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The International Day Of Disabilities - 3 December 2021



The International Day of Disabilities began in 1992 launched by The United Nations General Assembly. It’s purpose is to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities in all spheres of society and development. To increase awareness of the current situation of those who live with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life’.


‘This year, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) falls on the same week as the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 30 Nov.-1 and 3 Dec. 2020 and will be observed throughout the week in conjunction with the 13th session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD.https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-of-persons-with-disabilities


Some facts below show why this Day of Disabilities is so important. The United Nations report that;


‘Of the one billion population of persons with disabilities, 80% live in developing countries’.


‘An estimated 46% of older people aged 60 years and over are people with disabilities’.


‘One in every five women is likely to experience disability in her life, while one in every ten children is a child with a disability’. (https://idpwd.org)


Then perhaps something a little more obvious;

‘Persons with disabilities in the world are among the hardest hit by COVID-19’.


  1. Risk of catching COVID increases.

  2. Risk of Severe Symptoms or death increases.

  3. Those living in certain conditions, such as care homes.

  4. General everyday living, including access to support networks and access to education.

  5. Discrimination in healthcare provision and who has access to it. (https://idpwd.org)

Considering this it’s no surprise that the key focus for this years awareness day to about building back better;


“… towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world by, for and with persons with disabilities”. UNESCO will also organise a Global Awareness Raising Campaign “Tell our stories, enable our rights” on its official social media channels, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with disabilities and on the immediate response to the crisis through open, inclusive and innovative use of digital solutions, tools and resources.( https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities-2021/)


This makes Awareness Days more important and this provides us with the full range of days that are used throughout the year to promote and support important campaigns and activities. This one is much broader and encompasses many different Countries fighting for equality and support.


International Days including Stop Shouting, stress awareness, Radiography Day, World Kindness Day and World Soil Day are just a few you could pick from the list! All of these days are relevant to those with a disability or LTHC. For most the ones that really matter are those which relate directly to their Health Condition/Disability.


Getting Involved In International Disabilities Day

Impactful Ways For Workplaces looks at five ways in which workplaces can support this day which are;

1. Create or join an Awareness Campaign

2. Launch A new Policy, plan or initiative

3. Host an IDPWD event at your workplace

4. Encourage people to learn

5. Celebrate extraordinary contributions in leadership by people with disability


The Australian IDPWD website has lots of ideas and resources. There are also some great resources and support for workplaces on The Diversity and Inclusion Speakers Agency website. Many of these resources will help support health and well being charities and organisations or even individuals.


Recognising Fitness and Physical Therapy as Part of International Day of Persons with Disabilities written by Pivot Physical Therapy for the 2017 Day still has some great research and support for sport and exercise providers.


Education For Children

This day gives a great opportunity to highlight Invisible Illness and global disabilities to the younger generation. After all they are the future and they have the opportunity to be challenged and utilise the knowledge, media coverage and success of those with health, mental health and physical disabilities showing prominence.


Twinkl is a great site for teachers but also suitable for coaches/exercise providers for children. This provides access to free activity packs and resources that will help you to support and educate children. Once you have signed up you can download free resources each week and receive regular emails. There are numerous PowerPoints all ready and waiting for you! Whether you want something on Invisible Illness Awareness, The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics or some Inclusive Sporting Activity Cards this is definitely a good place to start. Also be great for those with learning disabilities. They are bright and colourful and easy to follow.


Summary

This day is to really highlight the Inequalities around the world and in every part of life, health and well-being, as well as raising awareness of the number of people who live with disabilities and, the fact that anyone can develop a disability at some point in their lives. It’s now about how the purpose of this day can be taken forward by Government, Support Groups, Scientists, Health Charities and Educational settings to aid progress and strive towards a more equal and fair provision of support for anyone who needs it no matter what the disability.


The Important links this week...


International Day Of Disabilities - ~United Nations


International Day of Disabilities - Home Page


Awareness Day Calendar


Awareness Day Calendar - International Awareness Days


Australian Network On Disability - Five Ways For Workplaces To Get Involved


Diversity & Inclusion Speakers Agency


Recognising Fitness and Physical Therapy as Part of International Day of Persons with Disabilities


Twinkl - International Day Of Persons With Disabilities Resources

Twinkl - Disability Awareness PowerPoint


Twinkl - Sport & Games Challenge Cards


Twinkl - Paralympic 2020 Resources



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