World Disability Day (03 December) History, Significance, Theme and Observation

World Disability Day Quick Facts

World Disability Day Brief

World Disability Day' or 'International Day of Disabilities' is celebrated every year on 03rd December. This day is celebrated to bring physically disabled people into the mainstream of the country.

World Disability Day History

'World Disability Day' or 'International Day of Disabilities' is celebrated every year on 03rd December. This day is celebrated to bring physically disabled people in the main stream of the country. The United Nations had approved the celebration of International Day of Disabilities every year from 03 December 1991.

The year 1981 was declared by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day of Disabilities. The United Nations General Assembly, together with the United Nations, declared the year 1983-92 as the International Day of Disabilities Decade.

In India, the implementation of schemes related to disabilities is under the control of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Sangam scheme deals with the handicapped in India.

World Disability Day Objective

The objective of this day is to encourage the general public to cooperate with persons with disabilities. Its purpose is to enable the environment around them.

World Disability Day Theme(s)

The celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities needs an effective theme for proper implementation of rules and regulations in the society for persons with disabilities. Below are the following themes for the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on annual basis:-

More info about World Disability Day

What is a Disability?

Disability is defined in simple terms through physical or mental conditions such as impaired movements, sensations or activities of a person. It is not just a health problem.

The term disability does not only include physical or mental disability, but also includes diseases such as Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, among others. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately one lakh people worldwide suffer from some form of disability.

About 26,810,557 people (2.21% of India's population) are suffering from disability in India alone including 149 million men and 118 million women. 70 percent of these disabled people live in rural areas. According to the 2011 Census of India, hearing, vision or mobility related disabilities are commonly found among people with disabilities.

Types of Disability:

• Visual Impairment: Partial blindness or total blindness in vision/impairment.
• Hearing Impairment: Poor hearing or hearing loss.
• Speech impairment: Difficulty speaking.
• Mobility Defect: Difficulty in walking.
• Mental retardation: Mental incapacity and mental illness.
• Learning Disability: Difficulty in learning. For example: dyslexia (difficulty in reading, interpreting words or letters).
• Dysgraphia: Dysgraphia (inability to write consistently) and dyscalculia (inability to perform arithmetic calculations).
• Multiple Disability: This disability affects multiple parts of the body.

Important Days of December Month - (National Days and International Days):