International Day of Persons with Disabilities
On a blue background, a white circle is in the center with white and purple outlines of blobs with the title “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” in the center.
December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) which is an annual observance by the United Nations that was proclaimed in 1992. As described by the United Nations
(IDPD) aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
However, you might see different ways this day of celebration and awareness is presented. The United Nations official title is “International Day of Persons with Disabilities,” also known as IDPD. They would have the logo where it is four arch arms with hands in different colours, bottom to top, green, red, orange, and blue coming from alternating sides of a circle. Above the blue hand is a blue circle making the overall logo look like all the hands are supporting and uplifting the blue circle like we should with people with disabilities.
There is another variation of a logo based on a different approach on the same day. “International Day with People with Disabilities,” also known as IDPWD is the same day but with the approach that this day is not owned by the United Nations, it is for all of us as we all have a role in this effort. This logo is different with the United Nations blue garland encasing four people icons inside in the colours bottom to top, red, orange, green, and blue reaching for a blue star that is at the top between the garland. The title “International Day of People with Disabilities” surrounds the garland in a circle.
They both promote the same day with the same theme and mission but cater to different audiences in the work of disability inclusion. The United Nations can almost be exclusive to those to have access to their work and structure which makes IDPWD’s approach interesting to explain that the day can be celebrated by all of us. And it should be.
It doesn’t make any of the work from the United Nations any less important. The Convention On The Rights Of Persons With Disabilities (UNCRPD) was adopted on December 13, 2006 that takes a human rights approach to how people with disabilities should have their fundamental rights and freedoms and be viewed as active members of society. The UNCRPD allows us to see what the standards are for rights of persons with disabilities and advocate for those standards in our own countries and jurisdictions.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a day for all of us to celebrate and spread awareness about how far we have come and how much work we still need to do. It is an opportunity for persons with disabilities to celebrate and reflect, and it is a day for everyone to join and learn the issues and barriers that currently exist. Here is how you can celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Celebrate persons with disabilities who are doing amazing work in your community. For persons with disabilities and their support systems, the work never ends. We all do it for ourselves and our loved ones with some of us also doing larger advocacy work beyond our self-advocacy whether it is specifically in disability rights and justice or issues related to the disability experience that should be acknowledged. All is important and should be celebrated!
Take the time to listen and learn about the barriers that exist and potential ways to close the gap. International Day of Persons with Disabilities has many events by individuals, groups, organizations, and governments in the efforts of celebration, spreading awareness, and talking about issues that exist for people with disabilities. Feel free to join the conversation to learn and celebrate.
While it is a specific day, it does not end there, continuing demanding equal access is the work we do every day. From public spaces to businesses, to where we work, learn, play, and socialize, there is always something that can be more inclusive and accessible. From the built environment to decision making, there can be processes and actions that need to change.
Nothing About Us without Us! Taking one action at a time while taking lessons from first voice is better than nothing. But, disregarding the experiences of persons with disabilities is not going to reach the goal of inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability. Make sure there is intersectionality as well. People with disabilities are diverse with unique experiences, even people with disabilities have to learn from each other to improve our practices.
Amanda