The global observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022 will be around the theme “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.”
This will cover three different thematic topics:
1. Innovation for disability-inclusive development in employment (SDG8):
This dialogue will highlight the connection between knowledge, skills and employment that are required to be employed in an advanced, technological and rapidly changing landscape for all. It will also discuss how assistive technologies can enhance the availability of employment and be prevalent in professional spaces.
2. Innovation for disability-inclusive development in reducing inequality (SDG10):
This dialogue will talk about the innovations, useful practices and meaningful tools to get rid of the inequalities in both private and public sectors, which have people with disabilities and want to bring diversity in the workplace.
3. Innovation for disability-inclusive development: sport as an exemplar case:
An industry where all of these aspects collide- here, sport is a good example and a space for employment, innovation and equity.
International Disability Day not solely focuses on mental or physical disabilities but promotes all known disabilities- from Multiple Sclerosis, and Autism to Down Syndrome.
International Day of Disability identifies visible and invisible disabilities and brings awareness to give equality to persons with disabilities. Every year, the International day of people With Disabilities is celebrated on 3rd December and hosted by the United Nations. The day encourages global business leaders to recognise the importance of people with disabilities and to value their unique contributions. The annual disability day on December 3 was first observed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution. This day aims to mobilise support for the rights, well-being and dignity of people with disabilities.
International Disability Day – Celebrations
This day is celebrated to hold discussions, campaigns and forums related to disability. It also encourages people to organise meetings, and discussions and even do performances in their local areas.
These performances aim to promote the value of the lives of disabled people and to offer support to them. These can vary from musical play with everyone along with disabled people as participants. The ultimate goal is to let people with disabilities know that they are also a vibrant part of society. People with disabilities are often stigmatized and in some cases, they are also ignored by community members. Hence, it is to bring awareness in society and drag disabled people out of the discrimination that they usually face.
These performances are an opportunity for the disabled to prove their abilities despite their conditions. It can help grow their self-esteem and overcome self-doubt and any related mental health issues.
Summing Up
Every year, this day is celebrated with a different theme, and different agenda related to supporting the lives of people with disabilities. As we mentioned, in 2022, the theme is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.” You can also celebrate this day by giving a helping hand to someone with disabilities in need. It can vary anywhere from running errands for them to as little as helping someone cross the road.