International Disability Day
- Neha Regis
- Dec 4, 2021
- 3 min read
Right now, sixty-one million American adults live with a disability, but many people are oblivious to the obstacles they overcome every single day. Some of the things they face are discrimination, unavailable accommodations, and judgment. The world has tried to fix this negative attitude, but people aren’t properly educated about disabilities. This brought the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1992. This act declared December 3rd International Disability Day in hopes to fight against discrimination.
What is a Disability?
The CDC classifies a disability as “any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities and interact with the world around them.” However, it is much more than that. There is a tremendous amount of diversity within the community. There are four different categories of disabilities which are physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional and sensory impaired disorders. And there are many different types. Some of them are:
Vision Impairment- These are people who are legally blind or have partial vision.
Hearing Impairment- People with hearing impairments can be fully deaf or hard of hearing.
Mental Health Conditions- These conditions include people with “bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and personality disorders.”
Intellectual Disability- People with intellectual disabilities have a hard time with “communicating, self-care, social skills, safety, and self-direction.”
Acquired Brain Injury- This “refers to any type of brain damage that occurs after birth.”
Autism Spectrum Disorder- “People with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions” and behavior.
Physical Disability- Physical disability affects “mobility, dexterity, or stamina.”
Timeline
Throughout history, we can see efforts to include people with disabilities.
In 1817, the first school for kids with disabilities was founded.
Abraham Lincoln signed a bill for Gallaudet University a college for only disabled people in 1864.
A non-profit for the deaf was installed in 1880.
In 1960, the first Paralympic Games took place. {EXPLAIN PARALYPICS}
The UN named 1981 the International Year of Disabled Persons.
1992 was the year they finally dedicated a day for the disabled.
These are just some of the few events in history that have helped disabled people. However, there is still a mental block in our society that causes discrimination towards disabled people.
Importance of the Day and How to Help
That’s why this day is so important. It helps us understand and spreads awareness about the difficulties people with disabilities face. Teaching people about disabilites might help eliminate discrimination. Even if you don’t know anyone with a disability, you can still celebrate International Disability Day. You can advocate for disabled people, be compassionate towards them, and help them if needed. However, there are many things you have to keep in mind when helping someone. First, you should always ask for permission before helping someone or touching them. It is also crucial that you don’t assume that someone with a physical disability has an intellectual disability too. The most important thing you need to remember is that you are not above or better than a person with a disability.
Conclusion
While there are many challenges that people with disabilities face, we need to understand that they are not less important than us. It is not that they can’t do things. They just might need a little more help. It is just a little bit harder for them to do the things we do with ease, so instead of excluding them, we should be respecting them. Famous actor, Christopher Reeve, said: “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Understand that people with disabilities don’t reserve the discrimination that they are getting because they are amazing in ways we can’t even dream to be.
If you want to learn more, you can check out the sites below:
Sources
“Different Types of Disabilities - Staff Services - ANU.” Anu.edu.au, 2021, services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion/different-types-of-disabilities. Accessed 23 Nov. 2021.
“Timeline of Disability Rights | Resources | Accessibility.com.” Accessibility.com, 2011, www.accessibility.com/resources/timeline-of-disability-rights. Accessed 23 Nov. 2021.
“International Day of Persons with Disabilities — December 3.” National Today, National Today, 3 Dec. 2020, nationaltoday.com/international-day-of-persons-with-disabilities/. Accessed 23 Nov. 2021.
CDC. “Disability Impacts All of Us Infographic.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Mar. 2019, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/infographic-disability-impacts-all.html#:~:text=61%20million%20adults%20in%20the,is%20highest%20in%20the%20South.. Accessed 23 Nov. 2021.
Mack, Lindsay. “Biggest Challenges for People with Disabilities Who Have Office Jobs.” Insider, Insider, 20 Aug. 2019, www.insider.com/challenges-for-people-with-disabilities-who-have-office-jobs-2019-8. Accessed 23 Nov. 2021.
コメント