Celebrated on December 3rd, the annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was first proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, and to increase awareness of their situation in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
The 2018 Theme is “empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”. This theme pledges to “leave no-one behind” in a world where dignity of an individual person and equality among all is applied as the fundamental principle.
What is International Day of Persons with Disabilities for?
- Reflection – to look at past individual and collective actions, and to identify goals for the future;
- Celebration – to recognize and value the diversity of our global community, and to cherish the role everyone plays, regardless of abilities;
- Learning – to understand and learn from the experiences of people living with a disability;
- It is a day for optimism – to look towards the future and the creation of a world where a person is not characterized by their disabilities, but by their abilities;
- Action – where all people, organizations, agencies and charities not only show their support for IDPWD, but take on a commitment to create a world characterized by equal human rights.
To learn more about December 3rd:
