Awareness, Acceptance, Inclusion & Diversity

According to the WHO World Report on Disability, 15% of the world’s population, or more than 1 billion people, are living with disability.

Of this number, it’s estimated 450 million are living with a mental or neurological condition— and two-thirds of these people will not seek professional medical help, largely due to stigma, discrimination and neglect.

Another 69 million individuals are estimated to sustain Traumatic Brain Injuries each year worldwide, while one in 160 children are identified as on the autism spectrum. 

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is annually observed on December 3rd to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities & to take action for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and development. 

According to the United Nations, “the observance of the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.  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.”

Historically,  “it was only in 1975 with the proclamation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons that the social, political, civic and human rights of people with disabilities were officially recognized internationally.”

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an important day that promotes civil rights for  people with disabilities, as well as understanding and acceptance by everyone in the world. Disabled people around the world are entitled to rights and well-being, just as those without. This day supports people with disabilities in decision making, careers, entrepreneurship, sports, and creating an accessible world. It acknowledges that disabled people are human and that the human spectrum includes  both imperfect and impaired.