International Day of People with a Disability
International Day of People with Disability aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people living with disability
International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is held annually on 3 December. This is a United Nations observed day designed to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people living with disability.
In Australia, 1 in 6 people are living with disability – that’s 4.4 million Australians. But what is a disability? It is a continuing condition that restricts an individual’s everyday activities. It could include their mental, sensory or mobility functions, or a combination of these.
Something that many people with disabilities encounter is discrimination. What some people fail to realise is that disabilities come in many different shapes and forms, and are not necessarily restricting in ways that they assume. IDPwD is a day whereby we need reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with having a disability. A person living with a disability should not be disadvantaged because of societal barriers and ideologies.
People living with disabilities sometimes just need to work in different ways to achieve their outcomes and goals. The important thing is that we work together to overcome challenges and strive to build inclusive communities.
To create a more understanding and accepting society, we need to educate children on what it means to have a disability. Whether they are living with a disability, or have a friend or family member living with a disability, they need to understand that it doesn’t need to limit them in any way, shape or form. To help children to learn more about disability, visit:
https://www.idpwd.com.au/get-involved/schools/teachers/
The theme of IDPwD this year is all about creating inclusive, accessible and sustainable communities in the post-pandemic world. A disability is not a barrier – but an opportunity for creative approaches so that everyone can achieve their full potential.
Happy International Day of People with Disability!