International Day of People with Disabilities – participation in an informed society
On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December each year, the spotlight is shone on the struggle of disabled people and their important contribution to society. The City of Hafnarfjörður supports the campaign and celebrates the day and diversity. The Wasps celebrated the day with an open house at Húsið yesterday, offering locally made goods for sale. Similarly, Hafnarborg is bathed in purple light these days.
Participation in an informed society
On the International Day of People with Disabilities on 3 December each year, the spotlight is shone on the struggle of disabled people and their important contribution to society. The City of Hafnarfjörður supports the campaign and celebrates the day and diversity. The Wasps, for example, celebrated the day with an open house at Húsið yesterday, offering products for sale made at the Wasps' workshop. The municipality is also celebrating the day and the week by illuminating Hafnarborg – the cultural and arts centre – in purple, as purple is the colour of the disability rights movement. People with disabilities are around 15 per cent of the world's population, according to the World Health Organisation's definition, or over one billion people globally. In Iceland, this figure is around 57,000.
The Wasps, The House and The Wasp Nest Shop
The wasps run the shop The Wasp Nest, in its premises at 14 Suðurgata, The House Shop, and sell there products that they have produced under the guidance of a brilliant and creative teacher, with material reuse, among other things, as their guiding principle. The shop is generally open from 8 am to 5 pm every weekday, where all sorts of handmade products are for sale at great prices, from Christmas tree stands to beautiful candles. Geitungarnir is a vocational offer that strives to provide a diverse range of options and offers work experience and training on the general labour market. Creative projects are also undertaken at The Wasps' premises in The House on Suðurgata, and we actively work to empower each individual through education, employment and/or activities. People with disabilities have the right to the services and support they need to live an independent and active life. In Hafnarfjörður, a guiding philosophy of service is upheld, and warmth and encouragement are shown in all situations.
The harbour city in purple light
The Port City warmly welcomes all interested parties, whether as exhibitors or visitors. In a visible and purple way, the City of Hafnarfjörður supports this important campaign by celebrating the day and diversity, and by illuminating Hafnarborg, which in its organised exhibition programme has emphasised the active participation of all and the creation of opportunities for all groups of people.of the museum. In recent years, Hafnarborg has participated in the 'Art Without Borders' festival, most recently with a solo exhibition by Sindri Ploder, 'If I Were a Monster', in Sverris Hall during the autumn months. Earlier this year, Sindri was named the festival's artist of the moment.
Increased awareness of the benefits of the active participation of disabled people
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed on 3 December each year and has been observed since 1992 with the aim of promoting an understanding of the issues concerning persons with disabilities and encouraging support for their dignity, rights and well-being. It also aims to raise awareness of the benefits that result from the participation of disabled people in all spheres of society. The goal is an informed society – not just on these days, but every day, a society where disabled people enjoy the respect and rights they are due.
More about the City of Hafnarfjörður's services for people with disabilities