Oxford City Council will mark International Day of People with Disabilities by flying the purple flag above Oxford Town Hall.
The United Nations-sanctioned awareness day, which takes place annually on 3 December, aims to celebrate people with disabilities.
This year’s theme, ‘not all disabilities are visible’, focuses on increasing awareness and understanding of disabilities that are not immediately apparent, such as brain injuries, chronic pain or fatigue, and sight or hearing impairments.
According to the World Health Organization’s World Report on Disability, 15% of the world’s population – more than one billion people – are living with disability.
The colour purple is recognised as the symbol for people with disabilities, with the spending power of disabled people often referred to as the ‘purple pound’.
The City Council carries out a wide range of work to support disabled people living in Oxford, including hosting an inclusive transport focus group, adapting homes, and providing inclusive facilities across the city.
We try to make all our spaces and places inclusive and last month, the City Council opened Oxford’s first public wheelchair swing in Sandfield Road Park.
For more information about International Day of People with Disabilities, visit the IDPWD website.
“I am so delighted to see the city council flying the flag to mark the International Day of People with Disabilities. So much of our history, lives and contributions were hidden, undervalued and ignored for so long that this is an important symbol that disabled people matter deeply to Oxford and are an important part of our diverse communities.
“Disabled people have paid an enormous price for COVID-19 - with Office for National Statistic figures showing 59% of all those who have died from coronavirus in the UK have a disability. Now more than ever, our voices must be heard by national government to include us in decision-making about a disability inclusive pandemic response and recovery plan. I hope, days like today are seen as a call to action to Westminster and they act on this call.”
Councillor Marie Tidball, Cabinet Member for Supporting Local Communities
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