December 3rd Is International Day of Persons with Disabilities

posted on Dec 03 by Admin in the Advocacy, Disability Law, Disability News, Fun, Health, Opinion and Discussion, Wheelchair Accessibility category

International Day for Persons with Disabilities is proclaimed as the day people with disabilities are recognized for achievements and contributions. On December 3rd of each year, the United Nations has chosen to celebrate and acknowledge the capabilities of people with disabilities, promoting  equality and full participation of persons with a disability in social life as well as development.

The day was initially proclaimed to broadcast the World Program of Action Concerning Persons with Disability in 1982. The General Assembly then adopted the day to promote understanding of issues and awareness of the disabled.  They covered aspects such as political, social, economic and cultural life of the disabled.

Governments  imply political commitment of states to equalize the opportunities of the disabled. They have set rules for responsibility, action and cooperation. The UN’s focus is to make equal opportunities for the able and disabled, as well as focusing on new technology that could benefit the disabled.

Celebrations will be held, including performances world wide to showcase people with disabilities. Short films are sometimes shown to raise awareness and show the effectiveness the disabled have in society. December 3rd brings the disabled together with the general community to:

• Showcase the skills, abilities, contributions and achievements of people with disabilities.
• Promote a positive image of the disabled
• Involve people with disabilities as well as the community in activities to celebrate and raise awareness.

Previous themes have included:

• 2009 – “Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Their Communities Around the World”
• 2008 – “Dignity and Justice for All of Us”
• 2007 – “Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities”
• 2006 – “E-Accessibility”
• 2005 – “Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Action in Development”
• 2004 – “Nothing About Us Without Us”
• 2003 – “A Voice of Our Own”
• 2002 – “Independent Living and Sustainable Livelihoods”
• 2001 – “Full Participation and Equality: The Call for New Approaches to Assess Progress and Evaluate Outcome”
• 2000 – “Making Information Technologies Work for All”

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed as a day to include governments, UN system organizations, civil society, and organizations to focus on issues related to people with disabilities. The people organize public discussion as well as information campaigns to support ways the disabled can be further integrated into development. Another Focus of the day is to take action on obstacles that implement disability-sensitive policies.