World Disability Day - International Day of Disabled Persons

Every year, International Disability Day is celebrated by emphasising a new aspect that aims at improving the lives of people with disabilities. For example, the theme in 2007 was “Decent work for persons with disabilities”, reminding people that every person deserves an opportunity for productive employment in conditions of equity, freedom, and human dignity. 

The theme of International Day of Persons with Disability in 2022 is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.” The celebration of world disability day in 2022 focuses on the need for innovative solutions that help create an inclusive developmental model for people with disability. Furthermore, it aims to find solutions for building a more resilient and sustainable world for future generations.

Disability awareness quotes are inspiring sayings that motivate people with disabilities. Some world disability day quotes to observe the day are as follows:

1. “Part of the problem is that we tend to think that equality is treating everyone the same when it’s not. It’s about fairness. It’s about equity of access.” - Judith Heumann.
2. “My effort in the whole thing was the basic determination, the burning desire in me to prove to this world that a physically handicapped girl is in no way inferior.” - Sudha Chandran.
3. “The world worries about disability more than disabled people do.” - Warwick Davis.
4. “I am different, not less.” - Dr Temple Grandin. 
5. “Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes does not mean he lacks vision.” - Stevie Wonder.
6. “However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.” - Stephen Hawking. 

The day of persons with disabilities is celebrated by holding campaigns, discussions, and forums related to disability. Since 1992, various events have been held in several countries every year on 3rd December. The events range from a musical to a play, and disabled people are encouraged to participate in these activities. 

The goal of these activities is to make non-disabled people realise that a person with a disability can be an equal and lively part of society as them. It helps eliminate stereotypes and lets disabled people enjoy life without discrimination and hardships. The benefit of these events for disabled people is to boost their confidence and self-esteem by proving to themselves that they can do several things, despite their disabilities.

There are several ways to observe World Disability Day and contribute to the well-being of disabled people, some of which include:

1. Become an advocate for disabled people: The most basic thing you can do to promote disability day is to check if accommodations for disabled people are in place. If they are not, ask the concerned authority to install them. 
2. Show empathy and compassion: When you are tired or in a rush, do not take it out on people slowing you down because they could be people with a disability. A warm and friendly smile can go a long way in showing empathy and compassion towards them.
3. Offer a helping hand: If you know any disabled person who might need assistance, help them. Sometimes, simple tasks like picking up groceries or delivering medicines can relieve their burden and improve their day. 

On 3rd December every year, i.e., the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment presents National awards to individuals, organisations, institutions, and state/districts for their extraordinary work and achievements towards the empowerment of disabled people. 

Now that you know when and why world disabled day is celebrated, you should make a dedicated effort to make more and more people aware of the challenges of disability. It is high time that people let go of their biases and stereotypes about people with disabilities and make them feel like a part of society. 

People with disabilities may not be heroes, but they are also not victims. They seek an equal place in the community. So let’s join hands and promote world disability day to build a more inclusive world where disabled people have the same rights and dignity as non-disabled people. 

Lastly, lend a helping hand to anyone who could use some assistance. Disabilities can affect an individual’s confidence. However, the experts at HexaHealth are well-equipped to deal with such situations and offer valuable input. If your loved ones are suffering from any disability, connect with a HexaHealth expert and take the next steps with expert guidance!