Every 3rd December is observed as International Day of Person with Disabilities to foster the rights and well-being of disabled people in society and in growth and to raise consciousness in all fields of national, educational, economic and cultural life of the condition of individuals with disabilities. The UN General Assembly declared the annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) in 1992 under the Resolution 47/3.
Inclusion of disabilities upholds civil rights, economic growth and peace and safety. It is also important that no one should be left behind in the pledge of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The pledge to recognize the interests of disabled people is not just a question of equity. Rather it’s a joint potential investment.
The WHO World Disability Survey reports that 15% or more than 1 billion people in the world live with disabilities. It is estimated that 450 million of them struggle with a mental or neurological disorder, of which two-thirds do not seek any medical assistance because of shame, discrimination or indifference.
Theme of International Day of Person with Disabilities 2022
This year the theme of International Day of Person with Disabilities 2022 is – “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world“
The global commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2022 will focus on the broad issue of innovation and transformative solutions for inclusive development, covering the following thematic topics in three different interactive dialogues:
Innovation for disability inclusive development in employment (SDG8): This conversation will cover the connections between employment, knowledge, and skills needed to find job in a cutting-edge, quickly evolving technology environment for everyone, as well as how assistive technologies can improve accessibility to employment and become standard in the workplace.
Innovation for disability inclusive development in reducing inequality (SDG10): Innovators, useful tools, and best practices will be discussed in this conversation about reducing inequities in the public and commercial sectors, which are engaged in encouraging diversity in the workplace and are disability inclusive.
Innovation for disability inclusive development: sport as an exemplar case:
Even in the best of conditions, it is more difficult for people with disabilities to get the health care, education, and work they need, as well as actively part in community life. In order to ensure that no one is left behind, an integrated approach is essential.
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the lives and emotional well-being of people with disabilities around the world, with isolation, disconnections, interrupted habits and limited resources. As the community continues to fight against the epidemic, spreading awareness about intangible disabilities, as well as their potentially dangerous and not necessarily instantly noticeable mental health consequences, is vital.
Swikriti Dandotia
