Post submitted by Erin, one of our LCAHM Student Experience Ambassadors
December 3 marks the International Day of People with Disabilities (or IDPWD). This day has been celebrated since 1992, and it is a day where communities, charities, organisations and places of education all come together to joyously celebrate the lives of everyone who lives with a disability.
This day was established as a result of the efforts of the United Nations, who continuously reiterated a sense of commitment to creating inclusive, accessible and sustainable societies and communities for people to access in their day to day lives. More recently, the UN has focused on promoting the well-being and welfare of people who are living with disabilities and, as a result, in 1992 an international day of celebration for people with disabilities was called to be held on the 3rd of December each year.
The purpose of this day is to celebrate these people, as well as the efforts of all those who have a vital role to play in the lives of people with disabilities, and who work extremely hard every day to provide these people with the care that they need. These are carers, parents, organisations, agencies, charities, places of learning and many others. It is also equally as important to recognise and address any discrimination, marginalisation, exclusion and inaccessibility that many people living with disabilities often face. The 3rd of December is a vital day for this reason, however, it symbolises the efforts that society needs to be making in order to educate people about disabilities, and to create new and exciting opportunities for disabled people.