Promoting Inclusion and Empowerment in Our Communities: International Day of People with Disabilities:

People worldwide come together on December 3^rd as part of the International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD). This event is more than just a date on the calendar. It's a call to action to raise awareness, celebrate variety, and make real progress towards a society that welcomes everyone. Disability Inclusion Day brings attention to the successes and struggles of disabled people and stresses the importance of including disabled persons in building a healthy future.

The theme for 2024, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” highlights the critical role disabled persons play in shaping their communities. This year’s observance encourages us to remove barriers and ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.

Let’s delve deeper into the significance of this day, its context in the UK, and how you can actively create a more accessible society.

What is the International Day of People with Disabilities?

The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of People with Disabilities in 1992 through Resolution 47/3. Its purpose is to promote the rights and well-being of disabled persons in all aspects of society and development. By highlighting the barriers people with disabilities face, this day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure equal opportunities for all.

The objectives of IDPWD

The observance of this day aims to:

• Raise awareness: Shine a light on the challenges disabled people face, including discrimination, inaccessible environments, and limited resources.
• Promote disability rights: Advocate for policies and practices that respect the dignity and rights of disabled persons.
• Celebrate Achievements: Recognise the contributions of disabled people to society and celebrate their successes.

The importance of disability inclusion

Disability inclusion is about more than just accessibility; it’s about ensuring disabled persons are represented, respected, and valued in all aspects of life. From education and employment to cultural life and healthcare. Inclusion benefits not just disabled people but society as a whole. By removing barriers, we can enable people with disabilities to contribute their skills and perspectives, enriching communities and driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Historical context

The annual observance of this day comes from the United Nations' dedication to advancing the rights and well-being of disabled people. Key milestones you might find important include:

• The adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2006, highlights the importance of accessibility and participation in building an inclusive society.
• Integrating disability rights into global frameworks like the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which prioritise the needs of disabled people in worldwide development efforts.

Understanding disability in the UK

Disability is not just a medical condition; it’s a societal challenge shaped by barriers that limit participation. In the UK, disability is defined under the Equality Act 2010 as a physical or mental impairment that has a “substantial” and “long-term” negative effect on a person’s ability to perform daily activities. This broad definition ensures that the law protects a wide range of people.

Defining disability under the Equality Act

• Substantial: More than minor or trivial, such as struggling to get dressed or cook.
• Long-term: A condition that persists for 12 months or longer, such as a breathing condition that arises following a lung infection.

Progressive conditions, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or chronic pain, are also recognised under the act. People diagnosed with HIV, cancer, or multiple sclerosis automatically meet the disability definition, ensuring they receive the necessary legal protections from the outset.

However, it’s important to note that the Equality Act 2010 does not apply to Northern Ireland, where the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 governs disability rights.

Disability statistics in the UK

The UK is home to over 16.1 million disabled people, representing nearly a quarter of the population. Disability prevalence increases with age:

• 11% of children have a disability.
• 23% of working-age adults live with a disability.
• 45% of adults over the State Pension age report disabilities, with this figure rising to 67% among those aged 85 or older.

Common disabilities

The most frequently reported disabilities in the UK include:

• Mobility impairments: Affecting 48% of disabled people.
• Mental health conditions: Impacting 34%.
• Stamina, breathing, or fatigue issues: Affecting 36%.

These statistics highlight the diverse challenges disabled people face and underscore the need for a comprehensive disability inclusion strategy.

Barriers disabled people face

Despite legislative progress, disabled persons in the UK encounter systemic barriers:

• Employment: Disabled people are twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people.
• Education: Access to inclusive education remains limited for many disabled students.
• Housing: A lack of accessible housing options restricts independence.
• Healthcare: Disabled people are more likely to face delays or difficulties in accessing medical care.

Tackling these barriers requires collective action and a commitment to creating an accessible society where everyone has equal opportunities.

What are the ways you can celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities?

Celebrating the International Day of People with Disabilities goes beyond raising awareness—it’s about taking meaningful action. Whether you’re an individual, part of a family, or representing a community, there are countless ways to make a real difference. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Organise an awareness campaign

Launch a campaign about disability issues and challenges to help get the word out. Talk about the problems disabled people face and fight for equal rights on sites like social media that let you share inspiring stories of strength and drive. Some people are more likely to get involved and support a cause if it includes personal stories from disabled people.

2. Host an inclusive event

Create an event that celebrates the diversity and the talents of disabled people. The key is to ensure everyone can participate and feel welcome. Here are some ideas:

• Sports day: Organise activities where people of all abilities can join in, such as wheelchair races or inclusive team sports.
• Talent show: Provide a stage for disabled people to showcase their skills, whether it’s music, art, or storytelling.
• Panel discussions: Invite experts and advocates to speak about disability rights, accessibility, and inclusion strategies.

Inclusive events not only foster understanding but also build lasting connections within your community.

3. Volunteer with disability organisations

Get involved by volunteering with organisations that provide support to disabled people. These groups often depend on volunteers to keep their programmes running, whether that’s assisting with social activities, providing companionship, or helping with skills development. Volunteering not only deepens your understanding of the challenges disabled people face and the resilience they show daily but also allows you to build meaningful relationships. It’s a rewarding way to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive community.

4. Advocate for accessibility

Accessibility is essential for creating a society where everyone feels included. Start by evaluating your surroundings—does your workplace, school, or community centre meet the needs of disabled people? Simple adjustments, like installing ramps, offering accessible bathrooms, or ensuring digital content is screen-reader-friendly, can make a significant impact. If you’re in a position to influence policies, advocate for long-term solutions that prioritise accessibility in infrastructure, technology, and communication.

5. Support disability advocacy groups

Disability advocacy groups play a crucial role in driving systemic change. You can support their work by donating, attending events, or participating in their campaigns. Many organisations also welcome volunteers to help spread awareness or assist with administrative tasks. Joining as a member can also be a powerful way to stay informed and contribute to their mission of promoting disability rights and inclusion at local, national, and even global levels.

6. Share stories of resilience

Stories have the power to change perspectives. Share inspiring accounts of disabled people overcoming obstacles or achieving remarkable milestones. Use social media, blogs, or community events to highlight their journeys. These narratives not only challenge stereotypes but also foster empathy and inspire action. Partner with local disabled people who are willing to share their experiences and use these stories to advocate for inclusivity and accessibility.

7. Promote disability-friendly practices

Take a close look at the policies and practices in your workplace, school, or community. Are they designed to support inclusivity and remove barriers for disabled people? If not, propose changes that encourage equality. For example, advocate for flexible working arrangements, inclusive hiring policies, or accessible educational programmes. Transformative practices can create environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

8. Host an art exhibition

Art offers a unique way to celebrate the creativity and perspectives of disabled people. Organise an exhibition featuring works by disabled artists to highlight their talent and challenge societal perceptions. This can be a great way to spark conversations about inclusivity while supporting artists in sharing their stories. Consider inviting the artists to speak about their work, providing deeper insight into their experiences and artistic journeys.

Conclusion

This International Day of People with Disabilities reminds us that inclusion is not a goal, but something we need to reach to create a fair and equitable world. If we remove obstacles and give disabled people support, we can create an equitable world where everyone can thrive and live their best life.

At Tiggo Care, we understand that every person’s journey is unique. Our bespoke home care services aim to support clients to remain independent and live life to the fullest. Our professional carers assist in daily tasks, personal care, ensuring that prescription medications are taken and housekeeping.

This December 3^rd, let’s celebrate the hard work and sacrifice of the disabled and be committed to an inclusive society. Contact Tiggo Care today to find out how our uplifting, personalised care packages can help you or your loved ones.