Today (Friday) will be recognised globally as the International Day of Persons With Disabilities and for the second consecutive year, HSBC Bermuda will shine a light on what this represents to the organisation.

Promoted by the United Nations since 1992, IDPWD celebrates the achievements and contributions, and raises awareness, understanding and acceptance, of people with disability.

It is estimated that more than a billion people globally live with some form of disability — that is about 15 per cent of the world's population. Eighty per cent of people with a disability acquire it during their working years between ages 18 and 64.

“At HSBC we consider it extremely important to not only confidently support colleagues who may be facing challenges due to living with a disability but also to celebrate their many contributions and achievements,” an HSBC Bermuda spokesman said. “Recognising IDPWD is another way in which the bank can do so.”

Once again, HSBC Bermuda will be joining other markets in its international network through the company’s global partnership with Purple Space, the world's only networking and professional development hub for disabled employees. The organisation also leads the annual #PURPLELIGHTUP campaign, a global movement that celebrates and draws attention to the economic contribution of the 386 million disabled employees around the world.

HSBC Bermuda’s Harbourview Centre will be illuminated in purple in appreciation of valued disabled colleagues around the world.

“During 2021 the bank’s focus on supporting those with disabilities has increased as we work towards making HSBC fully accessible for everyone,” said Tanya Bule, head of wealth and personal banking and marketing. “Our employees have engaged in a number of initiatives to help enhance both our service offerings and premises, so that employees and customers are not disadvantaged due to the challenges of living with a disability.”