Disability North

International Day of Disabled People - 3 December 2010

“Celebrating Empowerment through Independence, Inclusivity and Choice”

The aim of this day is to raise awareness and understanding of disability issues and to promote independence, inclusion and choice of disabled people. The theme is focused on human rights and participation of disabled people in all areas of mainstream society.

We are currently organising a full day event to celebrate the 2010 International Day of Disabled People which will take place at Disability North on the 3 December 2010. More details will appear here soon.

What is the International Day of Disabled People?

On the 3 December 1982, the UN General Assembly decided on the World Programme of Action for Disabled People. The United Nations committed itself and its members to promote the full participation of disabled people in social life and development as well as prevention and rehabilitation measures.

Many of the problems then still exist now. Disabled people are not yet fully considered within international development issues. They are still excluded from society in many countries of the world. Even where effective disability legislation is in place, the implementation lacks ideas and is hindered by negative attitudes towards disabled people.

Source: Handicap International

Facts and figures

The World Health Organisation estimates that there are 600 million disabled people worldwide, about 10% of the world population. It is also estimated that about 80% of all disabled people worldwide live in developing countries.

More and more, disability is seen as a social issue which is not only based on medical reasons. The organisation “Disabled Peoples’ International” defines disability as the interaction between the person with impairment and environmental and attitudinal barriers he or she may face. Therefore the reasons for disability are always complex and can only be understood within the context of societies and cultures.

Source: Handicap International