We live in an age where the terms ‘Inclusivity’ and ‘Diversity’ are fast picking pace. However, striving towards an equitable world is by no means a new trend! It was way back in 1992, when the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was first observed. It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
Ever since it was first established, the day is celebrated worldwide, on the 3rd of December of each year. In a nutshell, its sole aim is garnering the much-needed ‘help’ that is required vis a vis relevant issues that pertain to the inclusion of people that are afflicted with some kind of disability or the other.
The goal of this day is spreading awareness about people with disabilities and the importance of creating a society that is accessible to all. As you can see, people were working furiously to create an Inclusive society, years ago.
We now know which day the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated on, but ‘how’ is it even celebrated?
Let’s take a quick look, and see how we can mobilize support for people who really need it, by answering the question ‘How to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.’
International Day of Persons with Disabilities: How to Celebrate
So, how do we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities? Here are some effective International Day of Persons with Disabilities Activities that are sure to pack a punch. Needless to say, the idea is driving home the very real need of ‘being sensitive to the needs of disabled people’, in the most effective manner.
For People: Donating to Disability Charities
Perhaps the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of doing our bit to help disabled people, is donating to the disability charity of our choice.
There are several charities that you can decide upon here. The following are some of the ‘types’ of disability charities you can donate to. Note: Make sure you first do your research well, to ensure you are donating to a legitimate charity. One that will actually use your money, to ‘help’ people!
- The Mentally Challenged
- Mobility Aids
- Under-Funded Organizations
Mentally challenged people are in dire need of resources like Special Education, Therapy and Vocational Training. Your money can go a long way, in helping them live with a sense of dignity.
There are plenty of poor people in the country, who are also disabled. You can help provide them with ‘wings to fly’, by enabling them to procure aids that can assist their ‘mobility.’ Things like Artificial Limbs, Calipers and even Walking Sticks. These will go a long way in helping the disabled break out of their ‘Cages of Disability.’
While even a little money can go a long way in helping people, it must go to the Right place. There are several organizations that are doing some exemplary work where it comes to helping disabled people. Unfortunately, they are running dangerously short on vital resources. Your money, combined with that of others, might just help keep them afloat!
For Companies: Hosting an Awareness Seminar
The workplace is one where the need to recognize disabled people is perhaps more needed than any other. The following is a list of things companies can focus on in those training sessions, to drive the Awareness of Disabled People.
- Validating Disabled Employees
- Improving Customer Service
- Changing Overall Perception of Disabled People
At the very outset, there’s a need to get every disabled person in the workplace, to harbour a rightful sense of Validation. That much-needed sense of validation, for their unique feelings and experiences.
Needless to say, plenty of customers of companies might be ridden with disabilities. It helps when employees ‘understand’ them better. In that way, their needs can be taken care of in emphatic fashion.
Plenty of times, people are in the dark about disabled people. This is largely owing to an unconscious sense of ‘bias’, and even ‘wrong information.’ The goals of the training session must also include changing these long-held perceptions.
Volunteer at a Disabled Care Centre
This is truly one of the most special ways in which you can celebrate this special day. There are several centres for disabled people, where you will find yourself able to volunteer, to help assist the disabled yourself. For instance, you might go to a Special Education Centre, or even an Institution for the Blind.
When you find yourself engaging deeply with the disabled, taking care of them and perhaps even teaching them, it will probably be the best way you could have celebrated this day.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities: India Celebrations
India is amongst the countries that ranks the aforementioned terms of Inclusivity and Diversity, ‘high’ on its list of things to be perpetually working towards.
To that effect, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, along with ‘Divyangjan’ (The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities), celebrates the achievements of disabled people on this day. It does this, through conferring awards on them.
These awards are bestowed upon not only Individuals, but even State and District Organizations. Where the individuals are concerned, they are awarded with honours for their noteworthy achievements. In the case of companies, it’s for their role played in the empowerment of disabled people.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023: The Theme
Is there an International Day of Persons with Disabilities ‘slogan’, for the upcoming celebration on December 3rd this year? It can be summed up effectively, by the following ‘theme’ that has already been laid in place for it.
The theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities is: ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities.’
At EuroKids we believe that ‘Special days for Special People are Even More Special!’ We encourage you to do your bit, be it making a donation or even volunteering your services at a centre for Disabled Persons, this upcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
