December 3rd is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, honoring the United Nation's commitment for promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The day raises awareness of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of disability that affects people around the world.
More than 1 billion people in the world have a disability. At fifteen percent (15%) of the world’s population, persons with disabilities account for the world’s largest minority. Furthermore, one out of every seven people is affected by disability.
Video Message from Ms. María Soledad Cisternas Reyes, Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Disability and Accessibility for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December 2020
Read more from the WHO about Why is the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Important?
Working toward an accessible future is everyone's responsibility. We engage together to create a future which insists that people are not excluded due to their health conditions that create substantial limitations in how they engage with the world. Report barriers when you encounter them - at UMBC our accessibility concern form is available 24/7 to work with any issues that arise: https://accessibility.umbc.edu/report-campus-accessibility-concern/.
UMBC's Accessibility & Disability Services partners with the entire campus community -departments, groups, and individuals - to overcome barriers. Student Disability Services is a resource for all students with disabilities.
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Photo of two parallel rows of flags of over 100 nations on a grass path leading to a brown United Nations building illustrates this post. Credit: Mat Reding via Unsplash.com