How to Observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities?

The WHO joins other partners around the world to observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, on 3rd December every year1. The day highlights the importance and significance of upholding the basic rights of people with disabilities, making sure they can live without facing discrimination in all aspects of their lives, and enabling them to participate completely, equally, and efficiently in society.

Why is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities important?

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities strives to Increase awareness of the plight of people with disabilities in all facets of political, social, economic, and cultural life (visible and invisible disabilities) while advocating their rights and well-being at all levels of society and development².

International Day of Disabled Persons is essential due to the following reasons:

● To Get More Understanding of Disabilities:

On this day, people can make an effort to help specially-abled people who are experiencing any kind of trouble.

● Reinforce the importance of securing the rights of people with disabilities:

WHO joins the UN in observing this day each year, to reinforce the importance of securing the rights of people with disabilities, so that they can participate equally and effectively in society with others, without facing any barriers.

When is International Disabled Persons Day for the Year 2022?

December 3^rd, 2022, is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities ³. The festival began in 1992 and is in its 29th year and marks nearly three decades of promoting an understanding of disability issues, garnering support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities⁴.

What will be the theme of the 2022 International Day of Disabled Persons?

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2022 will have the theme "Not All Disabilities are Visible."⁵ Even while some disabilities, such as chronic pain and mental health conditions, are invisible, they still devastate a person's quality of life.

How to observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities?

1. Inclusion:

This day necessitates the inclusion of all - governments, the United Nations system, and organizations of people with disabilities.

2. Organize:

Hold forums, talks, and informational campaigns in favor of the theme to identify creative strategies for enabling people with disabilities to take the lead, such as developing unique programs and licensing procedures.

3. Celebrate:

Arrange or participate in public gatherings to highlight the contributions of individuals with disabilities as agents of development and change in their neighborhoods.

4. Take action:

Draw attention to the successes and setbacks in putting policies into place that support the full participation of those with disabilities, and raise public awareness of the issues preventing their full integration into society.

Ways to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities:

A. Organize an Event:

Community engagement is crucial for learning from others and promoting inclusiveness. Employees with disabilities might or might not feel comfortable talking about their experiences and hence must be encouraged to speak up and provide/seek support.

B. Improvise your Surroundings:

Take a look at your neighborhood and the locations you visit. Ask the store owner, mall management, or your elected authorities to add accommodations for disabled people if there aren't any already.

C. Offer to Assist:

Ask the nurses at an outpatient clinic if they know someone who needs assistance or inquiries at your neighborhood senior center or housing. Sometimes, basic actions for you—delivering a prescription, dropping off the mail, or picking up a few groceries—would mean the world to someone with a disability.

D. Understand Neurodiversity:

It is crucial to acknowledge neurodiversity in your community and at work. Neurodiverse people have different ways of experiencing, interacting, and understanding the environment. It's critical to lessen the stigma associated with those who have neurodevelopmental disabilities.

E. Manifest Compassion:

You are aware that you occasionally have a short fuse when you are tired, stressed, or in a hurry. Avoid yelling at or verbally abusing someone who is holding you up.

F. Awareness through Social Media:

Expanding your list of followers to include creators with disabilities is another way to demonstrate community engagement in today's increasingly social media-focused society and honour persons with disabilities.

Conclusion:

While honoring the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we must highlight the importance of protecting ourselves against uncertainties. A financial safety net helps you in minimizing your monetary difficulties. Having life insurance with an accidental permanent total rider or partial disability rider can ensure that you have financial protection against unpredictable life scenarios. These riders are additional benefits that you can avail of by paying an add-on premium.

¹https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2021/12/03/default-calendar/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-2021

²https://www.who.int/campaigns/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities#:~:text=The%20day%20is%20about%20promoting,%2C%20economic%2C%20and%20cultural%20life

³https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-of-persons-with-disabilities

⁴https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/news/uncategorized/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-2022.html

⁵https://www.twinkl.com/event/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-2022

BJAZ-WEB-EC-01747/22.