A charity that offers educational and therapeutic programmes to people with support needs has launched a campaign to encourage conversations on diversity, accessibility and inclusion.

WindReach, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, will hand out button pins highlighting the need for more dialogue and less stigma on various issues.

The charity ran a similar campaign five years ago, when it gave away 1,600 badges in return for donations.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said: “Diversity, accessibility and inclusion shouldn’t be difficult. Yet somehow the conversations are difficult.

“However, we know that awareness and education can break down barriers, pave a path for inclusion and show how diversity is really the norm.”

She said the charity celebrated its twentieth anniversary with a collection of 12 button pins bearing “witty and unique statements“.

They proved popular, with some still “proudly” wearing them.

Another button has been added to the collection this year to share with the community.

WindReach said it hopes to bring awareness to the theme of the UN’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.

The spokeswoman explained: “Our 13 different pins aim to encourage purposeful conversation between family, friends, colleagues, the person next to you in the shopping line, classmates, sports teams, everyone.

“We all need to be empowered to live an inclusive and equitable life. Having more conversations leads to an increase in awareness. Awareness leads to action. Action brings inclusive, sustainable change.”

The buttons will be available, for a small donation, at booths throughout the island on December 3, which is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Retailers and schools have also signed up for the campaign.

The WindReach spokeswoman added: “Allow the statement on your pin to be the icebreaker to what can sometimes feel like an uncomfortable conversation to start. It’s that simple.

“Find a pin that speaks to you, what you believe in, or touches on a topic that may be pertinent in your family.

“Display your pin to show your support. By celebrating all abilities, we change lives together.”

• UPDATE: this article has been updated to clarify that the buttons will be available on December 3