Every year on December 3rd, the disability community unites across the globe to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD). Despite being promoted by the United Nations, we all have a stake in addressing the discrimination, marginalization, exclusion, and inaccessibility faced by many people with disabilities.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life. The theme for IDPWD this year is “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.”
Although the pandemic has impacted everyone’s lives, COVID-19 has disproportionately affected and increased vulnerability for many persons with disabilities. Disruptions in education, employment, health care, and social services have been magnified. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres insists that the pandemic response and recovery be inclusive of people with disabilities, allowing them to contribute directly to creating a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.
Workers, service providers, neighbors, family, and friends all have a role in ensuring people with disabilities can reach their full potential and participate in all aspects of community life. Persons with disabilities and disability-oriented organizations are taking action to actualize the message: “Nothing about us, without us.”
“On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us commit to build a sustainable, inclusive, and just future for everyone, leaving no one behind.”
– United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres
International Day of People with Disabilities is just one day on the calendar; however, it is symbolic of the actions we can take every day to create accessible and inclusive communities. Celebrate International Day of People with Disability by doing any or all of the following:
- Share and promote content creators in the disability community
- Challenge stereotypes and break down barriers
- Use the hashtags #IDPD | #EveryoneIncluded | #CRPD and promote this year’s theme
- Learn about disability history and the civil rights movement
Volunteer
- Find organizations that support the rights of people with disabilities and volunteer
- Become a part-time caregiver
- Encourage people you know to become Direct Support Professionals
- Attend disability training sessions to learn how to be a better advocate
Choose kindness
- Listen and talk to a person with an intellectual or developmental disability
- Ask someone if they need your help
- Take time to make sure friends and colleagues with disabilities feel included in activities
