What is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)?
On December 3rd, the world came together to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). First introduced in 1992 by the United Nations, IDPD fosters a culture of learning around the rights of persons with disabilities in attempt to raise awareness about the many challenges that the community faces throughout their lifetime. According to the United Nations an estimated 1.3 billion people are living with a debilitating condition across the globe. People living with disabilities face barriers within the health, educational, and professional settings that prevent them from accessing equal opportunities within society. A fundamental aim of IDPD is to cultivate a society that is increasingly accessible and inclusive to all. One way this is achieved is through initiatives that enhance the publics appreciation of the diversity that individuals living with disabilities contribute to society. Through this, public perceptions can be positively impacted to reduce social stigma and prejudice towards individuals with disabilities.
What was this Year’s Theme for IDPD?
This year’s theme of IDPD was “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.” It championed increasing the number of persons with disabilities in leadership roles by fully incorporating them into decision-making processes that impact their lives. This was achieved by leading community-driven programmes, with conscious engagement of the community, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDS), and government representatives. The day also provided an opportunity to celebrate the work that OPDS and persons with disabilities have already done to advance rights of people with disabilities over the years.
Good Neighbours UK’s Commitment to Improving the Lives of Those Living with Disabilities
This October, our latest project, ‘Empowering Nepalese Children with Disabilities: Bridging the Gap through Holistic Support’ began a two-year process to advance the standards of education for primary and secondary school children with disabilities in the Bardiya district of Nepal. Partnering with Good Neighbours Nepal and Education Opportunities Foundation, we targeted the provinces of Madhuwan, Rajapur, and Geruwa, where the majority of the children with disabilities within the district live. Only half of children targeted are literate, with only 28.9% enrolled in the education system. Through the provision of inclusive assistive devices, accessible facilities, and learning resources, we aim to wholly integrate children with disabilities within the school community. By the end of the project, 65 children with disabilities will have access to assistive devices, 60 will receive life skills training, and 80% will be enrolled in extra-curricular activates. All stakeholders of the project school will be trained to promote an inclusive learning environment, and 136 parents of children with disabilities will develop specialist parenting skills. These implementations aim to build the self-esteem of children with disabilities so that they can advocate their own rights and engage as active members within the community.
How You Can Celebrate IDPD
Here at GNUK, we are committed to facilitating the well-being of persons with disabilities by removing systemic and social barriers that prevent them from self-actualising and making their own mark in their communities. Another impactful way of celebrating IDPD is by promoting disability awareness to reduce the social stigma that surrounds the disabled community. Whether that’s sharing stories and achievements from the disabled community, participating in a disability awareness training programme, or advocating for a more inclusive and accessible environment within the community, there’s lots that can be done to further enhance the lives of persons with disabilities.
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