Engaging Communities Solutions CIC (ECS), Support International Day of People with Disabilities 2021 

International Day of People with Disabilities 2021 

December 3rd marks International Day of People with Disabilities #IDPD, #EveryoneIncluded. A key date in our calendar to celebrate the challenges, barriers, and opportunities for people with disabilities, this year, in the context of a global pandemic.  

ECS are proud to support this annual occasion, joining together with Recite Me accessibility and language tools, to raise awareness of the importance of ‘Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era’. 

Since March 2020, every person has been impacted by COVID-19 in one way or another, but for those who face accessibility barriers it has been a particularly challenging time.  

This year, on International Day of People with Disabilities we are recognising that those with disabilities are among the most affected populations, where discrimination and vulnerability can be everyday factors for some.   

According to the WHO World Report on Disability, 15 percent of the world’s population, or more than 1 billion people, are living with disability. Of this number, it’s estimated 450 million are living with a mental or neurological condition. 

To support everyone online with visual and nonvisual disabilities, we have created an inclusive online experience with Recite Me assistive technology to enable all staff, customers and website users to customise their digital world.  

Elizabeth Learoyd, Managing Director of ECS said: “The occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us all that together we can make this world a better place for people with disabilities. Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us be more responsible and aware of people with disabilities.” 

When visiting the network of ECS Healthwatch’s websites people can use the assistive toolbar to read and understand online information. Toolbar features include screen reading functionality, multiple reading aids, customisable styling options and an on-demand live translation feature that boasts over 100 languages, including 35 text-to-speech and styling options. 

Together we can build an inclusive online world. This starts by creating awareness on an individual or organisational level and helping to bring people together, empower individuals and improve inclusion. We can all make a positive difference together. 

The network of ECS Healthwatch’s are independent organisations set up to champion the views of patients and social care users in Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Halton, Warrington, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, Leicester, and Leicestershire, with the goal of making services better and improving health and wellbeing. We want to hear about your views, needs and experiences to help get the best possible health and care across these areas. To share your feedback on health and social care services in these areas, contact Healthwatch through their Feedback centres:  

ECS