International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Posted: December 3, 2013 - 14:45 , by royal

December 3rd marks the United Nation’s annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Promoting an understanding of disability issues and mobilizing support for the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons with disabilities of all ages, this day also emphasizes the benefits for all society when persons with disabilities are included in every aspect of life.

I am proud that the Royal Ontario Museum has been acknowledged as a leader in Canada for our work to make the ROM accessible for those with disabilities. The Museum’s award-winning initiatives enhance the experience of visitors with disabilities through the use of innovative technologies, partnerships, tours, displays, and ground-breaking programs. Among these advancements are the first-of-its-kind tour for the Deafblind in Canada; an audio-described tour program providing access to the Museum’s collections and exhibitions for persons with vision loss or who are blind; ASL-interpreted programs; internationally acclaimed tactile books; and tactile exhibit design to allow persons with vision loss or who are blind to touch the past. To learn more about our efforts, please visit our web page devoted to the ROM`s Commitment to Accessibility.

The ROM is Ontario’s indispensable resource for building community in which all visitors can connect to their world and to each other. The Royal Ontario Museum believes that disability is not the impairment itself. Instead, attitudes and environmental barriers result in disability when even one person is unable to fully participate in society on an equal basis. The ROM recognizes the diversity of our visitors’ abilities and needs. With the extraordinary support from our donors, sponsors, staff and volunteers, we are continually striving to make the ROM fully accessible to all.  Thank you to all those who have helped the ROM develop and implement our many initiatives to enhance the ROM for all.

Please join me in marking today as we continue to ensure that every day the Museum is an accessible, inclusive community resource for all Ontarians.