How To Support Inclusion On International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

We are in the 21st century, yet disabled persons are excluded worldwide. A World Bank report shows 16% of the world population still faces discrimination. Much of this exclusion happens in everyday service environments: healthcare facilities, businesses and public spaces where accessibility is an afterthought.

The International Day of Persons With Disabilities is an annual initiative of the United Nations designed to honor and empower individuals with diverse abilities. In line with the UN’s mission, IMANA models disability-inclusive service delivery through programs in Turkey, Kenya, Pakistan, Jordan and Bangladesh. This blog aims to explore how we can all deliver better service and contribute to creating more accessible and equitable communities.

Why Is International Day Of Persons With Disabilities Celebrated?

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities started in 1992 by the United Nations. Many people see this day as just another day to raise awareness about this special population. However, its purpose is far greater. 

This day honors the dignity and contributions of people living with disabilities while ensuring they enjoy full human rights as established at the 2006 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons.

What Is The Theme Of The International Day Of Persons With Disabilities In 2025?

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated every year, on December 3. The theme for 2025 is “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” Hence, this year’s theme seeks to address a powerful global message, that true social progress must include persons with disabilities. 

Sustainable development must include them not just as beneficiaries but also as equal contributors. 

What Is The Color For International Disability Day?

Purple is the color of the day. This color signifies respect, dignity, and empowerment. It also sends a message of unity and solidarity, reminding us of the importance of standing in support of disability inclusion.

What Challenges Do People With Disabilities Worldwide Face Today?

Despite the fact that disability awareness has been ongoing since 1992, disabled people continue to face significant barriers across many areas of life. These challenges are not from the disability itself, but are barriers from systems built to exclude certain persons.

Here are some of the most common challenges experienced worldwide:

Barriers to Healthcare Access

If you visit some healthcare facilities, you would notice physical barriers such as inadequate ramps and narrow doorways. Many examination tables do not adjust for wheelchair users. Also, communication barriers persist, with limited availability of sign language interpreters and braille materials for those with visual or hearing impairments. 

Barriers To Education 

Education is another critical area where barriers persist. Some schools do not have the required trained staff, accessible materials, or supportive learning tools. This makes it hard for these students to study and excel in such schools.

Reduced Employment Opportunities 

Disabled individuals still face significant employment barriers in practice. Hiring bias often manifests subtly in screening processes that sideline disabled candidates. Beyond the hiring stage, employees with disabilities frequently encounter limited opportunities for career advancement due to misconceptions about their abilities.

Some other challenges include inaccessible public transportation, social stigma, cultural misconceptions and lack of representation in policy, leadership, and media.

All of these challenges highlight the urgent need for more inclusive policies and community education.

How To Celebrate International Day Of Persons With Disabilities

A typical day celebration involves numerous activities from awareness campaigns, conferences, art exhibitions, sports events, and educational workshops. This year and beyond, International Day of Persons with Disabilities should be more than simply marking a date. Whether you’re an individual or organization, here are four impactful ways to commemorate this day.

1. Speaking Out Against Stigma

It is up to us to change the harmful assumptions people have about individuals with disabilities. Many people have long-term misunderstanding and outdated beliefs. For example, the statement that disabled people have no ability is false. So, use this day to correct misinformation and promote respectful, inclusive language. 

2. Building Accessibility Into More Spaces

Another activity to participate in is assessing the accessibility of different parts of your community. Is your home, workplace, school, or community spaces easily accessible to individuals with disabilities? If not, encourage simple improvements like adding ramps to walkways and adding braille signage to accessible toilets. All these efforts would result in an accessible environment for everyone in the society.

3. Organizing Inclusive Community Events

Communities can host events where disabled individuals are major stakeholders. Invite them as panelists or as major speakers in these events. You can also organize awareness walks and educational workshops to teach organizations how to achieve disability inclusion in their sphere of influence. 

4. Volunteering With Local Support Organizations

Support the efforts of local organizations like IMANA. You can join us as a volunteer by rendering small acts of service or your professional expertise.

At IMANA, our mission is to promote dignity and inclusion to persons with disabilities. 

​In Sanliurfa, Turkey, we have been steadfast in supporting an autism support and physiotherapy center. This facility rehabilitates children on the spectrum and those with physical handicaps. Over the last three years, we have assisted over 650 children, and we currently have 286 students enrolled in the program receiving vital care.

​We are also committed to empowering independence. We recently provided a grant to establish a public sector wheelchair manufacturing plant in Kenya. This facility is designed to produce and distribute wheelchairs free of charge.

​Furthermore, our commitment to vision care remains strong. Through our cataract surgery programs in Pakistan, Jordan, and Bangladesh, we provide procedures entirely free of charge to patients in need. Over the past nine years, this initiative has restored the eyesight of over 35,000 patients.

These projects are only possible through the collective compassion of our community. By supporting IMANA, you aren’t just making a donation. You are providing a wheelchair, a therapy session, or the gift of sight. Contributing to this legacy of care by sharing this message or donating to our ongoing programs.