How to Help Raise Awareness During the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021

30 November 2021

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As many as one billion people globally or 15% of the world’s population have some kind of disability and face significant impediments to engagement in society. It even turns out that the prevalence of disabilities is greater in developing countries. As a consequence, they do not have equitable access to transportation, employment, and social involvement, such as politics or entertainment, on an equal footing with others.

People with disabilities are more likely to suffer from negative socioeconomic outcomes, such as lower levels of education, inferior health results, fewer employment levels, and greater poverty rates than the general population does.

In light of the pandemic's wide-reaching effects, it is vital to examine how COVID-19 affects people with disabilities in terms of their health care, educational opportunities, transportation and their role in the civil society organizations.

What is IDPD?

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities or IDPD is a United Nations day that is being observed every year on December 3rd. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the plight of people with disabilities in all spheres of political, social, economic, and cultural life and to promote their rights and well-being at all levels of society and development. On this day each year, the World Health Organization joins the United Nations in highlighting the significance of protecting the rights of those with disabilities, so that they may participate completely, equitably, and effectively in society.

When did it start and theme this year?

In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3 created the International Day of Disabled Persons, which is observed every year. An open and accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world is IDPD's focus this year, with the subject being “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.”

Disability inclusion for sustainable development

Pre-existing inequities are being exacerbated by the worldwide crisis of COVID-19, which is underlining the need for disability inclusive efforts. Approximately one billion individuals have impairments, making them one of the most marginalized groups in our society and among the most vulnerable in this current crisis.

The unveiling of the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy in June 2019 sets the stage for long-term and revolutionary progress on disability inclusion in the United Nations. All human rights and basic freedoms are inalienable, indivisible, and inseparable from the full and complete implementation of the human rights of all individuals with disabilities, according to the United Nations system's Strategy.

As a matter of fact, the pledge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no one behind is also important to this commitment. People with disabilities rights and well being are more than simply a question of justice; they're an investment in the future of our society.

IDPD in the Philippines

Our country also started to officially participate in this great venture for persons with disabilities or PWDs through Proclamation No. 1157 made by former President Gloria M. Arroyo on October 16, 2006.

This Proclamation declares that the 3^rd of December since 2006 will be an annual observance of the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the Philippines.” Through this, Advocacy for the Rights and Privileges of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), which represents 10% of the population in developing nations like the Philippines, receives top priority attention and action.

Other than that, the mainstreaming of people with disabilities into our nation's growth is being properly implemented through this Proclamation since they are an integral component of our nation's progress and advancement, whether it would be in the public or private sector.

This Proclamation also created the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons or NCWDP that serves as the coordinating agency for all activities related to the "International Day for Persons with Disabilities" in the Philippines, including those of the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Global Awareness Raising Campaign for IDPD

In our contemporary culture, people with impairments often feel as though they aren't seen. People speed by them as they go about their everyday lives, paying them little or no attention. Make an effort to look them in the eye, smile, and offer assistance if they seem to be experiencing difficulty.

1. Host a musical play for PWDs

You may put on a play or a musical with the participation of persons with disabilities. Non-disabled individuals are often unaware of the idea that persons with disabilities are also vibrant members of society, which can lead to various forms of prejudice of varying degrees of severity.

Instead of being plagued by mental health difficulties such as depression, people with disabilities gain confidence and self-esteem by seeing such performances as proof that they are capable of many things despite their disabilities.

2. Assist someone in need

At your local senior center or outpatient clinic, inquire about anybody who may be in need of support. Ask if you can be of any assistance to them. As basic as delivering medicine or dropping off the mail or picking up a few items at the grocery store may make a huge difference to someone with disabilities, it can be a life-changing experience for you.

3. Create a fund-raiser campaign

You can also organize a fund-raiser campaign by installing booths that sell products made by PWDs. The money that you will earn from this can be used for disabled people who are in urgent need of medical treatment.

4. Show some empathy

When you're exhausted, hurried, and pressed for time, you know you may be abrasive. In the event that someone is delaying you down, do not snap at them. There is a possibility that they are disabled. So if that's the case, their difficulties are likely to persist, whereas yours are more transient. A simple grin may do wonders in these situations.

5. Take on the role of a disability rights advocate

Take a look around your neighborhood and the areas you often visit. Ask the store owner, the mall manager, or your political representatives to put in accessibility features for individuals with disabilities if they don't already exist. Aside from being required by the law, it can also mean a lot to PWDs.

Always remember that Disability Day was made in order to promote a society that is inclusive and responds to everyone's needs. Just like what Scott Hamilton said, “The only disability in life is a bad attitude.”

As a community, let's think more realistically about how we can build an inclusive environment for everyone.