International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3) is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. It has been celebrated with varying degrees of success around the planet. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for thedignity, 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. It was originally called “International Day of Disabled Persons”. Each year the day focuses on a different issue.

Theme for 2015: Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities

By promoting empowerment, real opportunities for people are created. This enhances their capacities and supports them in setting their priorities. Empowerment involves investing in people – in jobs, health, nutrition, education, and technology. Take the case of mobility scooters. With the advent of modern technology, electronically powered wheelchairs and mobility scooter repair services, that are made available by several companies, promoting accessibility to disabled people to quite easy. When people are empowered they are better prepared to take advantage of opportunities, become agents of change, and can more readily embrace their civic responsibilities.

Did You Know???

To provide a time frame during which Governments and organizations could implement the activities recommended in the World Programme of Action, the General Assembly proclaimed 1983–1992 the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons.