Life

Give Back On Intl Day Of Persons With Disabilities

by Kaitlyn Wylde

The United Nations has recognized and celebrated persons with disabilities every year on Dec. 3, since the conception of the IDPW organization in 1992. And, if you're looking to help out, there are plenty of ways to give back on the UN's International Day of Persons With Disabilities — beginning with this list of suggestions.

First, a bit of context in case you're not familiar with the day: The United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons was held from 1983 to 1992 to encourage and enable governments and organizations to take significant action towards improving the life of disabled persons, globally. On Oct. 14, 1992, the UN General Assembly proclaimed Dec. 3 to be the International Day of Disabled Persons. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) now dedicates its efforts to eliminating barriers for the disabled. They believe the more that society physically and socially facilitates disabled persons to access and interact with the world, the less their disabilities set them apart.

Over 15 percent of our population is disabled, and over 80 percent of those that are disabled live in developing countries that don't have the infrastructure to include them in the same lifestyles as the able bodied. This organization raises money, awareness, and resources to help make the world an equal playing field for all. It calls upon state parties to implement the procedures and measures needed to give disabled persons the tools they need to become employed, to live independently, and to enjoy life fully.

Every year, on Dec. 3, state parties and supporters get together to promote the importance of these human rights, discuss progress, strategize for the future and honor those who help the cause. If you're interested in getting involved, here are a few ways you can show your support:

Volunteer

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If you'd like to become a volunteer for the UN, you can learn more about that here. Another great way to volunteer is to check with your local organizations and sign yourself up for volunteer opportunities that cater to the disabled.

Show Support

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Put together an art show, a film festival, or a get together in which the work of disabled artists are celebrated. Remind your community that disabled persons are talented and inspiring, and create an opportunity to share their work.

Raise Awareness

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Whether you blog about it, tweet about it, or simply tell your friends about it, make the time to talk about it. Tell people about the organization, and voice your support by posting about the global day of observance. The more people who are informed, the more opportunity there is for change.

Donate

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UNICEF helps children with disabilities live normal lives, and protects them from violence. If you're in the position to donate, you can follow the instructions here. Or, you can spread the word and inspire those around you to donate.