The International Day of People with Disability is observed on December 03, 2019. The day is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The day takes place annually and focuses on a different issue each year.
A disability may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental, or some combination of these. A disability may be present from birth or occur during a person’s lifetime. “Disability” is an umbrella term, covering impairments, activity limitations and participations restrictions. An individual may also qualify as disabled if he or she has had an impairment in the past or is seen disabled based on a personal or group standard or norm.
On this International Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to work together for a better world that is inclusive, equitable and sustainable for everyone, where the rights of people with disabilities are fully realised.
Persons with disabilities, as both beneficiaries and agents of change, can fast track the process towards inclusive and sustainable development and promote resilient society for all, including in the context of disaster risk reduction and humanitarian action, and urban development. Governments, persons with disabilities and their representative organisations, academic institutions and the private sector need to work as a “team” to assist persons with disabilities and to help them enjoy full, rich meaningful lives.
