Dear RI Global Family,
As we confront the global spread of COVID-19, the overwhelming priority of RI is to safeguard the wellbeing of our members, their families and the wider communities in which we operate and serve.
As the COVID-19 continues to impact the health of citizens around the globe and create extreme market volatility, I am aware that each day is bringing significant challenges and pressures to the members of our global family.
Social and economic disruptions are impacting communities and families in all corners of the globe while disproportionately impacting the disability community as one of the most vulnerable groups worldwide.
Being with one of the largest and oldest global networks focusing on advancing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities, at a challenging time like this, we are called upon to be vocal leaders, and advocate strongly for the rights and needs of persons with disabilities. During the uncertain and unprecedented time, we should remain steadfast in pursuit of our mission to assist and support the disability community that we jointly serve.
Now more than ever, I urge you to provide a helping hand to persons with disabilities near you and around the globe.
As a disabled person who has worked her whole life on advancing disability inclusion, I have witnessed so many heartening examples of how resilient and compassionate people can be. And as your President, I am calling for your unitedness at this challenging time. We are together in this. And I firmly trust, with courage and a caring heart, we will be together out of this.
Yours sincerely,
Zhang Haidi
President of Rehabilitation International
