In December 1992, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 3 December as International Day of Disabled Persons. This day is meant to promote an understanding and awareness of disabilities as well as their inclusion in society.

On this day, we celebrate those who have been disabled from birth or through injury and disease. We also strive to understand disability on a deeper level by recognising its impact on people’s lives and advocating for the rights of those with disabilities worldwide. Today many countries celebrate this day by encouraging education and discussion about disability-related topics such as accessibility, inclusion, independent living, poverty among disabled populations, violence against people with disabilities and more.

What can you do?

On this day, we should all think about what we can do to support people with disabilities in their communities. The first thing you should know is that it’s important not to assume anything about a person with a disability just because they have one. You may think that someone who has a physical disability can’t do things for themselves, but in reality, people with disabilities are often more independent than those without them. They understand what their limitations are and work within them as best as they can. It’s also important to use inclusive language when referring to disabilities – don’t say “a blind person” or “the deaf.” Rather, refer to those terms as “blindness” or “deafness”.

These tips for supporting individuals with disabilities will help you be a better ally and friend on this day.

• Treat people with disabilities as equals. Many people with disabilities are treated as inferior to others, but everyone needs to treat them the same way. Everyone has their own set of skills and abilities, even if they have a disability. The best way we can help the disabled is by promoting equality in all aspects of life to achieve their full potentials, which will lead them towards having happy lives. Remember not to assume that they always need assistance. Rather ask them before you lend a hand. They know more about what they need and how to handle their day-to-day activities.
• Listen and speak clearly. Depending on the person’s disability, always try and be patient, use clear and simple language, and don’t talk over the person. Let them finish their sentences. Always make eye contact when talking.
• Value and confidence. Always try and emphasise the person’s abilities, not their limitations. Avoid using language that implies a lack of something. Focus on how valuable they are. This will also help them feel more confident, but remember that people with disabilities don’t like sympathy. Treat them like everyone else.
• Be inclusive and make changes. Many aspects of life exclude disabled people. Try and make things more comfortable and inclusive when your path crosses with a disabled person. Move the office or your home around to make more space for a wheelchair or for someone with visual impairments. Also, remember to include them in activities at work, social gatherings, etc.

Some simple everyday things you can keep in mind:

• Don’t park in disabled parking areas.
• Don’t use the restrooms allocated for people with disabilities.
• Never pet or distract a guide dog on duty without permission.
• Learn a few everyday signs in sign language. You never know when you might need it.

These suggestions may seem like common sense now, but we need to always keep these tips and ideas in mind when coming across a person with a disability.

Remember to take your cues from the individual when it comes to whether or not you should touch them or talk loudly around them – if they’re uncomfortable, then don’t do it! Be mindful that different disabilities affect different abilities and needs – just because someone is in a wheelchair doesn’t mean that they can’t see, hear or understand things.

We hope that this information will help you understand what barriers disabled individuals face daily and how we can help make life easier for those who need it most.

Trying to live life as a disabled individual can be difficult, but there are ways that the public can help. In the past, people with disabilities have been forced to live in a world that doesn’t accommodate their needs. Many of these people have developed skills and habits that allow them to cope with their disability, but it’s not always easy. Some days are better than others, but there is no reason for these individuals to be left behind without any support from society. Let’s work together and try to be more considerate, inclusive and mindful towards people with disabilities.