December 3, 2019, was International Day of Persons with Disabilities and it’s a good time to recognize your employees with disabilities and share with the rest of your team why disability does not define a person.
What is International Day of Persons with Disabilities?
International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly. The day was designated for December 3 of each year.
According to UN General Assembly resolution 47/3, the day “…aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.”
Why We Celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities
One of the main goals of International Day of Persons with Disabilities is inclusion.
According to the Southeast Americans with Disabilities Act Center, “A major focus of the Day is practical action to mainstream disability in all aspects of development, as well as to further the participation of persons with disabilities in social life and development on the basis of equality…promote public awareness of barriers to the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in their societies.”
How to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The website, IDPWD.org, has a whole list of ideas for schools, businesses, and groups to recognize the day. It doesn’t matter if your business is big or small, there’s always something you can do.
Host a breakfast or brunch
Buy some breakfast and invite all your employees to enjoy the food. If you have the opportunity, invite an advocate or person with a disability to speak to the group while they eat.
You can do the same thing with a luncheon.
Offer a discount
If you’re a business that sells something, consider offering a discount to people with disabilities, their families, and their caregivers.
Host a fundraiser
If you have the means or the space, host a fundraiser for a local non-profit that helps people with disabilities.
Spread awareness
The IDPWD.org also suggests that you use your place of business or social media channels to spread awareness of International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Not everyone knows or realizes that the day exists or that it takes place on December 3 of each year.
The more you spread awareness; the more likely people are going to search out content to learn more about the day.
There’s also downloadable content on the IDPWD website that will help your business show its support for International Day of Persons with Disabilities. You can find it here.
Finally…
One of the biggest things you can do for International Day of Persons with Disabilities is take any action at all. Whether it’s simply making your employees feel special and appreciated or something larger like a fundraiser or luncheon.
Doing something is the first step.