SASKATCHEWAN PROCLAIMS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The Government of Saskatchewan has once again joined with the United Nations and governments around the world to proclaim December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The theme of this year's observance is "dignity and justice for all of us".

"Our government is pleased to join with peoples and governments around the world to promote greater understanding of disability issues and to rally support for the dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "Our government recently announced a $76.9 million commitment to eliminate the waitlist for specialized, residential and day-program services for people with intellectual disabilities in Saskatchewan, and in the next budget year we intend to provide a separate, equitable income support plan for women and men with disabilities."

The United Nations estimates that about 10 per cent of the world's population, or 650 million people, live with disabilities. Based on a 2006 survey, Statistics Canada estimates that more than 145,000 or 16 per cent of Saskatchewan people live with disabilities.

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For more information, contact:

Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca