International Day of Disabled Persons
Encyclopedia
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 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. It was originally called "International Day of Disabled Persons". Each year the day focuses on a different issue.
proclaimed 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons. 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", defined as 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.
International observance
International observance denotes a period of time to observe some issue of international interest or concern. This is used to commemorate, promote and mobilize for action. Many of these periods have been established by the United Nations General Assembly, Economic and Social Council or by UNESCO...
promoted by the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
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 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. It was originally called "International Day of Disabled Persons". Each year the day focuses on a different issue.
The International Year of Disabled Persons 1981
In 1976, the United Nations General AssemblyUnited Nations General Assembly
For two articles dealing with membership in the General Assembly, see:* General Assembly members* General Assembly observersThe United Nations General Assembly is one of the five principal organs of the United Nations and the only one in which all member nations have equal representation...
proclaimed 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons. 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", defined as 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 1983-1992
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.Themes from previous years
- 1998: "Arts, Culture and Independent Living"
- 1999: "Accessibility for all for the new Millennium"
- 2000: "Making information technologies work for all"
- 2001: "Full participation and equality: The call for new approaches to assess progress and evaluate outcome"
- 2002: "Independent Living and Sustainable Livelihoods"
- 2003: "A Voice of our Own"
- 2004: "Nothing about Us, Without Us"
- 2005: "Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Action in Development"
- 2006: "E-Accessibility"
- 2007: "Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities"
- 2008: "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us"
- 2009: "Making the MDGsMillennium Development GoalsThe Millennium Development Goals are eight international development goals that all 193 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organizations have agreed to achieve by the year 2015...
Inclusive: EmpowermentEmpowermentEmpowerment refers to increasing the spiritual, political, social, racial, educational, gender or economic strength of individuals and communities...
of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world" - 2010: "Keeping the promise: Mainstreaming disability in the Millennium Development Goals towards 2015 and beyond"
- 2011: "Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development"
See also
- Convention on the Rights of Persons with DisabilitiesConvention on the Rights of Persons with DisabilitiesThe Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is an international human rights instrument of the United Nations intended to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities...
- Infinite Ability
- Don't DIS my ABILITYDon't DIS my ABILITYDon’t DIS my ABILITY is an educational campaign in New South Wales , Australia. The project is supported by the 's , to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities....
- International Year of Disabled PersonsInternational Year of Disabled PersonsThe year 1981 was proclaimed the International Year of Disabled Persons by the United Nations. It called for a plan of action with an emphasis on equalization of opportunities, rehabilitation and prevention of disabilities...
1981
External links
- Official page on UN website
- the Resolution No. 47/3 (International Day of Disabled Persons)
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December
- UN Convention on Disabled Persons, including Article 21 about access to information and communication