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International Day of People with Disabilities
December 3rd is known as International Day of People with Disabilities. This day recognizes those who have disabilities and what you can do to make a difference in their lives.
Did you know 15% of the world’s population has a disability?1 Some may have visible disabilities, while others may keep silent out of fear of being seen as different.
Today, we hope to shed light on what this day stands for and how you can be a kind citizen to the disabled. Here’s how you can start learning more about people with disabilities.
What is International Day of People with Disabilities?
When the United Nations was formed, it was committed to building inclusive and accessible communities for all.2
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 was significant for this reason. It stated that all humans are equal, despite any differences such as background or disabilities.3
In 1992, the United Nations decided December 3rd would celebrate those living with disabilities.
This day is meant to identify the inaccessibility that many people with disabilities may face as well as the actions we can take to build and support accepting communities.
What is it for?
There are many ways you can inform yourself on International Day of People with Disabilities. Here are our best tips on how you can make a difference.
Celebrate
Celebrate the diversity we have in our communities and throughout the world. Everyone plays a special role in our town, no matter what their talent or background is.
You have the choice to make a difference. Let’s celebrate the unique people in our communities and what we can learn from one another.
Learn
International Day of People with Disabilities is a day where you can educate yourself. Take the time to learn about disabilities, what they may look like, and how you can strive to be more inclusive.
There are many different types of disabilities, visible and invisible, that we may or may not be aware of. Learning about disabilities makes you more conscious of what the disabled might face or struggle with on a day-to-day basis.
Act
It would be easy to simply say you support International Day of People with Disabilities. However, we have to act to make change happen.
It is our choice to make a difference and positively influence our communities to be accepting, inclusive, and equal for all of those who live in them. Be the example of someone who is open and welcoming of everyone.
Ways you can help
Whether or not you personally know someone with a disability, there are many ways you can help. Here are some tips on how you can start today.
Treat others how you’d like to be treated
When it comes to interacting with people who have disabilities, never treat them like they’re different or deficient. People who have disabilities want to be accepted like everybody else, meaning they don’t want to be seen as incapable or needy.
Always keep an open mind with people who have disabilities and include them into the conversation. You might be surprised to find that you have more similarities than differences!
Recognize those with disabilities
Many individuals with disabilities have their own talents, knowledge, and life experience they bring to the table. They have started businesses, used their gifts to pursue artistic interests, and built successful livelihoods.
One way to encourage and end the stigma against those who have disabilities is by recognizing them for their hard work. By showing our appreciation and gratitude for those who have contributed to society, more people who have disabled loved ones will be inspired to show them that they can succeed.
End the Stigma
Many people who struggle with a disability may not talk about their situation or seek help. Two-thirds of people living with a disability choose not to seek professional help because of discrimination or stigma.1
As a community, we can end the stigma by developing ways to help those struggling with a disability. By providing them with proper education and giving them a fair chance when applying for jobs, we can help the disabled learn to overcome any challenge.
If someone has a disability, they should not worry if they will be judged or looked down upon. We have to be accepting of those who are different than us, and let them know that we’re in this together.
Be Kind
Kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life, no matter who they are. Always being kind to others, no matter their circumstances, can help them feel included and loved.
In order to be accepting, we have to be kind. Some ways you can be kind to the disabled is by offering to help them when they are in need of it, listening to their viewpoint, and volunteering your time to organizations dedicated to people with disabilities. These small acts of kindness can go a long way.
Saber Healthcare Supports International Day of People with Disabilities
Saber Healthcare prides itself in being a diverse and inclusive organization. Our residents and staff members with disabilities are given the tools they need to be successful in each community.
We encourage you to take the time to learn about disabilities and what you can do to help those who have them.
Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.
Sources
- “2020 IDPWD THEME: "NOT ALL DISABILITIES ARE VISIBLE.” International Day of People with Disabilities, idpwd.org. Accessed December 2nd, 2020. Link: https://idpwd.org/
- “About IDPWD.” International Day of People with Disabilities, idpwd.org. Accessed December 2nd, 2020. Link: https://idpwd.org/about/
- “Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” United Nations, un.org. Accessed December 3rd, 2020. Link: https://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/