The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024 is observed on December 3rd. The day aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development and to increase awareness about the issues faced by people with disabilities around the world.
1. Awareness Campaigns
- Social Media Campaigns: Use hashtags such as #IDPD2024, #DisabilityInclusion, and #EmpowerDisability to spread awareness about the day. Share facts, personal stories, and educational content about disabilities.
- Public Service Announcements: Look for or create PSAs on TV, radio, and online platforms to reach a wider audience.
- Disability Rights Infographics: Create and distribute infographics that highlight the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and ways to promote inclusion.
2. Events and Conferences
- Panel Discussions: Host or attend discussions featuring activists, policymakers, and individuals with disabilities discussing issues like accessibility, employment, and education.
- Workshops and Training: Participate in workshops focusing on disability awareness, inclusive practices, or skills for better advocacy.
- Online Webinars: Join or organize webinars on topics such as disability legislation, inclusive design, or mental health for persons with disabilities.
3. Educational Programs
- School Presentations: Arrange for speakers or workshops in schools to teach students about disability rights and the importance of inclusion.
- Educational Exhibits: Set up exhibits in libraries, community centers, or educational institutions showcasing the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities.
- Disability Simulation Activities: Organize activities that simulate disabilities to help people understand the daily challenges faced by those with disabilities.
4. Community Activities
- Local Celebrations: Host or attend local events like fairs, parades, or festivals celebrating the achievements of persons with disabilities.
- Performances and Art Exhibits: Enjoy or contribute to art exhibits, performances, or talent shows featuring artists and performers with disabilities.
- Community Service Projects: Engage in volunteer opportunities that support disability-related causes, such as building ramps or organizing donation drives for disability services.
5. Online Events
- Virtual Meetups: Join online meetups or forums for discussions about disability rights and inclusion.
- Digital Storytelling: Share videos or blog posts that highlight personal stories and experiences of individuals with disabilities.
- Interactive Q&A Sessions: Participate in or host Q&A sessions where experts and individuals with disabilities answer questions from the public.
6. Advocacy and Policy Initiatives
- Petitions and Campaigns: Support or start petitions aimed at improving policies for people with disabilities.
- Advocacy Days: Organize or attend advocacy days where community members meet with legislators to discuss disability issues.
- Letter Writing Campaigns: Write letters to policymakers urging them to support disability rights initiatives and legislation.
7. Collaborations and Partnerships
- Partner with NGOs: Collaborate with non-governmental organizations that focus on disability issues to organize joint events or initiatives.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Encourage businesses to participate in or sponsor events for IDPD 2024 as part of their CSR activities.
Example Events Around the World
- United Nations Headquarters: The UN often hosts high-level events and discussions for IDPD.
- National Disability Organizations: Many countries have national organizations that plan large-scale events and campaigns for IDPD.
- Local Nonprofits: Many local nonprofits will organize smaller, community-focused events.
These activities can vary based on your location and the resources available, but they all aim to promote awareness, support, and inclusion for persons with disabilities.
Around 15% of the world’s population, or one billion people, live with disabilities. People are often unaware of the great number of persons living with disabilities around the world and the challenges they face. The United Nations along with the World Health Organization (WHO) has started a mission to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities through national, regional and global efforts and to raise awareness about the magnitude and consequences.
Since 2009, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs organizes a film festival as a part of the events at UN Headquarters to commemorate the Day. The United Nations Enable Film Festival (UNEFF) includes short disability-related films selected based on their content and message that can help raise awareness of disability issues and further promote the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society.
Since 2009, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs organizes a film festival as a part of the events at UN Headquarters to commemorate the Day. The United Nations Enable Film Festival (UNEFF) includes short disability-related films selected based on their content and message that can help raise awareness of disability issues and further promote the full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society.
Theme
Every year a theme is dedicated to this Day and then efforts are made to implement these themes.
Based on the main theme of IDPD 2013, sub-themes can be selected to cover all aspects of society and development, including removing barriers to education, employment, transportation, travel and tourism or sports.
Based on the main theme of IDPD 2013, sub-themes can be selected to cover all aspects of society and development, including removing barriers to education, employment, transportation, travel and tourism or sports.
In India
India has had full participation in the observance of "International Day of Persons with Disabilities" with various Government Organizations and NGOs taking it as a platform to spread awareness amongst the people about the disability issues. A "Walk to Freedom" is organized every year on 3rd December in every State and Union Territories of India symbolizing the distance that disabled people still have to cover to achieve true freedom – freedom which can come with self-reliance and economic independence. The first Walk to Freedom was organized in Delhi on 3rd December 1997 from India Gate to Vijay Chowk. In 2012, along with the Walk to Freedom, an event was held at the National Institute of Technology (Calicut) for school children entitled "Role of technology in improving the quality life of people with Disabilities".Activities and Observances in India
1. Awareness Campaigns
- Social Media Drives: Many organizations run campaigns using hashtags like #IDPD2024, #DisabilityRightsIndia, and #InclusiveIndia. Follow or engage with organizations such as NCPEDP, Sightsavers India, and Disability Rights India Foundation for updates.
- Public Service Announcements: Look for or create PSAs on platforms like All India Radio and Doordarshan TV, as well as regional TV and radio stations.
2. Events and Conferences
- National Disability Summit: The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) often organizes summits and conferences. Check their events page for details.
- Workshops and Seminars: Institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and the National Institutes of Social Work may host workshops and seminars. Look for events organized by IIT Delhi’s Centre for Disability Studies or the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities.
3. Educational Programs
- School and College Programs: Schools and colleges across India often conduct special programs and workshops. Reach out to local educational institutions for participation.
- Disability Awareness Curriculum: Some educational institutions might introduce or highlight a curriculum focused on disability awareness and rights.
4. Community Activities
- Local Events and Fairs: Participate in or organize local fairs, exhibitions, or cultural events. Look for events in major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
- Art Exhibits and Performances: Organizations like The Indian Council of Social Science Research and The National Gallery of Modern Art might host art exhibits or performances showcasing the talents of persons with disabilities.
- Volunteer Initiatives: Engage in community service projects with organizations like Udyama, Snehalaya, and The Association of People with Disability (APD).
5. Online Events
- Virtual Conferences and Webinars: Join online events hosted by organizations like National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities or SIL International India.
- Digital Awareness Campaigns: Participate in or share online awareness campaigns run by disability advocacy groups.
6. Advocacy and Policy Initiatives
- Petitions and Campaigns: Support petitions and campaigns focused on disability rights. Look for initiatives by Disability Rights India Foundation or Human Rights Law Network.
- Advocacy Days: Some organizations might organize meetings with legislators. Check with advocacy groups like CPD (Centre for Disability Studies) for opportunities to get involved.
7. Collaborations and Partnerships
- NGO Partnerships: Collaborate with NGOs for joint events or awareness programs. Reach out to HelpAge India, ActionAid India, and The Voluntary Health Association of India.
(Source: UN- Enable & WHO )
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When we will find the theme of 2018 celebration.
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