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International Day of Persons with Disabilities
3 December 2013
International Day of Persons with Disabilities draws awareness to persons with disabilities and the problems they are faced with in their everyday lives. It is estimated that persons with disabilities around the world make up 10% of the population, and 80% live in developing countries.
But, even where disablility laws are in place, its effectiveness can be held back by negative attitudes towards disabled persons.
Because so many types of disabilities exist, understanding them all individually can be a difficult task. But here is your chance to learn more.
Are you disabled or do you know someone who is? Everyone has different skills, and interests, so why not find a way to celebrate that, whatever it is?
The Paralympics are a great example of how disabled people can show off their talents to the rest of the world. For more information on disability rights and disability aid visit the International Day of Persons with Disabilities website.
Last year the theme of the day was 'Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all'. The aim was to draw attention to, and address exclusion by promoting accessibility and the removal of barriers for all. Keep checking the official website to find out the theme for this year.
So what can you do to raise awareness on the day - you could have an information campaign supporting the theme of the day or even a forum. How about a performance to raise awareness of the contribution persons with disabilties make to society. But, whatever you do, taking part will help show that persons with disabilities deserve equal rights: social, cultural, and political amongst many other important rights they need to live fairly in society.
