TO mark International Day Of People With Disabilities on Friday people across Bradford District and Craven are being encouraged to wear something purple and buildings across the district will also be lit up to celebrate the day.

This year’s theme for the international campaign is fighting for right in the post Covid-19 era. This year the focus is on the barriers and opportunities for people who live with disabilities, in the context of a global pandemic. Locally the health and care system is coming together – under the Act as One health and care partnership – to mark the day and recognise the contribution that people living with a disability make.

Events planned include a disability café for staff organised by Airedale NHS Foundation Trust’s Disability Inclusion Group, the Beacon Staff Network is encouraging colleagues at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust to dress in purple on the day and the equality and inclusion council at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has organised internal events to mark the day.

Buildings being lit up include Bradford Royal Infirmary, St Luke’s Hospital and Lynfield Mount. The local #PurpleLightUp is a way to celebrate and connect with disabled people worldwide as part of a global effort to demonstrate commitment to disability inclusion. City Hall, Margaret McMillan Tower and Forster Square Arches will also be lit up in purple from December 3 for the weekend.

Dr James Thomas, GP and Clinical Chair for NHS Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Our health and care partnership for Bradford District and Craven – through our Act as One ethos – recognises that the pandemic continues to impact on people’s lives. We want to acknowledge and recognise that some population groups have been affected disproportionately more than others.

“Evidence shows this includes people with a disability and we must commit to redressing the balance. #PurpleLightUp helps us to shed a light on the challenges and barriers people with a disability face, reminds us of our responsibility to be inclusive as employers and service providers and shows the importance of understanding people’s lived experience so we can achieve sustainable change.”

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places said: ”The journey to being an inclusive society means we must take action now and accept that this will take commitment from everyone. As a local health and care system we understand that there is a lot more to do to create inclusive workplaces, services and communities that create opportunities for people who live with disabilities to feel supported, listened to and drive the change we need to see.”

To find out more about the International Day Of People With Disabilities please visit https://idpwd.org/ and to take part in #PurpleLightUp visit https://www.purplespace.org/purple-light-up/get-involved