DEEN Support Services Marks International Day of People with Disabilities with Multiple Events

DEEN Support Services held a number of events on December 3, the International Day of People with Disabilities to raise awareness and celebrate disability inclusion.

“The pandemic has hit people with disabilities even harder. It is more important than ever before that we use this day to raise awareness and give opportunities to people with disabilities,” states Rabia Khedr, CEO of DEEN and National Director of Disability Without Poverty.

Proclaimed in 1992, this United Nations International Day is annually observed on December 3. The UN Theme this year is “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post-COVID-19 world”.

The Muslims with Disabilities International Disability Khutba Campaign now in its 12th year is also happening around the world on December 3rd.

This campaign is coordinated by DEEN and supported by Smile Canada, Human Concern International, the Canadian Council of Imams, the National Council of Canadian Muslims, Federation of Muslim Women, Muslim Association of Canada, ICNA Canada, ISNA Canada, Islamic Social Services Association, Sound Vision Canada, Islamic Institute of Toronto, TARIC Centre and many other international organizations.

“Each year, we ask Imams and Khatibs to address the topic of disability to promote accessibility and inclusion hoping to shift attitudes toward persons with disabilities leveraging our faith-based beliefs. As a disability rights activist, I hope that the principle of ‘nothing about us without us’ gains traction through our religious institutions,” states Rafia Haniff-Cleofas, founder of Muslims with Disabilities International.

Lights! Camera! Empowerment! arts performance project is a showcase for the entire community, highlighting the abilities, the diversity, and the passions of individuals with disabilities. DEEN participants worked with an artist, Devika Mathur, to create pieces using various media to create, express and represent their interests, strengths and moods. These pieces will be showcased at the exhibition located at The Anchorage, Bradley Museum at 1620 Orr Road in Mississauga opening on December 3 and the exhibit will be on display until January 22nd. To book a tour of The Anchorage, click here.

DEEN is kicked off the day with streaming a video premiere of a panel discussion led by community members with disabilities sharing their perspectives on leadership.

You can watch the panel below (It may take a few moments to load from Facebook)