2022’s International Day of People with Disabilities
Each year, 3rd December marks International Day of People with Disabilities. As an insurer who specialises in providing cover for those with a range of disabilities and mobility issues, it’s a day very close to our hearts. This year’s theme is Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.
A bit of background
If you’ve never heard of the International Day of People with Disabilities, it’s an initiative established by the United Nations. Born out of their previous initiatives, such as 1981’s International Year of Disabled Persons, the day stands to promote inclusive attitudes and raise awareness of the issues presented to those with disabilities in every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
2022’s theme
The theme of 2022’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be around the overarching theme of innovation and transformative solutions for inclusive development, covering in three different interactive dialogues the following thematic topics:
- Innovation for disability inclusive development in employment (SDG8): this dialogue will discuss the linkages between employment, knowledge and skills required to access employment in an innovative, rapidly changing technological landscape to all and how assistive technologies can increase accessibility to employment and be mainstreamed in the workplace.
- Innovation for disability inclusive development in reducing inequality (SDG10): this dialogue will discuss innovations, practical tools and good practices to reduce inequalities in both public and private sectors, which are disability inclusive and interested in promoting diversity in the workplace.
- Innovation for disability inclusive development: sport as an exemplar case: a sector where all of these aspects coalesce; sport as a good practice example and a site of innovation, employment and equity.
Learn more on the United Nations website by clicking here.
This year’s awareness day will be used to recognise the complex and interconnected crises facing humanity today, including the trauma resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and other countries, the drastic effects of climate change, all pose humanitarian challenges of an unprecedented nature, as well as threats to the global economy. In moment of crisis, it is common for those with disabilities to be excluded and feel left behind. In line with the central premise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to “leave no one behind”, it is crucial for governments, public and private sectors to find innovative solutions for and with persons with disabilities to make the world a more accessible and equitable place.
How is awareness raised?
The observance of the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The International Day of People with Disabilities 2022 will push for these issues to be brought to the forefront of the discussion. It’s about hearing the voices of those who live with all manner of disabilities, whether they be visible or invisible, to better understand what manner of support they need in order to truly thrive.
You can help in any way you see fit – whether it be making a conscious effort to learn more about the situations of those around you, enquiring about voluntary opportunities or donating to a local disability awareness charity, or even just promoting the day itself.
International Day of People with Disabilities is on December 3rd, 2022 – but you can start getting involved immediately.
