International Day of Persons with Disabilities
International Day of Persons With Disabilities is a United Nations day observed annually on December 3rd. It raises awareness about the ways in which disabilities affect people economically, socially, and politically, and it promotes the rights of people with disabilities. It also aims to ensure the well-being and dignity of those who are disabled, by educating people to understand what it is like to live it a disability.
Background
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been commemorated by the UN since 1992, with each year focusing on a different issue faced by people with disabilities. Before that, the UN General Assembly declared 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons, and the decade between 1983 and 1992 was the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons.
A disability describes a condition that is very impaired in an individual, and it can be physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, or a chronic disease. Disabilities impact people not only physically and mentally, but also in all other aspects of their lives, and people with disabilities are often discriminated against.
With the International Day of Persons with Disabilities the United Nations wants to create discussions and actions towards a world that is more disability-friendly, and a society that is inclusive. It is important that infrastructures and commodities are prepared to cater to people with disabilities, and that they get the same rights as everyone else.
How to Observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities
On this day, many organizations put on events, conferences, talks, and discussions in their local communities where people with disabilities can go and talk about their experiences or showcase their talents and abilities.
On a personal level, you can reflect on how you treat people with disabilities, and how you can be better and more inclusive. If you know someone with a disability, try to learn more about it to understand what they go through on a daily basis. It is also very important if you have children in your life that you teach them to be compassionate and kind to disabled people. You can also donate to an organization that helps people with disabilities.
