December 2, 2025
December 3rd is the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. It is a time to promote rights and accessibility in workplaces, schools, and public spaces. It is also a time to celebrate the achievements and potential of people with disabilities.
It was great timing, then, that the St.Amant School held its Look At Me Award ceremony just a few days ago. Students are celebrated for their accomplishments and gifts – in music, love of literature, communication skills, and so much more. The Look At Me Awards are one of my favourite events in the St.Amant calendar. The pride that the students feel when they receive an award in front of their peers and family members is truly a joy to witness. Students and staff have built a school community rich in kindness, where everyone is accepted and respected. That is an example for all of us.
The theme for this year’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities is “fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”. That theme reminds us of the very important role that self-advocates play in our community. For example, the Inclusive Minds Committee, made up of self-advocates, meets regularly to give advice on how to improve policies so that people we support have a better experience.
As we recognize the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, let’s remember our shared duty to protect and promote people’s rights- a key priority in our current strategic plan. That starts with everyone at St.Amant truly listening to the people we support, in the many ways that they communicate. Listening and then taking action: those are key steps towards making the world a more fair and loving place for everyone.