International Day of People with Disability Observed on 3rd December, 2014
International Day of People with Disability Observed on 3rd December, 2014
3rd December is the International Day of People with Disability/IDPwD. This is a day sanctioned by the United Nations and it celebrates progress by destroying barriers and opening doors for an inclusive society for all.
About the International Day of Persons With Disabilities/IDPD
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities/IDPD was observed across the globe on December 3rd, 2014. The theme for this year was “Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology.” The aim of this day was to promote the improvement of technology and make it available for persons who are living with disabilities.
Aim for this day is to harness the power of technology via promotion of inclusion and accessibility for realising the complete and equal participation of persons with disabilities in society. The aim is to shape the future of sustainable development for all, regardless of disabilities.
Focus on Using Technology To Promote Inclusiveness
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities will aim to focus on the role of technology for disaster risk reduction and emergency responses as well as creation of enabling work environments. Disability inclusive sustainable development goals were also the focus of this day.
As part of the observance of this day, events such as art exhibitions showcasing artwork by people with disabilities and other events such as protests for promoting the cause of disabled persons were also observed.
Background of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed by the UNGA resolution in 1992. This day aims to promote the cause of disabled persons and to sensitise people regarding disabilities. The aim is to mobilise support for the rights, dignity as well as the welfare of persons with disabilities as well. The day also focuses on integration and inclusion in ever aspect of life from the social and the political to the economic and the cultural. The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed through a United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
Since the year 2009, the Department for the Economic and Social Affairs has also been organising a film festival as part of the events at the UN Headquarters for commemorating this day.
UNEFF or the United Nations Enable Film Festival includes a screening of disability related films selected on account of their content and message that can help to raise awareness regarding disability issues and promote complete participation of persons with disabilities in society.
Themes for previous years since 2000:
2013: Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all
2012: Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all
2011: Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development
2010: Keeping the promise: Mainstreaming disability in the Millennium Development Goals towards 2015 and beyond
2009: Making the MDGs Inclusive: Empowerment of persons with disabilities and their communities around the world
2008: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us
2007: Decent work for persons with disabilities
2006: E-Accessibility
2005: Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Action in Development
2004: Nothing about Us without Us
2003: A voice of our own
2002: Independent Living and Sustainable Livelihoods
2001: Full participation and equality: The call for new approaches to assess progress and evaluate outcome
2000: Making information technologies work for all
