3 December 2013 International Day of Persons with Disabilities The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, aims to promote: * an understanding of disability issues * the rights of persons with disabilities * gains to be derived from the integration of persons with *disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities. The Day provides an opportunity to mobilise action to achieve the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities, established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982. Facts about disability * At least 10% of the worlds population, or 650 million people, live with a disability (1). * 20% of the worlds poor are disabled (2). * The percentage of children with disabilities not attending school is extremely variable and is between 65 - 85% in some African countries (3). * Mortality for children with disabilities may be as high as 80% in countries where under-five mortality as a whole has decreased to below 20% (4). * In many low-income and middle -income countries, only 5-15% of disabled people who require assistive devices and technology have access to them (5). Disability and health The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) defines disability as an umbrella term for impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions. Disability is the interaction between individuals with a health condition (e.g. cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and depression) and personal and environmental factors (e.g. negative attitudes, inaccessible transportation and public buildings, and limited social supports). Over a billion people are estimated to live with some form of disability. This corresponds to about 15% of the worlds population. Between 110 million (2.2%) and 190 million (3.8%) people 15 years and older have significant difficulties in functioning. Furthermore, the rates of disability are increasing in part due to ageing populations and an increase in chronic health conditions. Disability is extremely diverse. While some health conditions associated with disability result in poor health and extensive health care needs, others do not. However all people with disabilities have the same general health care needs as everyone else, and therefore need access to mainstream health care services. Article 25 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) reinforces the right of persons with disabilities to attain the highest standard of health care, without discrimination. Background to 2013 theme Around the world, persons with disabilities face physical, social, economic and attitudinal barriers that exclude them from participating fully and effectively as equal members of society. They are disproportionately represented among the world’s poorest, and lack equal access to basic resources, such as education, employment, healthcare and social and legal support systems, as well as have a higher rate of mortality. In spite of this situation, disability has remained largely invisible in the mainstream development agenda and its processes What you can do to observe IDPD2013 Include: Observance of the Day provides opportunities for participation by all stakeholders – Governments, the UN system, civil society and organizations of persons with disabilities – to focus on issues related to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in development, both as beneficiaries and agents. Organize: Hold forums, public discussions and information campaigns to help find innovative ways and means by which persons with disabilities and their families can be further integrated into their societies and development plans. Celebrate: Plan and organize performances everywhere to showcase - and celebrate - the contributions made by persons with disabilities as agents of change and development in the communities in which they live. Take Action: A major focus of the Day is practical and concrete action to include 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. Highlight progress and obstacles in implementing disability-sensitive policies, as well as promote public awareness to break barriers and open doors: for an inclusive society for all. Source: World Health Organisation and United Nations
Posted on: Tue, 03 Dec 2013 10:40:05 +0000
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