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In 1992, the United Nations made the decision to dedicate a day for people with disabilities. Each year on December 3rd, people around the world are encouraged to further their understanding of the challenges people with disabilities face. Moreover, this day is used to promote awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. The day has a different theme every year, and the theme for IDPD this year is “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.”
Why this day is important
More than 15% of the world’s population, around 1 billion people, live with disabilities. Whether it is mental or physical disabilities, IDPD is important to draw attention to the fact that people in the world should have equal opportunities and appreciate these valued members of society. This day helps build awareness for people that are far too often overlooked in our society and allows the world to focus on promoting the rights and well-being of this community. People with disabilities are one of the most excluded groups in our society and are less likely to have access to education, healthcare, and employment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the pre-existing inequalities faced by people with disabilities only deepened and highlighted the extent of exclusion this community faces. Persons with disabilities in the world are among the hardest hit by COVID-19, so this day is more important than ever because it is imperative to work on disability inclusion.
How to do more
The first thing that everyone can do is learn more about people with disabilities and become an advocate for this community. One way to do this is being more aware of your surroundings and fighting stigmas and prejudices. Another thing to do is watching television and films with positive, diverse and accurate portrayals of people with disabilities.
Helpful links to start educating yourself and learning more about this community:
Movies and TV shows that accurately and positively portray people with disabilities:
Sound of Metal (2019)
Born this Way (2015)
Speechless (2016)
Instagram Accounts to follow:
SICK Magazine: https://instagram.com/asickmagazine?utm_medium=copy_link
Lutte Collective: https://instagram.com/luttecollective?utm_medium=copy_link
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