Not all disabilities are visible on the outside, and some individuals who struggle with disabilities have significant barriers to overcome on a daily basis. The United Nations' International Day of Person with Disabilities is Dec. 3 -- a day to take time and celebrate those who have overcome and continue to overcome barriers despite their disabilities. The importance of this holiday is to increase the awareness of the political, economical, social and cultural challenges that people with disabilities have overcome.
Each year focuses on a different theme, such as topics as accessibility, independent living, the promise of advanced technology and equality in services to name a few. This year the theme is about inclusion. According to the United Nations there is an estimated one billion people living with disabilities worldwide. Not all individuals living with disabilities are properly documented in data collection. As we continue to work on improving this data collection of individuals with visible and invisible disabilities, the hope is to gain more supportive services and equal accessibility.
This year, as a community, we can focus on ways to increase accessibility, and empower those who are presented with these challenges. The more we can reach out to those struggling and demonstrate empathy, can we grow even more as a connected and supportive community.
Thanks!
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Editor's note: Amanda Childs is the social worker for Pea Ridge Schools.
Community on 12/02/2015