International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an event observed on December 3 every year. This day is dedicated towards fostering awareness on disability related issues and galvanizing efforts across the globe in favor of rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities.
The aim is to encourage people to acknowledge and value the skills, talents and achievements of persons with disabilities, while simultaneously promoting the need for inclusivity and equality. It serves as a platform to reflect on how to break down societal barriers and create an inclusive world for everyone.
History of International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a significant occasion that falls on December 3rd each year. This global observance was initiated by the United Nations General Assembly via resolution 47/3 in 1992. The main goal of this day is to increase public awareness about disability issues while advocating for the respect, rights, and overall well-being of individuals with disabilities.
Before IDPD was established, the UN held the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981. This was intended to increase public awareness about the circumstances faced by disabled individuals and stimulate measures to provide equal opportunities. This subsequently led to a declaration by the General Assembly designating the period between 1983 and 1992 as the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons.
During this decade, the groundwork leading towards the rights and protections of disabled persons was set in motion, leading to the development of the World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons in 1982. This program was instrumental in setting a global framework to further address the prevention of disability and its rehabilitation.
In 2006, there was a landmark moment with the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This played a crucial role in shifting the perspective and approach towards disability from being a societal welfare concern to a matter of human rights.
Moreover, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 2015, enthusiastically affirming a commitment to the principle of "leave no one behind," identified disability as a wide-ranging issue. This implied that the targets and goals had disability integrated into them, underlining its relevance as a fundamental development issue.
Each year, the IDPD revolves around a specific theme. These themes range from full participation and equality, effective application of conventions, eliminating barriers to ensure an inclusive and accessible society, to promoting a sustainable and resilient society that accommodates everyone.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is the ideal platform for fostering awareness about disability issues and demonstrating the advantages of cultivating an inclusive and accessible society. It emphasizes the importance of advocating for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in every sphere—political, social, economic, and cultural.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities Timeline
International Year of Disabled Persons
The United Nations proclaimed 1981 to be the International Year of Disabled Persons.
World Program of Action Concerning Disabled Persons
In 1982, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the World Program of Action Concerning Disabled Persons.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3 proclaimed December 3 as the International Day of Disabled Persons.
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted.
Inclusion Matters: Access and Empowerment for People of All Abilities
The theme for International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2012 focused on the need for inclusion and empowerment for persons with disabilities.
Building Back Better: Towards a Disability-Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable Post-COVID-19 World
The theme for 2020 focused on ensuring a disability-inclusive approach in responding to the COVID-19 crisis.
Ideas to Celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Awareness March and Parade
A parade or march can be a wonderful way to bring attention to people living with disabilities. This inclusive event invites participation from the whole community, both disabled and non-disabled individuals. It provides a platform for schools, businesses and families to show their support and solidarity.
Online Disability Conference
Setting up a digital conference where individuals with disabilities can share their experiences can provide realistic insights into their everyday struggles while suggesting ways to improve accessibility in common situations. It's a perfect avenue to hear and learn from those who live with disabilities daily.
Art & Craft Exhibit
Plan an exhibition showcasing the artistic skills and talents of people with disabilities. This can include a variety of art forms, from painting to sculpture, as well as handcrafted pieces. Promote the showcase on social media platforms and consider selling the art pieces online.
Sports and Recreation Activities
Organize sports and recreational events that foster the inclusion of people with disabilities. These activities could involve adaptive games tailored for participants with different types of impairments. Such events highlight their abilities and strengths.
Community Service Project
Embark on a service project geared towards enhancing accessibility for disabled persons within the community. It could involve installing wheelchair ramps in public spaces or modifying local establishments for easy access. These efforts make a genuine, positive impact on the lives of those with disabilities.
Disability Awareness School Program
Spearhead a program in schools which educates children about different disabilities, fostering understanding and empathy from a young age, and helping to minimize prejudice and stigmas related to disabilities.
Social Media Campaign
Launch an online initiative to promote acceptance, appreciation, and respect for people with disabilities. Individuals can be motivated to share their personal experiences through videos, photos, or blog entries with a dedicated hashtag, ensuring the campaign’s reach and impact are amplified globally.
6 Interesting Facts About International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Theme-based Observation
Each year brings a fresh theme to the celebration, shifting focus to a particular domain of disability. For example, the 2022 theme was centered around the 'Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world'
Global Participation
Nations globally take part in this day, arranging a variety of events to raise awareness about the difficulties faced by disabled individuals.
Color Significance
Notably, the color purple holds great significance for the Day, as it stands for vision and creativity.
One Billion People
With over one billion people, or roughly 15% of the global population, living with some form of disability, this Day is essential in advocating for their rights and wellbeing.
Promotion of Global Standards
The observance of this Day stands up for global norms such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Awareness and Action
This Day motivates nations, societies, and individuals worldwide to work in promoting societal changes that will create an inclusive environment that cares for the needs and rights of persons with disabilities.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities FAQs
Next International Day of Persons with Disabilities Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 3rd | Sunday |
| 2024 | December 3rd | Tuesday |
| 2025 | December 3rd | Wednesday |
| 2026 | December 3rd | Thursday |
| 2027 | December 3rd | Friday |
| What is the pattern? | Every December 3rd | |
International Day of Persons with Disabilities Puzzle
- Disability
- Awareness
- Inclusion
- Equality
- Rights
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