International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed every year on 3 December. It aims to promote an understanding of the emotions, feelings, and situations of a person with a disability. It also invites people to mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
In addition to the observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, there are many other days that are similar and thematic to the cause. On 4 January, World Braille Day is observed. World Down Syndrome Day is observed on 21 March. On 2 April, World Autism Day is observed. on 23 September, the International Day of Sign Languages is observed while another similar event — Human Rights Day is observed on 10 December.
Theme of International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022
It aims to promote an understanding of the emotions, feelings, and situations of a person with a disability. It also invites people to mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed every year on 3 December.
The theme of International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022 is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.” The theme for IDPD for 2021 is “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.” The theme this year 2020 was “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 World”.
President Presents National awards for The Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
Quick facts about Persons with Disabilities
Here are quick facts about persons with disabilities as estimated by the UN:
- According to the Global Report on Assistive Technology, 2.5 billion people need at least one assistive product. The demand is expected to be go up to 3.5 billion by 2050.
- Nearly nine out of 10 people who need assistive technology do not have access to it – this has an adverse impact on the education, livelihood, health and well-being of individuals, families, communities, and societies.
- An estimated 46% of older people aged 60 years and over are people with disabilities.
- One in every five women is likely to experience a disability in her life, while one in every ten children is a child with a disability.
- Persons with disabilities in the world are among the hardest hit by COVID-19.
- A person with a disability is at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. They are also more prone to severe symptoms.
History of International Day of Persons with Disabilities
In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the International Day of Disabled Persons. Among its goals is the promotion of the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all areas of society and development, as well as the increase of awareness of the plight of persons with disabilities in all facets of government, social, economic, and cultural life.