For the third consecutive year, HSBC Bermuda has joined companies from around the world in recognising the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and illuminating the bank’s Harbourview building in purple on Saturday.

IDPWD has been promoted by the United Nations since 1992 and celebrates the achievements and contributions – as well as increases awareness, understanding and acceptance – of the more than a billion people globally who live with some form of a visible or invisible disability, or both.

HSBC said it was estimated that approximately 80 of cent of people with a disability acquired their disability during their working years between the ages of 18 and 64.

A spokeswoman said: “At HSBC we strive to not only confidently support our customers and colleagues who may be living with disability challenges but also celebrate the many contributions and achievements of those colleagues who are. Recognising IDPWD is another way in which the bank can show their support.”

In addition to illuminating HSBC Bermuda’s head office, employees in the bank’s branch network and members of the employee resource group HSBC Ability wore purple shirts Friday and were on hand to share how the bank supports those with disabilities.

HSBC Ability was established across the HSBC global network to support those with disabilities and those who care for them.

Judy Doidge, executive sponsor for HSBC Ability in Bermuda, said: “Our employees understand (through either living with a disability themselves or via others who do), what living with a disability can bring in terms of unique challenges.

“During 2022 our employees have continued to enthusiastically engage in a number of initiatives to ensure that HSBC’s processes and premises will ultimately be fully accessible for everyone.

“The compassion and commitment shown by our employees regarding these initiatives as well as how they choose to individually recognise IDPWD (both at work and at home), has been nothing short of heart warming."