The amount of “International Days” we have floating around can seem a little arbitrary sometimes. While we’ll always enjoy the stranger, sillier sounding ones like “Towel Day”, some, like the International Day of People With Disabilities (IDPWD), are important ways to spotlight challenges we face as a global society. IDPWD comes around every 3rd of December, and it’s as important for people without disabilities as it is for those with them. Here’s why it’s relevant to you:
What IDPWD is really all about
Proclaimed in 1981, this annual day of observance was set aside to celebrate the achievements of the approximately 1 billion people around the world who live with a disability of some kind. It’s a day of celebration, and a crucial opportunity to highlight the role communities can play in dissolving barriers to social inclusion and accessibility that people with disabilities still face daily. The 2019 theme is “The Future is Accessible” and participating in this annual day takes us closer to that ideal.
Why your participation makes a difference
“Taking part in IDPWD” means different things to different people, and your level of engagement should be guided by your support needs. But active participation of any kind makes a difference — you’ll be raising awareness of the contributions to society that people with disabilities make daily and the sometimes extraordinary challenges they face in order to do so.
How you can show your support
Participating can be as simple as speaking about the day with your friends. You could also contact your local disability support network and look at organizing (or joining) a celebration or fundraising event. The possibilities are endless, and with a portable stair chair you’ll be able to take part without needing to worry about the sometimes unexpected barriers to access that often go unnoticed by people without disabilities!
These unintended consequences of social and physical spaces are exactly the kind that IDPWD spotlights and works to remove. The conversation around accessible societies and insisting on the equal inclusion of people with disabilities starts with days like these. Dive into the details of ways to take the conversation further, and adjust to life after a mobility impairment in our new ebook. You’ll get a glimpse into what you can expect as you reintegrate after injury, and how to overcome the most common challenges.