International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Why is This Day so Important?

A condition in which either your body or mind is impaired is known as disability. This makes a person unable to perform certain activities or interact properly with people. Disabilities affect an individual’s:

• Learning skills
• Hearing capabilities
• Thinking
• Movement
• Communication
• Mental ability

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated on December 3 every year. This day is observed as a tribute to the struggles of all the differently abled people. Celebrating this day addresses different challenges and barriers such people face. It also provides them with new opportunities to live a fulfilled life. The global community strives to ensure that people with disabilities are accepted and included in our society.

According to WHO, approximately 1 billion people experience disability at present, and this number continues to increase steeply [1]. By celebrating this day, the rights and well-being of people with disabilities are given importance. To understand more about International Day of Persons with Disabilities and how it is celebrated, read on.

Additional read: A Guide on World Polio Day: What are its Symptoms and Treatment?

What is Disability?

Differently abled people refer to a group having a diverse range of needs. It is not necessary for two people with similar disabilities to be affected in the same manner. While disabilities may remain hidden in a few people, it may become obvious in many other individuals. The WHO has categorized disability into the following three dimensions [2].

• Activity limitation
• Impairment
• Restrictions in participating in various daily activities

The activity limitation refers to people who find it difficult to hear, walk, see or solve routine problems. Impairment refers to a change in a person’s body structure and mental functioning. Here are a few examples of such disabilities.

• Vision loss
• Loss of limbs
• Memory loss

Some disabilities occur at birth and others may happen in a later part of life. Defects in the gene or chromosome structure can also result in disability. Few examples of this type include

• Muscular dystrophy
• Down syndrome

Additional read: 7 Severe Neurological Conditions and Symptoms to Look Out for

How Did This Day Originate?

This day was first observed in the year 1992 to create awareness about the rights of differently abled people. It helps others understand the difficulties faced by such people. It also encourages people to include differently abled people in all aspects of cultural, political, economic and social life. In the year 2006, a convention was adopted for the rights of persons with disabilities. It was formed to recognize their well-being and rights.

This convention also aimed to increase the participation of people with disabilities in the society. It also reminds us to end discrimination towards them and provide them with equal opportunities. If our society is not inclusive, it affects the morale and lifestyle of such people. Observing International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to make the world more accessible for differently abled people.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Theme

The theme for IDPD 2021 is Fighting for rights post-COVID. This year the challengers and barriers for people living with disabilities have increased due to the global pandemic. As a result of this, not many opportunities are available for them. This theme has serves to create awareness to put an end to the exploitation and discrimination of people with disabilities.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Activities

Many activities are conducted to support people with disabilities. One such activity is called the Accessible India Campaign [3]. This is a flagship campaign conducted throughout the country in order to help differently abled people live independently and without discrimination. It also encourages them to participate in different activities of the society.

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