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International Day of Persons with Disabilities One of the biggest problems facing people with disabilities in today’s society is marginalization and exclusion. For a myriad of reasons, people with disabilities are often shunned from major aspects of society in terms of social circles, workplaces, cultural life, and more. It is extremely isolating and can have a serious impact on the mental health of those excluded. It is important that the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is used as a way of encouraging the inclusion of all people in all aspects of life.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Table of Contents
International Day of Persons with Disabilities Date– 3 December 2023
Disabilities come in all shapes and forms, and it is important that each one of them is taken care of. Just because something isn’t visible, doesn’t mean it isn’t important or impactful. Many people live with disabilities such as mental health disorders, chronic pain and fatigue, none of which are visible at first glance. However, the lives and experiences of these people are heavily influenced by their disabilities. Take time this year to focus especially on invisible disabilities.
When is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities observed?
Every year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) is observed on 3 December as a way of promoting equality for people with disabilities in all sectors of society.
Why is International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrated?
The event was started by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992. Their aim was to advance disability rights and protect the well-being of people with disabilities. Since then, people from all over the world have gathered together to celebrate this special event.
According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 15% of the world’s population is believed to suffer from some form of disability. But, often, the needs of people with disabilities are not met by the society in which they live. This is one of the many reasons why it is so important to celebrate events such as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
How is International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrated?
By celebrating this event at school, you can help your kids break down barriers to inclusion and spread awareness about the struggles faced by people with disabilities. In turn, this would inspire him to fight for the rights of persons with disabilities throughout his life. Another big part of International Day of Persons with Disabilities is to spread awareness about the many positive effects of integrating persons with disabilities into society.
What is the theme of International Day of Persons with Disabilities?
The general message around International Day of Persons with Disabilities remains the same, but each year has a different theme. The themes in previous years have been as follows:
- This year, the theme for International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 2022 is ‘Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world‘.
- 2021: Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.
- 2020: Building Back Better: Toward a Disability-Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable Post-COVID-19 World.
- 2019: Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda
- 2018: Empowering Persons with Disabilities and ensuring inclusion and equality
History of Disability Rights
Since the mid-20th century, people with disabilities have been campaigning for greater recognition of disability as an aspect of identity rather than a defining characteristic of a person. Here is a brief overview of the timeline of the disability rights movement:
- 1950s – International movement to institutionalize disabled persons to provide community care
- 1960s – The first Paralympic Games celebrating the sporting achievements of people with disabilities are held
- 1980s-90s – Many countries enact laws that make discrimination against people with disabilities illegal
- 2000s – United Nations holds the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- 2010 – Steps taken to increase the number of people with disabilities in work and close the disability employment gap
