December 3rd is a significant day globally, commemorated as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities every year. This annual observance originated in 1992 after being declared by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has recently released draft guidelines to enhance accessibility for differently-abled people at airports.
Understanding Disability
A disability is commonly understood as a condition or functionality deemed considerably compromised compared to the average capacity of an individual belonging to their group. This could include physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual impairment, mental illness, and various chronic diseases. Some disabled individuals perceive this definition as aligning with the medical model of disability.
The Background and Objectives of the Observance Day
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted in 2006, aspiring to create equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities by implementing the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to advance the rights and well-being of disabled individuals at all societal and developmental levels. The day also seeks to amplify awareness about the circumstances of disabled individuals in every sphere of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
Statistics on Persons with Disabilities
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over one billion individuals worldwide experience some form of disability. This number is likely to increase owing to factors like population aging and a rise in the incidence of non-communicable diseases. As per the National Statistics Office’s most recent report on disability (2020), approximately 2.2% of India’s population lives with some form of physical or mental disability.
Theme for 2021
The theme for this year is ‘Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post-Covid-19 world.’
Initiatives Related to Persons with Disabilities
On a global scale, the World Programme of Action (WPA) is a strategy to bolster disability prevention, rehabilitation, and equalization of opportunities. It ensures the full participation of disabled individuals in social life and national development, emphasizing the necessity to approach disability from a human rights perspective.
India has introduced initiatives like the Unique Disability Identification (UDID) Portal, Accessible India Campaign, DeenDayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme, and Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP).
Other Related Observances
Several other observances emphasize the rights and well-being of disabled individuals. These include World Braille Day on January 4th, World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st, World Autism Day on April 2nd, International Day of Sign Languages on September 23rd, and Human Rights Day on December 10th.
