International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The third of December is observed as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). The purpose of the day is to advance the rights and welfare of people with disabilities at all societal and developmental levels. It also aims to increase understanding of the circumstances faced by people with disabilities in all facets of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that more than 1 billion people worldwide are disabled, and that number is expected to grow as a result of population aging and an increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Leadership and involvement of people with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post-COVID-19 world is the day’s theme.
The Annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, aims to promote the following:
- An understanding of disability issues
- The rights of persons with disabilities
- Gains are to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic, and cultural life of their communities.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities- History
After being declared by the UN General Assembly in resolution 47/3, this day was first observed annually in 1992.
Additionally, adopted in 2006 was the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Through the implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, it seeks to work toward achieving equality of opportunity for people with disabilities.
Theme
What does IDPD's theme signify?
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2022 will be celebrated under the theme “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fostering an accessible and equitable world.”
The theme acknowledges that we are living in a pivotal period in the history of the United Nations and that it is imperative that we take action and work together to find solutions so that we can create a more resilient and sustainable world for us all and for future generations.
Today’s intricate and interconnected crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic shocks, the war in Ukraine and other nations, and the tipping point in climate change, all present unprecedented humanitarian challenges as well as dangers to the world economy.
People in vulnerable situations, such as those with disabilities, are frequently excluded and left behind during times of crisis. In order to make the world more accessible and equitable, it is critical for governments, the public sector, and the private sector to work together to find creative solutions for and with people with disabilities. This is in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s central tenet of “leave no one behind.”
The International Communication Project works to ensure that disorders and difficulties with communication are recognized as disabilities for this reason.
Significance
- The purpose of the day is to bring up the subject of living with a disability in a number of ways:
- A Celebration to honor the diversity of our global community and the important role that every one of us plays, regardless of our talents;
- A Learning day to comprehend and gain knowledge from the experiences of those who live with disabilities;
- Today should be a day of Optimism as we look to the future and the development of a society where a person’s abilities, not their impairments, define who they are;
- A day of Action where all individuals, groups, organisations, and charitable organisations not only demonstrate their support for the International Day of People with Disabilities but also make a pledge to work toward establishing a society that values all people equally.
What can you do to honour the International Day of Persons with Disabilities?
A fundamental human right is a right to communication. Unfortunately, many regions of the world do not recognise communication disorders and difficulties as disabilities. You can support people with communication disorders by signing the Universal Declaration of Communication Rights. And to help you, we’ll keep you informed about the work being done by the ICP and others to ensure that communication is a fundamental human right and that communication difficulties and disorders get the recognition they deserve.
Medify provides a wide range of corporate programs to businesses, conglomerates, charitable trusts, NGOs, old-age homes, orphanages, and non-profit organizations (NPOs), which support people with disabilities too, with tailored packages based on the needs of the entity for the provision of medicines and necessities from nearby pharmacies at a discounted price, as well as free deliveries.
“On this International Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to work together for a better world that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable for everyone, where the rights of people with disabilities are fully realized.”
– António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
