International day of persons with disabilities 2022

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) takes place on the 3rd of December every year. This day aims to encourage us to think about how we can create an environment that is inviting to everyone. IDPD further helps to promote empowerment and helps create real opportunities for people with disabilities.

According to the CDC website, a disability can be defined as "any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions)."  There are different types of disabilities that can loosely fall into four categories - intellectual, physical, sensory, and mental illness. Furthermore, we must remember that not all disabilities are visible. Examples of these include but are not limited to; mental illness, chronic pain, brain injuries, neurological disorders, and cognitive dysfunctions. 

So why is disability awareness important? Disability awareness is important to have as it allows us to acknowledge how it impacts people’s lives and helps us understand how we can help someone with a disability. It also aids in the dismantling of disability stereotypes as well as contributing to the de-stigmatization of mental illnesses. This is an excellent chance to broaden your knowledge and understanding of disabilities.