Poster Contest

Grade 7 students across Nova Scotia will have an opportunity to participate in a poster contest that was announced today in recognition of Dec. 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

"This contest will provide students with an opportunity to learn about the issues and barriers involved in achieving full citizenship for persons with disabilities," said Peter Christie, Minister responsible for the Disabled Persons Commission.

The theme of the poster contest is full citizenship for Nova Scotians with disabilities within an inclusive, diverse and barrier-free society. The winning entry will be featured during Access Awareness Week next spring.

"Full citizenship is our goal and through public education and understanding we believe that many barriers can be eliminated," said Paul MacDonald, chair of Partnership Awareness - Nova Scotia.

Information will be sent to all eligible schools over the next several weeks and submissions must be received no later than Feb. 1, 2001. The contest is sponsored by the Disabled Persons Commission, the Department of Education, and by Partnership for Access Awareness - Nova Scotia.

In 1992 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed that Dec. 3 be observed every year as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day commemorates the anniversary of the General Assembly's adoption of the World Program of Action concerning people with disabilities. It promotes an understanding about disability issues and increases awareness of the advantages of integration of people with disabilities in every aspect of life.