International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)
By: Dr. Kiran Kumari and Dr. Jaswant Singh Puri
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed annually on December 3rd to promote
awareness and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. This global event
emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive societies where every individual, regardless of physical or mental
capabilities, can thrive. The day serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of persons with disabilities,
recognize their leadership potential, and ensure their meaningful participation in all aspects of society.
Origins and Historical Context
The history of the IDPD can be traced back to 1981, when the United Nations (UN) declared it the International Year
of Disabled Persons. This yearlong observance was pivotal in raising awareness about the challenges faced by persons
with disabilities and highlighted the need for policies promoting their integration into all aspects of society. Following
the success of the International Year, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1983-1992 as the Decade of
Disabled Persons. During this period, various initiatives were taken to encourage member states to implement
comprehensive plans and policies for the advancement of persons with disabilities. In 1992, the UN further reinforced
its commitment by declaring December 3rd as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The inaugural
celebration of the IDPD in 1992 marked a significant milestone in advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities
on a global scale. The day has since been observed annually with themes that address specific aspects of inclusion and
empowerment.
Theme and Significance of IDPD 2024
The theme for IDPD 2024 is "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable
future." This theme is deeply relevant in today’s context, as it underscores the vital role that persons with disabilities
play in fostering inclusivity and sustainability in society. It aligns with major global initiatives, such as the Pact for the
Future and the upcoming 2025 World Summit for Social Development, which aim to create momentum for achieving
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The 2024 theme specifically highlights the importance of empowering persons with disabilities to take on leadership
roles. It calls for their active participation in decision-making processes, both at the local and global levels, ensuring
that policies affecting their lives are inclusive and reflective of their needs.
Goals of IDPD 2024
The observance of IDPD is driven by several key goals, which include:
1. Promoting Leadership: Encouraging persons with disabilities to assume leadership positions in all spheres of life,
from politics to the workplace, to contribute to a more inclusive world.
2. Ensuring Inclusion: Advocating for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society, including
education, employment, healthcare, and public life.
3. Increasing Participation: Strengthening mechanisms to involve persons with disabilities in decision-making
processes, thereby empowering them to influence policies that directly impact their lives.
4. Raising Awareness: Enhancing public awareness about the rights, needs, and contributions of persons with
disabilities to combat stereotypes and discrimination.
5. Celebrating Achievements: Acknowledging the accomplishments and resilience of persons with disabilities,
showcasing their contributions to society as agents of change.
Global Observance and Impact
The IDPD is marked by a series of events worldwide, including conferences, seminars, cultural programs, and social
media campaigns. These activities aim to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities, promote their rights, and
create awareness about the barriers they face. Organizations, governments, and communities come together to reaffirm
their commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
Over the years, IDPD has played a transformative role in reshaping public perceptions and policies. It has inspired the
adoption of international frameworks like the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which
emphasizes the rights of persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life.
Looking Ahead
As the world prepares for the 2025 World Summit for Social Development, the observance of IDPD 2024 serves as a
reminder of the urgent need to address systemic inequalities and barriers faced by persons with disabilities. Achieving
the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to education, employment, and reducing
inequalities, hinges on the inclusion and leadership of persons with disabilities.
International disability day is an occasion to educate the public on issues and to mobilize political will and resources
to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of persons with disabilities and also awards
are given for the empowerment of these persons.
State and National level programmes are being organized to recognize the outstanding achievements of persons
with disabilities in different spheres of life and awards are also given for the empowerment of these persons.
As per Census 2011, in India, out of the total population of 121 crore, about 2.68 Cr persons are ‘Disabled’ (2.21% of
the total population) Out of 2.68 crore, 1.5 crore are males and 1.18 crore are females. Majority (69%) of the
disabled population resided in rural areas. Right of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 is a land mark in the history
which replaces the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act,
1995.A number of provisions have been made in the RPWD act for the development of persons with disabilities.
In conclusion, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is more than just a symbolic observance. It is a call to
action to recognize the leadership, resilience, and potential of persons with disabilities. By amplifying their voices and
ensuring their full participation, we can create a world where diversity is celebrated, and every individual has the
opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future.
On this auspicious day, Dr. Kiran Kumari Author and Dr. Jaswant Singh Puri Co-Author would like to congratulate all
the persons with disabilities who had received success in life and those who are striving to achieve a respectable place
in the society.
Dr. Kiran Kumari
Assistant Professor: Dept. Of Sociology and Social Anthropology
Coordinator: Canter for the Empowerment of Persons with disabilities
Punjabi University, Patiala.
State and National Awardee
Member of the State Advisory Board for Persons with Disabilities
Member of State Research Committee
Appointed as State Icon for PWD Voters