5 Ideas to Celebrate the UN International Day of the Disabled Person

Did you know that nearly 15% of the world's population is disabled in some capacity? Despite the disabled community being the largest minority group globally, there is little representation in the media. 

December 3rd is the International Day of the Disabled Person. This annual observance began in 1992 by the UN General Assembly. 

To learn about 5 ways to celebrate International Day of the Disabled Person, keep reading.

1. Host a Training Session

The best way to initiate change in your workplace is to make it a topic of conversation. In order to have a productive conversation, host a disability training session.

It's crucial to remember that not everyone who is disabled has a visible disability, so be sure to ensure all employees are aware of the importance of accessibility. Additionally, make sure your disability training does not exclude those with less common disabilities. 

2. Recognize Neurodiversity

If a disability is not visible, that does not discredit the disabled person. It is vital to recognize neurodiversity in both the workplace and your community.

People who are neurodiverse experience, interact with and interpret the world in unique ways. It is important to reduce the stigma around those with neurodevelopmental differences. 

Examples of neurodiversity include: 

• ADHD
• Autism
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia
• Dysgraphia
• Dyscalculia

In honor of the day of the disabled person, it is important to recognize neurodiversity and let those who are your friends, co-workers, and community members know that they are not forgotten. 

3. Make a Pledge

Celebrating the disabled community on December 3rd is great, but for true change, there needs to be more than a single day of recognition. This year, on the day of the disabled person, make a pledge to celebrate diversity, value accessibility, and serve your disabled friends and co-workers every day.

You can make your pledge in various ways, such as donating to charities, revising discrimination policies, improving ADA compliance, making a public statement, and more. 

4. Plan an Event

Whether it is at work, within your community, or with your friend group, holding an event on or around December 3rd can help educate others on the significance of the day. Community engagement is essential to not only learn from others but to promote inclusion. 

If you are holding an event, be sure to register the event no matter how big or small so others in the community can participate. 

5. Follow Creators with Disabilities

In an increasingly social media-focused world, another way to show community engagement and celebrate people with disabilities is to expand your followers' list to include creators with disabilities.

These creators want to feel empowered and remove the stigma, so give them a follow and hear what they have to say.

Start Preparing for International Day of the Disabled Person Today

International Day of the Disabled Person is quickly approaching. So be sure to get your plans figured out sooner rather than later. Whether you are hosting office training, making a pledge, or following more people on Instagram, we hope you found this list helpful. 

If you enjoyed this blog, be sure to check out the rest of our blog posts.