The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed on December 3 every year with an aim to spread awareness about the rights and well-being of people with disabilities as well as promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The day also aims to raise awareness about the situations faced by persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social and economic and cultural life.
Every year WHO joins the UN to observe this day , emphasize on the the importance of securing the rights of people with disabilities, in order to help them to participate fully, equally and effectively in society with others without facing any barriers in all aspects of their lives. According to WHO, over 1 billion people across the planet are affected by disabilities, which is about 15 percent of the World’s population.
The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3 December was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. This day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and raise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
The theme of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this year, is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world“.
The 2022 celebration will focus on the need for innovative solutions to help create an inclusive developmental model to aid people with disabilities.
In 1976, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP). On February 6, 1981, US President Ronal Reagan did the same. Then the UNGA declared 1983-1992 as the decade of Disabled Persons. The adoption of December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities happened during the UNGA’s 37th plenary meeting, on October 4, 1992.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated to encourage increased assimilation of persons with disabilities in the socio-political, economic and cultural aspects of life. The goals fall under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
