IDPD Peace Region Planning Committee – International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Planned by IDPD Peace Region Planning Committee:

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 on December 3, by the United Nations General Assembly. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

On December 1st, we will be recognizing the people in our community who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to make the Peace Region inclusive and welcoming to people with disabilities.

This year’s local IDPD theme is Removing Barriers: The Future is Accessible and is a reminder that when barriers are removed from one’s path, anything is possible! We all share the responsibility to reduce and remove barriers.

Each year, the local Accessibility Advisory Committee presents the Inclusive Community Award at Grande Prairie’s IDPD event. Nominations for the Inclusive Community Award are accepted for individuals, organizations, or groups who consistently demonstrate inclusive values, dedication, or innovation in offering supports to persons with disabilities.

We will also be welcoming a guest speaker and will provide an included luncheon to guests.

About the Keynote Speaker

Brian McPherson has an impressive and long-standing athletic history, with one twist… he was paralyzed from the waist down, Aug 22, 1995.

From there, after battling addiction and mental health problems, he went on to solidify his place on the parathletic map: Brian is an Alberta wheelchair basketball Hall of Famer, a former sledge hockey player for Team Canada, and Canada’s first disabled bobsled pilot, ranked 3rd in the world.

Currently, Brian is a resident of Edmonton, and his professional resume includes work with the Canadian Paraplegic Association, public speaking with the United Way, and a long history of trades work in Alberta: auto-body and oilfield work & residential grading and construction. In short, Brian is a man of many talents and has a story worth listening to. Most recently, he is a leading cast member on CBC’s docuseries, Push.