Since 1992, the United Nations has recognized December 3rd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day not only celebrates those with disabilities but also promotes an understanding of disability issues and generates support for the community. It serves as a reminder of the actions each person can take to protect the disabled community from discrimination and other hardships they face each day to create a more diverse and accepting world.
This year's commemoration will take place and October 5th and will have interactive dialogues focused on the innovation and transformative solutions for inclusive development in three areas: employment, reducing inequality, and sport as an exemplar case.
Facts about disabilities
- Disability is a global public health issue, a human rights issue, and a development priority.
- People with disabilities are among the world's most discriminated population, often experiencing denial of autonomy and barriers to care.
- Over 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability.
- Everybody is likely to experience some form of disability at some point in life.
- People with disabilities have twice the risk of developing conditions such as depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke, obesity, or poor oral health.
For this year's International Day of Persons with Disabilities, take the time to learn from the experiences of people living with disabilities and remember that they should be characterized by their abilities, not disabilities. You can take action and show your support of equal human rights by posting on social media, volunteering within the disabled community, or by donating to a cause.
Sources:
https://idpwd.org/
https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-of-persons-with-disabilities
https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/disabilities
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health
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