On 3 February 2025, CFB Borden’s Defence Advisory Group for Persons with Disabilities (DAGPWD) hosted a flag raising event to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD, held annually on 3 December) and be reminded of the varying levels of ability of people in the workplace, at school and home.
With the United Nations estimating one billion persons with disabilities worldwide, the odds that you know someone with a disability are high. As the DAGPWD military co-chair Warrant Officer Robert Stoodley explained, even within the CAF disabilities are something that are not necessarily visible.
“If we were to order all members on Base who know someone with a disability or are personally affected by disabilities to show up to this event, we would be shutting down the Base completely,” WO Stoodley said.
Considering the nature of the work done by CAF members, it is especially important to consider the impact of mental health disabilities. Over two million Canadians (or about seven per cent of the population) have a mental health disability, including anxiety, depression, bipolar and severe stress disorder.
Champion of the DAGPWD and Commander of the Canadian Armed Forced Military Police Academy (CFMPA), Lieutenant Colonel Darren Lemire urged all in attendance to take part in the inclusion process.
“People you know, love and care about are impacted by disabilities and you too can play a part in the inclusion process,” LCol Lemire said.
How to be inclusive to those with disabilities
- Be respectful
- Use people-first language: For example, say “person with a disability” instead of “disabled person”
- Be patient: Don’t rush people if they need extra time to respond
- Avoid assumptions: Don’t assume what they can or cannot do
- Respect their privacy: Don’t ask intrusive questions
- Ask questions
- Ask how you can help: Ask what the person needs and how you can help
- Ask about their disability: Ask questions when necessary to understand and meet their needs
- Make accommodations
- Provide accessible facilities: Make sure facilities are accessible to people with disabilities
- Provide assistance: Offer to help, but let the person decide if they want it
- Be mindful of physical spaces: Consider how to make spaces more accessible
- Advocate for their rights
- Promote disability inclusivity: Support the rights of people with disabilities
- Employ people with disabilities: Create opportunities for people with disabilities to work
- Increase representation: Increase the representation of people with disabilities in politics and other areas
The ceremony concluded with the raising of the IDPWD flag
Want to learn more about being inclusive to people with disabilities or seeking accommodations for your disability? Feel free to reach out to WO Stoodley at robert.stoodley@forces.gc.ca or 705 424-1200 ext.2704014 and join the DAGPWD.
