According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion people around the world have a disability. Another 69 million people, on average, will sustain Traumatic Brain Injuries each year. 1 in 160 children are found to be on the autism spectrum every year.

The goal of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is to help people realize the devastating effect exclusion has on the world. Disability inclusion is central to upholding and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, but also to make society whole.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) was created to campaign for the rights of people with intellectual, developmental, mental, and physical disabilities. It’s an occasion to celebrate and promote working towards an entirely inclusive future.

History

The UN proclaimed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd, 1992. The first aim of International Day of Persons with Disabilities is to elevate the status of people with disabilities and to provide a level playing field for all. The second goal is to heighten awareness of the needs of people with disabilities to be supported as everyone else is. Although, both goals go hand-in-hand. 

Post COVID-19 Inclusion

COVID-19 has brought many inequalities to light. Even though one billion people across the globe have disabilities, they remain largely excluded from society. During the pandemic, people with disabilities are also at the highest risk if afflicted with the CoronaVirus. How can it be right to leave such uneven burdens on valuable members of society–people who bear more strain yet receive considerably less help?

Even under normal circumstances, people with disabilities are not getting the same level of access to health care, education, and work, as everyone else. This pandemic is deepening the divide, meaning that our awareness calendars are more important than ever.

Nothing About Us Without Us

“Nothing about Us Without Us” is one of the most important phrases for inclusion awareness. It’s a principle of empowerment that means no conversation about people with disabilities should take place without them, because each individual knows what is best for them.

Over the years, the “Nothing about Us Without Us” mantra has become a call to action for the Disability Rights Movement. The phrase articulates a vision where people with disabilities are shown equal respect instead of pity. It’s a statement that advocates that people with disabilities should be fully integrated into society just as everyone else is. It advocates that people who have disabilities are essential contributors to every sector. “Nothing about Us Without Us” means that society needs to start putting the person before the diagnosis; realize that everyone has their own unique abilities, and start consulting these members of society when decisions are to be made about their lives.

“Nothing About Us Without Us” is about real empowerment and giving a voice back that was once taken away. International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a day to celebrate people who have disabilities, to push hard for inclusion, and say goodbye to unfounded prejudices that keep our society in this archaic state.

About Stephen’s Place

Stephen’s Place is an independent apartment community for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, located in Vancouver, WA (7 minutes from Portland, OR).

If you have a loved one with developmental or intellectual disabilities, who is looking for a community to live in, please contact us for more information. 

Stephen’s Place is a private-pay apartment community due to our state-of-the-art amenities and programs. We are a nonprofit and do not profit from our community. We are private pay because we spend more than some housing communities to ensure that our residents are comfortable and can safely live their lives with independence and dignity.