International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021 (UN)

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 10:19:52 -0500
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December 3rd is the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, honoring the United Nation's commitment for promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The day raises awareness of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of disability that affects people around the world.

More than 1 billion people in the world have a disability. At fifteen percent (15%) of the world’s population, persons with disabilities account for the world’s largest minority. Furthermore, one out of every seven people is affected by disability.

Read more from the WHO about Why is the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Important?

The theme for IDPD this year is "Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world." The Secretary-General's message on International Day of Persons with Disabilities is linked here.

Working toward an accessible future is everyone's responsibility. We engage together to create a future which insists that people are not excluded due to their health conditions that create substantial limitations in how they engage with the world. Report barriers when you encounter them - at UMBC our accessibility concern form is available 24/7 to work with any issues that arise: https://accessibility.umbc.edu/report-campus-accessibility-concern/.

UMBC's Accessibility & Disability Services partners with the entire campus community -departments, groups, and individuals - to overcome barriers. Student Disability Services is a resource for all students with disabilities.

If there is an accessibility concern on campus - report it via this linked form. With Facilities Management maintenance or repair reporting - the best, first step is to report it to Work Control via 410-455-2550 or Workorder@umbc.edu. For residential hall repair conditions, non-emergencies can be reported to http://fxit.umbc.edu, and emergencies can be called in to the FXIT line: 410-455-3948.

Looking for more content? ADA Live Episode 88 discusses IDPD

Need a theme song? Artist James Ian's song "Spaces" and inclusive, collaborative process with his Spinal Muscular Atrophy community were recently featured on CANVAS (link). Spaces song link.

Photo of two parallel rows of flags of over 100 nations on a grass path leading to a brown United Nations building illustrates this post. Credit: Mat Reding via Unsplash.com