International Symbol of Acceptance
The International Day of Acceptance is observed each year on January 20 to promote social acceptance, inclusion and equal opportunity for people with disabilities.
The day was founded by the late Annie Hopkins, creator of the International Symbol of Acceptance, represented by a wheelchair and a heart. Her vision was to promote a day focused on embracing differences, educating others and empowering everyone.
The International Day of Acceptance also encourages communities to move beyond awareness and into toward true acceptance, which means valuing people for who they are and supporting them in living full, authentic lives.
Easterseals PORT Health is proud to highlight a few people in Ahoskie, NC who participate in our EMPOWER programs as they share why acceptance is so important.
Pictured: Brian, De’Mareyon, Saniyah, Byron, Alex, Trey and Hunter.
Thoughts from EMPOWER After School program participants:
- “I love EMPOWER Afterschool! I enjoy group time and I think everyone should be accepted as they are because it’s the nice thing to do.” – Brian
- “I feel accepted at Easterseals PORT Health because everyone does activities with me and I like hanging out with them. Acceptance is important and it should matter to everyone.” – De’Mareyon
- “At EMPOWER Afterschool I get to color and play with all the toys! Everyone should celebrate International Day of Acceptance. It makes parents happy too.” – Saniyah
Thoughts from EMPOWER Adult Recreation + Wellness program participants:
- “EMPOWER makes me feel normal and wanted. International Acceptance Day is important because it reminds people to accept others just as they are. It’s all about how you treat others.” – Alex
- “EMPOWER makes me feel good because of the amazing people there. They make me feel welcome and help keep me active.” – Byron
- “I like taking out the trash and being there for the kids at EMPOWER. International Acceptance Day is important because everyone at ESPH already knows I’m good the way I am and I think others should know that too!” – Hunter
- “ESPH has helped me in a lot of ways. They make me feel included. I like making food and helping out. Acceptance is important because we’re all people and should be treated kindly.” – Trey
Thank you to all the wonderful people who shared why it’s so important to accept everyone for who they are. We are all different in our own unique way and those differences add strength, value and beauty to our communities.
Learn more about EMPOWER After School at eastersealsPORT.com/empower-after-school. Learn more about EMPOWER Adult Recreation + Wellness at eastersealsPORT.com/empower-adult-wellness-recreation.
ABOUT US
Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, mental health and substance use services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.
