International Day of Persons with Disability 2019
Monday 3 December, ISPO International celebrates the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) through its #ISPOWER campaign. This year’s theme is “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”. This is also the message of #ISPOWER as ISPO’s call to action for improved access to Assistive Health Technology (AHT) and care to help people with impaired mobility participate fully in society. Through #ISPOWER, we raised public and decision makers’ awareness and understanding of the importance of P&O and AHT care to help transform the lives of people with impaired mobility and integrate them into society.
Watch the ISPO President's message:
#ISPOWER celebrated all around the world
People from around the world took part in the #ISPOWER campaign by participating in our photo contest or by organising activities to help raise awareness. With our photo contest we encouraged ISPO members, partners and friends to share inspiring pictures and testimonials reflecting inclusiveness, equality and empowerment for persons with disabilities.
Thailand
The winning picture was taken by Thanyaporn Rakbangboon from Sirindhorn School of Prosthetics and Orthotics in Thailand who stated: "Disability is a barrier that hinders the active participation of persons with disabilities in society. Many have talents and capabilities but frequently underestimated. Hence, they tend not to be included in different activities of society on an equal basis with others. In my perspective, all persons with disabilities have the right to be equal participants and active members in the community. If they believe they can, their abilities are stronger than their disabilities."
Kenya
The Orthopaedic Technology Department of the Kenya Medical Training College organised a walk and distributed pamphlets to the public displaying finished assistive orthopaedic devices. The other 17 departments of the College also joined the walk receiving valuable insight on disabilities issues.
Uganda
The Uganda Orthopaedic Technologists Association organised a PARA SPORTS GALA in collaboration with the Kampala City Council Authority, which sponsored the event. The objective was to empower people with disabilities to engage in sports by using the available O&P devices to achieve social integration. They also lobbied for more government support for access to O&P services in the country. People with disabilities participated in games (wheelchair basketball, badminton and football). Uganda's badminton paralympic champion Elizabeth also joined the activities.
Qatar
Members of ISPO Qatar celebrated IDPD 2018 with patients.
Colombia
In December, the SENA Design and Metrology Center P&O Program (a category II P&O Program accredited by ISPO) jointly held a course on the provision of wheelchair services with the ICRC. The participants were physiatrists, orthotists, prosthetists, teachers, physiotherapists and people with disabilities. They made advertising materials in Spanish and English. A presentation on awareness of rights, disability, barriers and inclusivity provided amazing experiential information on the use of wheelchairs.
Pakistan
ISPO Pakistan and the Pakistan Institute of Prosthetic and Orthotic Sciences (PIPOS) join forces to celebrate #ISPOWER on the occasion of IDPD 2018!
Iraq
The Basrah Prosthetic Center celebrated IDPD by organising a ceremony where they invited persons with disabilities, local and international organisations, and relevant local authorities. The main objective was to have the voices of persons with disabilities heard by different stakeholders. The participants appreciated the opportunity to meet many service providers, not only those related to health, but also education, social affairs, etc. The rehabilitation process should include all these services to empower those receiving the services to achieve their full potential.
