Welcome to December! During this most festive time of the year, many of us are focused on celebrating the holiday season. Here at The IMAGE Center, we have one more holiday to celebrate: the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which takes place every December 3.
Why All the Celebration?
The United Nations established the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 1992 to recognize the rights and contributions of people with disabilities throughout the world. It also raises awareness of the challenges people with disabilities face, from physical access barriers to discrimination in the workplace to inaccessible technology.
December 3 was chosen as the date because it coincides with the UN’s adoption of the International Program of Action Concerning Disabled Persons. This program, the first broad UN program recognizing people with disabilities, was a milestone for the disability rights movement. So it’s a fitting time to celebrate the progress we’ve made and plan for the work that still needs to be done!
And Our Theme for This Year Is…
Each year the International Day of Persons with Disabilities focuses on a different theme. In 2023, according to the UN, the Day’s theme is “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDG’s for, by and with persons with disabilities.” This theme celebrates the role of people with disabilities in the UN’s worldwide implementation of their Sustainable Development Goals.
How We Can Celebrate
It’s often said that each of us has our corner of the world. So, let’s celebrate and acknowledge people with disabilities in our own way in our own corner of the world. Whether it’s adding alt text to the pictures we post on social media to make them accessibility to blind people, adding a ramp to your place of business, encouraging your employer to hire a person with a disability, or posting your own perspective on the celebrations on social media, take time to celebrate the contributions of the disability community. If you’re posting on social media, the UN is using the hashtag #IDPWD. We would always love to hear your thoughts and what you’re doing to celebrate; tag us in your posts and use #IMAGEHealth!
From all of us at the IMAGE Center, happy IDPWD 2023!