International Day for people with disabilities: Dignity and
Justice for All
December 3 is the UN International Day for People with
Disabilities, as well as the 60 anniversary of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights. In keeping with this anniversary the
theme of this year’s day is “Dignity and Justice for All”.
The day exists to:
- to support the full and effective participation of persons with
disabilities in social life and development
- to advance the rights and protect the dignity of persons with
disabilities
- to promote equal access to employment, education, information,
goods and services
Disability Equality in Redbridge
The Disability Discrimination Act 1999, as amended in 2005,
imposes a duty on public authorities to promote disability
equality.
The duty covers such areas as:
- access to services and employment
- access to full participation in every aspect of the
community
- access to participation in civic responsibilities such as
voting and holding public office
The council is committed to providing services and employment
opportunities that take account of the Social Model of Disability.
It was initially defined as:
“Disability is caused by social organisation which takes little
or no account of people who have impairments and thus excludes them
from participation in the mainstream of social activities.”
The Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled
candidates, which means if candidates meet the minimum criteria in
the person specification they will be invited to an interview.