World Disability Day (WDD) is observed anually on 3 December. In 2011, the theme for the International Day of Person’s With Disability was- Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development.
It is estimated that nearly 610 million people are existing with disabilities across the world. In India alone, nearly 60 million people suffer disabilities.
Apart from raising issues and creating awareness on the rights of disabled people, the day is observed with an objective to give back something to the society. World Disability Day intends to provide accessibility to infrastructure that could enable the differently abled to lead a life well-integrated with the civil society. World Disability Day aims to celebrate the rights of disabled people.
National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) works to promote better life for those who are differently abled.
NCPEDP has been celebrating this day on a national scale for last six years to encourage solidarity among disabled people. It managed to successfully focussed on the issue of disability among other social groups. NCPEDP had in 1997 organised the first walkathon – Walk to Freedom in Delhi to commemorate the country’s 50 years of independence. Students from both regular and special schools had participated in the walk. Over the years the event became an integral part of WDD celebrations.
Observance of WDD in 2011
Observance of WDD celebration for 2011 included reaching out to general public and sensitising them about disability related issues and about their Inclusion in the everyday fuctioning of their society.
Regional Learning Centre on Deafblindness, supported by Sense International on 3 December 2011 organised the event to create more awareness on the needs of those with disabilities. According to project coordinator of Deafblind and Multi-Handicap Unit, the aim of such events is to create an inclusive environment for deafblind people in the society and ensure a quality life for them.
Helen Keller
Helen Keller, who herself was a severely disabled woman, deaf-mute and blind, fought against her disability to become a world famous speaker and author. Helen Keller championed the cause of the disabled and showed that it is only through knowledge that the disabled will be able to overcome their handicap to fulfill the purpose of their lives.
History
International Day of People with Disability is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. The Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
The objective of this day revolve around exploring better ways of accessing information and communication technologies that are a right to the disabled.
The United Nations General Assembly in 1976 proclaimed 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP). It called for a plan of action at the national, regional and international levels, with an emphasis on equalization of opportunities, rehabilitation and prevention of disabilities.
The theme of IYDP was full participation and equality. The theme promoted the right of persons with disabilities to take part fully in the life and development of their societies, enjoy living conditions equal to those of other citizens, and have an equal share in improved conditions resulting from socio-economic development.
United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons was 1983-1992.
Each year the theme focusses on different issues related to disability. In 2009 the theme was- Making the MDGs Inclusive: Empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world.
Keeping the promise: Mainstreaming disability in the Millennium was the theme in 2010.
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