International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The United Nations (UN) created International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3, 1992, intending to spread awareness about issues people with disabilities face as well as advocating for rights and accessibility. “It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life” (UN, 2021). Each year, IDPD changes their theme; last year, the focus was “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world”.

This year, the focus of IDPD recognizes the adversities that people with disabilities have faced throughout the pandemic and what life will look like for people with disabilities in the years to come. The theme, “Leadership and Participation of Persons with Disabilities Toward an Inclusive, Accessible, and Sustainable post-COVID-19 World” acknowledges the plights that COVID-19 has placed on people with disabilities. Before COVID, people with disabilities faced barriers to receiving health care, transportation, education, and employment. The presence of COVID-19 has only made these barriers harder to navigate and created new ones. Responding to the issues that COVID-19 has created with an inclusive strategy will help diminish any disparities created by the pandemic. This year, IDPD is sending the message that health officials, political representatives, and advocates need to push community leaders to focus on implementing policies that minimize barriers that people with disabilities face daily.

How can I get involved on International Persons with Disabilities Day?

EDUCATE

Educate yourself, friends, or family on different disabilities, the inequalities people with disabilities face, and learn about the disparities that exist. Learn about disabilities and people with disabilities! Watch an interview and hear somebody’s story. Check out the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which hopes to create a more accessible and inclusive world by the year 2030.

ADVOCATE

Advocate for people with disabilities. Get involved with a nonprofit organization in your neighborhood. Sign a petition that stands for something you believe in. You can start small and post something on social media with the hashtags #IDPD | #EveryoneIncluded | #CRPD

DEMONSTRATE

Demonstrate respect and understanding for people with disabilities.

IDPD is a significant day in the fight for accessibility. It is a day that the world stands together and recognizes the adversities people with disabilities face. Though this may be one day a year, it is important to remember that every day is a day to practice inclusion and strive to make the world a more accessible place.