Today we are celebrating International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). This is a United Nations observed day that aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
We are using this day to inspire important conversations and actions around how we can make our community more inclusive for people who are living with disability.
To do this, we reached out to our Kalparrin members, asking them to share why it’s so important for their child who have disability and or/additional needs to receive opportunities to participate in the community.
We are proud to share with you experiences from two of our members who want to see a more understanding and inclusive world.
Jasmine and Olivia
“Every child has the right to be included whether they’re in a wheelchair or have sensory needs. It’s important not only for my child to participate and to be included but also to normalise disabilities and give parents the opportunity to educate their kids about people that may be a bit different.”
Jasmine’s three-year-old daughter, Olivia loves to attend their local roller drome! Oliva has been diagnosed with global development delay and autism. She also has a repaired congenital heart condition, bronchomalia and a genetic abnormality (duplication of chromosome 19 and detection of chromosome 14).
She was able to feel 100% included at their roller drome by taking her wheelchair on the rink and as you can see her face was full of joy!
Mum, Jasmine believes that the community can make the world more inclusive for people with disability by treating everyone with respect and teaching the next generation that it’s okay to ask questions to encourage understanding.
For families like Jasmine’s who have a child with disability, advocating and raising awareness occurs 365 days a year. However, IDPwD is especially important as it brings them one step closer to achieving what all families want, inclusion and acceptance.
Gabrielle and Layla
“International Day of People with Disability brings awareness to the world about diversity and treating others as you want to be treated despite the challenges they may face in their lives.”
Meet our member Gabrielle and her 10-month-old daughter Layla (@life_with_bug). Layla has been diagnosed with Zellweger Syndrome, a genetic disorder that can cause hearing loss, issues with muscle movement, seizures, respiratory problems and delays in development.
For Gabrielle, it is very important for Layla to have opportunities to participate in the community, not only because it will aid her development but so Layla can help teach the world that people with disability should be treated the same as everybody else.
Both Gabrielle and Layla get out as much as they can, including attending the all abilities Playtime Playgroup Program by Hannah’s House and activities at their local library.
To help make the community more inclusive, Gabrielle says that it’s important to include people with disability just as you would any other person. This can be done by asking how to make playgroups, activities, work, and school more accessible and follow through on helping.
Layla continues to defy the limits of her condition. Her greatest achievement of her young life so far, has been learning to move her arms and legs, despite having generalised hypotonia.
Thank you, Jasmine and Gabrielle for lending your voices to support International Day of People with Disability!
Kalparrin’s vision is an inclusive society where all children and families reach their full potential. Join us today – membership is free and joining is easy, click here.
