A flag will fly at the Inverclyde Council headquarters in Greenock in support of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

A purple flag will be flown on the Clyde Square flagpole on Friday (3 December 2021) to raise awareness of people living with disabilities and the challenges they face on a daily basis.

The international day of observance has been promoted by the United Nations since 1992 and aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and increase support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of people with disabilities.

It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

The idea to mark the annual day of observance was first proposed by Councillor Jim MacLeod in 2019.

Cllr MacLeod said: “Disability can come in various forms, some are visible and some are not, so this day of awareness plays an important role in highlighting that and the issues that are faced by people with a disability, such as exploitation, marginalisation and discrimination.

“We’ve achieved a lot with regards to disability rights and equality in general, much of that also here in Inverclyde where progress has been made, but there remains much more to be done, particularly in employment, housing and life opportunities across the UK.

“I hope people will take a moment this International Day of Persons with Disabilities to think about the challenges people with a disability and their families can face on a daily basis, particularly in the pandemic world we are now living in, and do what they can to help recognise that and make changes that will ultimately help improve the lives of others.

“But we must not forget that International Day of Persons with Disabilities is but one day there are another 364 days in the year when we should remember the many challenges that still face disabled people.”

The annual event was called ‘International Day of Disabled Persons’ until 2007 and each year it focuses on a different issue.

This year the theme is ‘leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world’.

Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “There is no place for discrimination or marginalisation in today’s society and International Day of Persons with Disabilities is not only an opportunity to shine a light on the challenges but to show support to people with a disability.

“People with disabilities are among those who have been impacted the most by the coronavirus pandemic so this day of reflection also presents an opportunity for us all to think about ways we can collectively and individually make changes to the way we behave and act that will help improve the lives of people with disabilities.

“We are all human beings at the end of the day with something to contribute to society regardless of ability and I’m proud to support this awareness day, which ties in with our values of Inverclyde being a caring and compassionate place for all.”

For more information, including help and advice, visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/health-and-social-care.