Support for the rights and well-being of people with disabilities will be promoted this week.

The United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be marked on Wednesday and observance in Bermuda will be led by the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged (NOSPC).

Jeanne Atherden, Minister of Health, Seniors and the Environment, said the aim was “to promote an understanding of disability issues”.

“We also seek to increase awareness of the gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities into every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life,” she said.

This year’s theme is “Sustainable Development: the Promise of Technology” and will focus on the role of technology in disaster risk reduction and emergency responses, creating enabling working environments, and disability-inclusive sustainable development goals.

“Wednesday’s observance will provide opportunities for participation by all stakeholders, including Government departments, businesses and organisations of people with disabilities,” Ms Atherden said. “NOSPC has arranged to have a display booth set up in the lower level of the Washington Mall from 11am to 2pm on Wednesday. As well as staff from the Disabled Persons Office, the Department of E- Commerce will be there to provide cyber tips for seniors.

“The Government Departments will be supported by representatives of businesses and disability charities, including I-Click, Medical House and the Society for the Blind.

“These organisations will, in keeping with the technology theme of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, provide demonstrations on how technology can be used to enhance the live of a person with a disability.

“In addition, clients from the Opportunity Workshop will be on hand to offer their crafts for sale. The clients and staff at Opportunity have been working hard over the last several months to learn new skills and to produce holiday-themed crafts that can be sold to the public.”