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December 3, 2022

International Day of Persons with Disabilities programs at Red Deer Public Library

Nov 17, 2022 | 1:04 PM

In recognition of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, (December 3, 2022), Red Deer Public Library (RDPL) and Voice of Albertans with Disabilities (VAD), are hosting two upcoming programs to create awareness about living and working with disabilities, and to showcase RDPL’s accessible branches, materials and programs.

Tatiana Tilly, Red Deer Public Library’s Strategic Planning and Engagement Manager, says the events, one virtual and one in-person, are accessible to everyone. Library officials say both programs will also be available as recorded videos later on the RDPL website.

Speakers Michelle Bissell, VAD Education Coordinator, and Roxanne Ulanicki, VAD presenter, are anticipated to offer virtual, interactive presentations about ableism, appropriate language and behaviour, dignity, spoon theory, and etiquette, Thursday, November 24, at 6 p.m., live on RDPL’s Facebook page.

The celebration continues Thursday, December 1, at 6 p.m., in the Downtown Branch’s Snell Auditorium, as RDPL welcomes panelists from Red Deer and Edmonton with disabilities for a virtual and in-person discussion.

“Our guests will talk about the Seven Principles of Universal Design, what it’s like living in Edmonton and Red Deer with disabilities, how to find meaningful employment and activities, and library materials, programs, and accessibility features,” says Tilly. “All panelists at both programs live with a disability, so they bring a personal perspective and experiences to the presentation through their own stories,” she adds.

Although the subject of disabilities is a serious topic, Tilly says both events will be fun and enjoyable and adds all participants can enter to win door prizes such as a Victor Reader Stream. A Victor Reader Stream is described as a handheld audio player that lets you listen to books, newspapers, web radio, music, and other online resources. Simple to use, it is said to pack all your media into place and give you 15 hours of battery life, leaving more time to enjoy your content.