International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is annually held on December 3rd, is an international observance promoted by the United Nations to support the disabled. Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) supports governments and civil society organizations all over the world to remove barriers to health facilities and others, as well as expanding the scope of rehabilitation and supporting development of community-based rehabilitation. Disability is not only a public health issue but also a human rights and development issue. Disability is extremely diverse. While some health conditions associated with disability result in poor health and extensive health care needs, others do not.
Statistics:
More than one billion people worldwide - including almost 200 million children - are living with some form of disability.
Facts:
Around 50% of persons with disabilities cannot afford health care. Children with disabilities are almost four times more likely to experience violence than non-disabled peers. Rates of disability are increasing in part due to ageing populations and an increase in chronic health conditions.
Objectives:
- Promote an understanding of disability issues to ensure their rights.
- Empower persons with disabilities to live independently.
- Help them to attain the highest standard of healthcare, without discrimination.
- Boost their self-confidence and capabilities through participation in different activities.
- Involve them fully in all aspects of life and development.
- Identify and remove barriers and obstacles to their capabilities.
- Train health professionals to ensure their access to appropriate healthcare.
- Refer children with disabilities to specialized medical and rehabilitation services to reduce mortality.
- Support persons with disabilities to have educational opportunities.
- Submit recommendations for making school environments accessible to all.
- Support women with disabilities to access maternal health services.
- Provide psychosocial and social support to persons with disabilities and their families.
- Raise awareness about educational and rehabilitation programs designed for them.
- Exchange ideas, visions and experiences.
- Review ways and means of developing partnership between families and service centers.
Official Date:
- Globally: December 3rd, 2018
- Locally: Rabie Al-Awwal 25th, 1440H.
Theme of International Day of Persons with Disabilities:
«Empowering Persons with Disabilities and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality»
Target Groups:
- Persons with disabilities and their families.
- Medical rehabilitation specialists.
- National societies, specialized centers and health organizations.
- Health professionals including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and health educators.
- Education professionals including teachers, social workers and others.
- Schools and universities.
- Health decision-makers.
- The public.
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