The International Day of People with Disabilities aims at inclusion and equal opportunity for all
(Picture: Designability)Each year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD) is celebrated on December 3, helping to bring awareness about the importance of equality for people with disabilities in all areas of society.
Disability inclusion is integral when it comes to upholding human rights, sustainable development, as well as peace and security.
One billion people, or 15 per cent of the world’s population, experience some form of disability.
In the UK, one in five individuals of working age in the UK are disabled or have a long-term health condition.
The event was launched in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly with the first day being marked on December 3 of that year.
Celebration and recognition of the day is in line with the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no-one behind.
What is the International Day of People with Disabilities?
“Over the years, the day has focused on different issues to promote a better understanding of disability and to muster support for the dignity, rights, and wellbeing of persons with disabilities,” explains the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“It also aims at raising awareness of the benefits of the integration of persons with disabilities in different aspects of life.”
The day brings awareness of the importance of integrating all those who suffer with disabilities to have equal rights in society.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
In 2015, all the member states of the United Nations (UN) approved the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
It is made up of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is further broken down into 169 targets with a 2030 goal to be met on the premise of “leaving no-one behind” and is a continuation of the UN Millennium Development Goals.
The agenda is set on the principles of the five Ps, including people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership.
How can you take part?
To promote inclusion and celebrate the contributions of people with disability, there are plenty of community events accross the UK.
Some of these include Action for Kids, Action on Hearing Loss, Disability Rights UK, Kids Out, Motability, Royal Institute of the Blind, Shape and Young Minds to name a few.
