International Day for Persons with Disabilities

Dec 02, 2025

The United Nations’ International Day for Persons with Disabilities is a day to reflect on our progress to remove barriers and the work still required to build a province where every person can participate fully and with dignity. It is also a day to recognize the leadership of persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia, whose knowledge, lived experience, and advocacy continue to shape a more equitable future for us all.

Human rights begin with the simple idea that every individual deserves respect, fairness, and the opportunity to thrive. In Nova Scotia, these rights are protected under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act, which affirms that discrimination based on disability has no place in our communities, schools, workplaces, or institutions. The Act is not only a legal safeguard. It is a reminder that accessibility, inclusion, and barrier removal are responsibilities shared by all of us.

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities occurs during Nova Scotia Human Rights Week, a time that celebrates community action and the countless people working to advance equity across the province. The events of the week include several highlighting how disability rights are deeply tied to broader human rights efforts. Accessibility in the built environment, inclusive employment, the fight against ableism, and the dismantling of social and structural barriers are essential to a fair and cohesive society. These themes connect directly to the principles at the heart of the global observance on December 3.

As we commemorate this day, we honor the leadership of persons with disabilities who continue to press for change, often in the face of significant barriers. Their voices push systems to evolve, expand understanding, and embrace new ways of thinking about inclusion.

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities calls on all Nova Scotians to move from awareness to action. When we commit to building communities that are accessible in practice and spirit, we uphold human rights and strengthen our shared future.

The preceding is a message from Joseph Fraser, Director & CEO of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

Access Includes Everyone

Access Includes Everyone is a multi-year, multi-platform accessibility awareness campaign, that was launched in April 2022 by the province’s Accessibility Directorate. The campaign currently includes three videos, related social and digital media and an informative website. This campaign is advancing the important work of addressing stereotypes, misconceptions, assumptions, and biases which, like physical barriers in our built environment, limit access to equitable participation in society for persons with disabilities.

Other Resources