Governor Whitmer Declares Persons With Disabilities Day

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a proclamation declaring December 3 as Day of Persons With Disabilities in Michigan.

In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed an International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The governor's proclamation is intended to emphasize the importance of acknowledging the challenges often faced by those with disabilities in our own state. In Michigan, 27 percent of residents have some sort of disability and face hardship in securing employment, health care, and education. "Today is a time to recommit ourselves to creating a state where persons with disabilities have equal rights and freedoms, and to dismantle the barriers Michiganders with disabilities face every day," said Governor Whitmer.

"I'm grateful that the governor has acknowledged this, it's a great step forward," says disability activist and advocate Khodr Farhat. "It's great to acknowledge, whether it's October as Disability Awareness Month, whether it's December 3 as International Day for Individuals with Disabilities, but also around the clock we have to keep working on improving job opportunities, quality of life, and inclusion--and disability is diversity."

Governor Whitmer also said, "As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic here in Michigan, we must continue working around the clock to protect people with disabilities and compromised immune systems." The governor urges Michiganders to do their part by wearing a mask, maintaining physical distance from others, and had washing.

Farhat, a recent candidate for Dearborn Board of Education, agrees. He points out that some individuals who previously relied on the assistance of visiting help or a visiting nurse have had that source of support either restricted or ceased for personal protection reasons. "Now with COVID, it's quite risky to welcome somebody, to receive somebody into your house that wants to help you," he says. In addition, educational, career, and life skills training centers for those with disabilities are now closed.

Farhat says more can be done to increase employment opportunities for those with disabilities, along with providing equitable opportunities that meet the needs and goals of those living with a disability, including education. He is pleased that Governor Whitmer's proclamation opens the conversation on a subject he

has been highlighting for several years now. He adds, "In every country on Earth, if we are not able to accommodate and help those that are in need and underprivileged, then we're doing something wrong." Information on Governor Whitmer's proclamation can be found at http://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/ Khodr Farhat can be reached at [email protected]