International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the Purple Lights campaign is taking place today Sunday 3 December 2023.
The Purple Lights campaign sees Government buildings local and national, major companies, civic and educational institutions turning purple to celebrate the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd.
Purple Lights 23
Speaking about #PurpleLights23, Minister of State, Anne Rabbitte said:
Purple Lights is a day of celebration, inclusion and awareness and there is such an incredible reservoir of resilience within those who forge ahead despite physical limitations, soaring beyond their disability.
They stand as the genuine warriors of our world—individuals with every justification to surrender, yet persistently choosing not to.
Despite these challenges, individuals demonstrate remarkable determination and adaptability, showcasing the capacity of the human mind and spirit to conquer adversity.
One key aspect of rising above disability is the embrace of individuality. Recognising that each person’s journey is unique fosters a sense of self-empowerment.
The narrative shifts from a focus on limitations to celebrating one’s distinctive strengths, talents, and perspectives. In doing so, individuals with disabilities not only redefine their own identities but also contribute to a more inclusive and diverse society.
Education plays a pivotal role in breaking down barriers and dispelling myths surrounding disabilities. By promoting awareness and understanding, society becomes more inclusive, fostering an environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive.
Advocacy efforts amplify the voices of those who have risen above disability, inspiring change at both societal and institutional levels.
Convention Centre
A number of landmark buildings and venues will be turning purple today including the
- Mansion House in Dublin
- The Convention Centre
- Busarus
- The Customs House,
- The National Concert Hall
- The Rock of Cashel
- Cork City Hall
- Dublin Bus HQ
- Trinity College, Dublin
- White’s Bridge in Athlone
- The bridge in Arklow, Co Wicklow
- Naas Ball
- Kerry County Council will also be illuminating a number of their buildings in purple
- Many more landmarks and buildings are being added to the list daily.
There are also some buses wrapped in purple in Galway, Dublin and Cork and Iarnrod Eireann will also be supporting #PurpleLights this year with awareness raising information in train stations.
Naas Ball
DFI’s flagship event for International Day of Persons with Disabilities took place in Cork City yesterday on the theme of ‘Making Advocacy Real’.
The event saw DFI member organisations gathering together to work towards the development of a DFI Toolkit on self-advocacy.
You can follow the campaign on social media on the hashtags:
#PurpleLights23 and #IDPwD23.
Don’t forget to take pictures and share wherever you are in the purple and hastag #PurpleLights23 and #IDPwD23.
About International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3 December was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
- The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
- Follow us on social media for more on #PurpleLights23 and #IDPwD23 Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tik Tok