2018 International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The United Nations has established December 3rd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Their 2018 theme is “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality” (United Nations, 2018). The goal, which addresses societies all across the globe, is “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” (United Nations, 2018).

One of the focuses of the 2030 Agenda, created by the United Nations, is to help individuals with disabilities ensure they are full participants in their society and in all environments. This agenda has many goals, including building environments that are both inclusive and safe (United Nations, 2018). Take a moment today to reflect on how you can make an impact on your local community or in your everyday life to promote inclusiveness and equality. Every bit counts!

Here are some facts about disability around the world:

  1. There are over 1 billion individuals with disabilities in the world (World Health Organization, 2011).
  2. 80% of individuals with disabilities live in developing countries (United Nations).
  3. The unemployment of individuals with disabilities can be up to 80% in some countries. However, according to a study done in the US, individuals with disabilities have a higher retention rate at work. After one year of employment, the retention rate is 85% (United Nations).
  4. According to another study done in the US, the second most common reason employers are concerned about hiring individuals with disabilities is the potential cost of providing environmental accommodations. However, 56% of accommodations are completely free to implement (United Nations).

Interested in learning more? Visit http://www.un.org/en/events/disabilitiesday/index.shtml

Citations:

United Nations. (2018, October 5). 2018 International Day of Persons with Disabilities – IDPD. Retrieved November 15, 2018, from https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/news/dspd/idpd.html

United Nations. (n.d.). Factsheet on Persons with Disabilities. Retrieved 2018, from United Nations – Disability: https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/resources/factsheet-on-persons-with-disabilities.html

World Health Organization. (2011). World Report on Disability. Retrieved 2018, from World Heath Organization: https://www.who.int/disabilities/world_report/2011/factsheet.pdf?ua=1

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