December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 seeks to increase awareness of the experience of persons with disabilities in all areas of society, including at UPEI. Individuals within the UPEI campus community are affected by various disabilities, which can be visible or invisible. They are experienced differently by each person and can intersect with other forms of identity. UPEI is committed to making a difference to all who are historically underrepresented and underserved, and aims to recognize, include, and support them.
Last year, UPEI observed the Day by raising the disability flag for the first time, thanks to the efforts of then UPEI student and now alumnus Antwaun Rolle. The tricolour flag, with its three equally sized horizontal stripes of gold, silver, and bronze, are meant to evoke the medals of the Paralympics. It was created by Eros Recio and presented to the United Nations in 2017. UPEI is committed to raising the disability flag—or the Flag of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities—each year on December 3.
This year, UPEI students Anthonia Bebiem (Mathematical and Computational Sciences), Obed Oluwakoya (Psychology), and Luciana Quiroa Paredes (Business) are excited to announce—on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities—that they will host an event for the University community on January 13, 2025, to raise awareness and advocate for improved accessibility on campus for students. They have partnered with UPEI Accessibility Services and the UPEI Student Union.
“Access for All UPEI” will take place at the W.A. Murphy Student Centre, featuring activities that simulate the experiences of students with disabilities as well as a panel discussion to identify actionable steps to create a more inclusive environment. The students’ plan includes developing a post-event report that will be shared with UPEI senior administration.
“While education and awareness are our top priorities for the event,” said Bebiem, “we also hope to have diverse student representation so that students with disabilities can share feedback in a safe, supportive environment. We will gather data and report needs to the University leadership so that challenges can be addressed.”
The three students came up with the concept after participating in a national youth education initiative called See Different from the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI). After completing the “Principles of DEI” and “Emerging Leaders of DEI” certification, they learned about the “Changemaker Grants” program, which provides graduates with financial support to transform their ideas into an impactful project. Bebiem, Oluwakoya, and Quiroa Paredes were successful in securing a $2,000 grant to create positive change within the UPEI community.
Stay tuned for more information early in the new year. If you wish to volunteer for the event, or have questions, please email
- Anthonia Bebiem at aobebiem@upei.ca
- Obed Oluwakoya at oioluwakoya@upei.ca
- Luciana Quiroa Paredes at lrquiroaparades@upei.ca
About the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3, following the International Year of the Disabled Person in 1981 and the UN Decade of Disabled Persons, 1983–1992. The observance on December 3 each year aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
