International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Today is a worldwide observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This year's theme is "Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all."

A billion people around the world face barriers of all sorts ' discrimination, construction, laws, thoughtlessness, and public policies ' that block them from equal access to their communities and to education, jobs, voting, healthcare, and transportation. Some of those people live here in St. Louis. They are persons with disabilities and they are our families, co-workers, and neighbors. Welcoming them as full and equal participants in our City's life is the law, a civic responsibility, and an important part of making the City a vibrant and diverse community. City Hall has an Office on the Disabled, which is directed by David Newburger. He can be reached by telephone at (314) 622-3686, TTY 622-3693.