Video Message from Paralympic Gold Medalist, Susie Rodgers

The International Day of Disabled People (IDDP or International Day for Persons with Disabilities as called by the United Nations) falls annually on 3 December and has been marked since 1992. This year’s theme is Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want and draws attention to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and how these can create a more inclusive and equitable world for disabled people. We were delighted to have Great Britain Paralympic Gold Medalist and British Council member of staff, Susie Rodgers deliver this message to you all.

Transcript in Full

“I’m Susie Rodgers, British Paralympian and employee of the British Council. I competed at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and have won a total of 30 international medals during my career, including 17 Gold medals at Paralympic, World and European level.

Winning gold at the Rio Paralympics was the highlight of my sporting career and one that I will never forget.

Today, I want to talk to you about the ‘United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities’ which is celebrated annually on 3 December around the world since 1992. “This year’s theme sets out how we and our governments can work together towards ‘Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want’. Through these goals, we will build a more inclusive and equitable world for people with disabilities.

Susie Rodgers, British Paralympian and employee of the British Council

There are an estimated one billion people living with disabilities around the world facing many barriers to inclusion in many key aspects of society. As a result, people with disabilities still do not enjoy access to society on an equal basis with others, which includes areas of transportation, employment, access to sports facilities and education as well as social and political participation.”

Equal participation in society for disabled people is a human right. Let’s work together and through applying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, join forces with our governments and leaders to enable equal participation in our society and make a better tomorrow for everyone, everywhere. Thank you!”