Overview
December 3rd is recognized as, International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It was created by the United Nations in 1992. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of issues regarding disability and to promote support for the dignity, rights, and welfare of persons with disabilities. It is incredibly important to create a society with disability inclusion to ensure everyone is treated equally, has access to the same resources, and lives in a safe environment. 15% of the world’s population lives with disability. The COVID-19 pandemic has proven the world still has ways to go, regarding disability inclusion. Crisis of any kind often disproportionately affect the disabled community, due to factors, including increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19, less access to health care, less access to education and employment, and increased social isolation. It is important to note the areas needing improvement to prevent disability inclusion, should disaster strike again. The theme for International Day of Persons with Disabilities, for the year 2021, is "Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID 19 world." The theme is meant to bring awareness to issues the disabled community has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a crisis there is a lack of preparedness for the disabled community. To provide a world capable of overcoming the barriers disabled people face, the United Nations has created, The United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy. It is important to recognize that disability inclusion is a human right. To observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities, stay educated, raise awareness, and advocate for the disabled community.
References
1. “International Day of Persons with Disabilities.” United Nations, United Nations, https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-of-persons-with-disabilities.