International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024: Promoting Equality and Inclusion
3 December 2024: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
On the upcoming 3 December 2024 we will be celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disability 2024, a day on which we raise awareness of inclusion and equal rights for people with disabilities and the barriers they face in their day-to-day lives. This year we would like to stress that inclusion isn’t achieved through praise and nice words; it’s brought about by visible commitment, real opportunities and by preparing workplaces. Praise people’s talent, not their disability.
Condescension and a lack of expectations often become an invisible barrier to learning, development and, in short, the inclusion of people with disabilities. When we offer unnecessary or excessive assistance, and when we praise everyday actions, we discriminate and inhibit.
History and Progress on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024
In 1982, Spain enacted its Social Integration of the Handicapped Law (LISMI), which was key to promoting access to the job market in equal conditions for people with disabilities. Ten years later, in 1992, the United Nations proclaimed 3 December the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with the goal of promoting the rights, well-being and social inclusion of this group.
In 2014, Spain’s General Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Their Social Inclusion (LGD) unified a number of previous regulations, adapting the law to the advances made and pointing out areas where progress was still required. Despite the improvements, great challenges still remain, and this day is an opportunity to reflect on the actions that are needed to bring about full inclusion.
Companies that Support Diversity and Labour Inclusion on the Disability Day 2024
The Hurdle of Low Expectations on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024
A Day in the Life of Maria: A Professional with a Disability in Her Working Environment
Maria is an outstanding professional who strives for excellence every single day. However, she has to put up with comments like “you’re a champ” or “you’re so brave”, which patronise her despite the good intentions behind them. These sorts of comments highlight the low expectations that many people have of individuals with disabilities. In fact, Maria’s colleagues have learnt to value her talent and professionalism to the point of forgetting that she can’t see. When you trust in a person’s potential, labels disappear.
If you would like to get to know Maria better on the International Day of Persons with Disability 2024, visit our blog.
