International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Removing Visible and Invisible Barriers
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
3 December 2022
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed every year on 3 December.
The theme for this year is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world.”
The day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life. WHO joins this endeavour to reinforce the importance of securing the rights of people with disabilities, so they can participate fully, equally and effectively in society with others, and face no barriers in all aspects of their lives.
According to the Global Report on Assistive Technology, 2.5 billion people need at least one assistive product. The demand is expected to be go up to 3.5 billion by 2050. The requirement may range from a spectacle to highly advanced myoelectric hand or robotic exoskeletons. However, nearly nine out of 10 people who need assistive technology do not have access to it – this has an adverse impact on the education, livelihood, health and well-being of individuals, families, communities and societies.
WHO India’s subnational rapid Assistive Technology Assessment Survey in December 2021 found that the prevalence of need for assistive products was 24.5% across all ages, which translates to over 330 million people. It’s in this context, WHO India is providing technical support to the NITI Aayog, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and Indian Council of Medical Research for improving access to assistive technologies.
Let’s join hands to build a more inclusive world — spread the word and commit to action.
#AssistiveTechnologyTransformsLife