Restless Development Do you know what happened on Monday?

Hey Derrick !

This week our newsletter kicks off with a big HELLO from me!

My name’s Hannah. I’m the newest member of the campaigns team here at Restless Development UK and once I’ve settled in (figured out how the printer works, found the comfiest chair in the office etc) I’ll be working to support……

                                 YOU!

That’s right – all of you! – our UK-based members to run campaigns and take action on the issues which matter most to you. So don’t be shy! Feel free to reach out via email hannahd@restlessdevelopment.organytime 🙂

Now that’s enough about me, onto an inspiring campaign! Did you know that this Monday was the International Day of Persons with Disabilities? (Well you do now!) 

Over 1 billion people in the world live with some form of disability – that’s 1 in 7. But people with disabilities are 3x more likely to be denied health care, and these inequalities escalate further in developing countries.

    (see full WHO infographic –> here) 

The global call to action, #PurpleLightUp , took over Twitter on Monday focusing on “the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis of others” by celebrating the positive role employers can have in tackling stigma. Lots of businesses teamed up with#PurpleLightUp including Channel 4 who released an inspiring short film with Last Leg presenter Adam Hills  and live signed their dailynews broadcast.

Of course #PurpleLightUp isn’t the first campaign to tackle disability equality. It’s always a good shout when planning an action to find out what good work has already been done! So as well as retweeting the latest hashtag, check out a few other successes and opportunities like…

• Scope’s 2016 End the Awkwardness campaign video 

• Volunteering Mencap who campaign for everyone with a learning disability, or Barnardo’s who support Children and Young People with disabilities across the country

• Bring your lived experience to the conversation by joining Leonard Cheshire’s Disability Equality Speaker’s  network, visiting schools, community groups and businesses

But how does disability inclusion translate into international development work???

Well that’s what made 2018’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities even more special! Because Monday marked the FIRST EVER launch of DFID’s (the UK Government’s Department for International Development) Disability Inclusion Strategy !

Disability inclusion is a vital part of development work because of the one billion people in the world living with a disability, an estimated 80% live in developing countries. For more info on disability and international development, check out Leonard Cheshire’s Research Centre, which not only researches inclusive development but works with local providers to deliver trainings in places like Mumbai, rural China, and Liberia to name just a few!

You’ll hear more from me next Thursday, until then have a great week & stay restless!

Hannah

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