The United Nations’ ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’ (“IDPD”) takes place on Wednesday, 3 December, and this year’s theme is “fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress”. In this article, Huseyin Kahyalar, an associate in our Personal Injury team, sets out the importance of this year’s theme and how the firm is engaging with it.  

What is the IDPD, and why is it important?

The IDPD was introduced by the United Nations in 1992 and takes place every year on 3 December. It is designed to:

• promote an understanding of disability issues
• assemble support for the rights of people with disabilities
• increase awareness of the benefits of a disability-inclusive society.

Stewarts acts for clients who have sustained life-changing injuries, and we regularly see the challenges they experience living with a disability.

The importance of this year’s theme

The humanitarian reasons for having a disability-inclusive society are obvious, but the wider social and economic benefits are often overlooked. If a disabled person receives the support they need at school or work, they are likely to be able to earn a higher income, which benefits the economy as a whole. Conversely, excluding people from education not only affects their earning potential but also prevents them from gaining important knowledge (for example, about nutrition and health) and socialisation skills. These outcomes adversely affect both the individual and society as a whole.

There are also other benefits to society with disability inclusivity. For example, improving accessibility to buildings or transport infrastructure helps people with long-term or permanent disabilities and also benefits the wider community, including older people, children and those with temporary mobility issues.

As specialist personal injury lawyers, we often see how much people living with disabilities can achieve when they have access to appropriate support. A great example is our client Michael, who has been appointed a professor 10 years after sustaining a traumatic brain injury in a cycling collision. You can read Michael’s story here.

Invisible and hidden disabilities

It is important to bear in mind that some disabilities are invisible or hidden, and it is crucial that these are not overlooked. Examples include autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome and ADHD. The absence of visible symptoms often makes people sceptical about these disabilities, but they can have a significant impact on people who live with them.

To shed light on invisible disabilities in the workplace, Stewarts is holding an internal panel discussion on 3 December to promote a better understanding of these conditions. The event will also be an opportunity for people to share their experiences, support one another and discuss how future policy recommendations should be shaped.

Conclusion

This year’s IDPD theme is an essential reminder that a disability-inclusive society benefits everyone, and that we all have a part to play in helping to achieve it.

If you want any further information about IPID, please visit here.

Please also consider arranging disability awareness training or donating to one of the leading disability charities, such as Disability Rights UK.