achievements and unique talents of all my friends and colleagues that I know who have a disability be it mental or physical. In doing so, I hope to raise awareness of the unmerited stigma, discrimination and ignorance which shrouds this topic and show people that we may be disabled, but, with a little support, we are still very able.

Have a Good Day!

Poppyposts

Fighting depression with positivity

Tag Archive | International Day of Persons with Disabilities

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2011

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

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