Need to Promote an Understanding That Disability is Not Inability

TORONTO , Dec. 1 /CNW/ - On December 3rd each year the 'International Day of Persons with Disabilities' is celebrated worldwide recognizing the achievements and contributions of people with a disability.

This annual observance, first declared by the United Nations in 1992, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is committed to raising awareness around disability issues and to providing strategies and recommendations for challenging physical, informational, and attitudinal barriers about disability.

ETFO is a proud supporter of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and over the years has created a number of valuable teaching and information resources and workshops. The resources are designed for use with students, educators, and union leadership to educate and raise awareness of disability and universal access issues. More information is available on the federation's website (www.etfo.ca).

"By educating our members and our students about the positive experiences and contributions of people with disabilities, we can help to build the understanding that disability does not mean inability," said ETFO President Sam Hammond .

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 73,000 elementary public school teachers and education workers across the province and is the largest teacher federation in Canada .

For further information: Sam Hammond, President, ETFO, [phone] (Office); Larry Skory, ETFO Communications, [phone] (Office), [phone] (Cell)