The Disability Staff Network (DSN), supported by the Whitworth, the Manchester Museum and The University of Manchester are marking the 25th anniversary of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).

Central to the activities is the invitation to staff and students to wear purple on Monday 4 December. The colour purple is growing in its recognition as the symbol of disability. Groups and individuals, both with, and without disabilities, across the UK are joining together in a purple light-up!

Why this day is important

This is one of the most significant days in the calendar for focussing on contributions disabled people make to our communities, the economy and the barriers disabled people face. By making an impact around this day, this year – and in future years – we can help ensure that awareness of disability equality grows.

What is happening

• The Whitworth is holding its first autism friendly 9:00 am early opening on Sunday 3 December the actual International Day of Persons with Disabilities to mark the day and launch the campaign. The early opening will also benefit others who may prefer to avoid crowds. Staff will be on hand to discuss disability and art. The following Saturday 9 December, the Manchester Museum is holding a similar early opening which will bookend the week.
• A social media campaign will begin on Sunday 3 December @UoMDSN #purplelightup and continue throughout the week.
• Our ‘Working for disability equality’ visual image will be displayed around campus including plasma screens, PC clusters and banners. Lecture theatres A and B in University Place will also be lit up in purple throughout Monday 4 December to mark the day.

Get involved

• Engage with the Twitter campaign @UoMDSN #purplelightup
• Attend the early openings, take a selfie and tweet
• Download and display the poster and encourage your colleagues to do so
• And don’t forget, come to work on Monday 4 December wearing purple – even tweet a selfie of yourself wearing purple with #purplelightup

Let’s bring disability equality into view.