International Day of People With Disabilities: How Can I Help?

People with disabilities make up 15% of the population. According to the UN, International Day Of People With Disabilities aims “to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.” 

Source: freepik

Where did it all begin?

The inception of International Day of Persons With Disabilities as an annual observance was proclaimed in 1992, by the UN general assembly resolution 47/3. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

International Day of Persons With Disabilities 2022 Theme:

The theme of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this year, is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world.”

Source: freepik

Governments across the world have taken several measures to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Some of the efforts by the Government Of India for inclusive infrastructural development are:

• PRERNA - Marketing Assistance: For sale of products and services produced by persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities.

• GYAN PRABHA - Educational support: A scheme to encourage people with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities for pursuing educational/ vocational courses.

• NIRAMAYA - Health Insurance Scheme: This scheme is to provide affordable Health Insurance to persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities. 

• GHARUNDA - Group Home for Adults: This scheme provides housing and care services throughout the life of the person with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities.

…and more. 

How Can I Help? 

Apart from the initiatives made by the government, there are also NGOs and individuals that work for disabled people and their empowerment. If you often find yourself empathizing with disabled people and wish to help, we’ve got you!

Source: freepik

Listed below are some ways for you to help out:

• Donate To A Cause: 

Several NGOs and crowdfunding platforms let you make direct donations. This is the simplest way to contribute towards betterment and empowerment of individuals. You can also donate to individual causes that need help, to protect them from a disability in the future. 

• Initiate An Establishment: 

NGOs have started revolutionary campaigns to change the world, with help from donors across the world. If you, or someone you know is looking to start an initiative to help disabled people, and lack the funds you need - reach out to crowdfunding platforms. 

• Ask The Crowd:

While some people are born with disabilities, many develop them later in life. This can be because of physical injuries, psychological trauma, or other factors. However, many of these can be prevented if medical attention is received at the right time. 

Know anyone who is looking for a way to cover treatment bills? Crowdfunding is your answer. Start a fundraiser on ImpactGuru.com to get help with treatment for any medical cause, and secure a healthy future. 

Source: freepik

It is our duty, as a society, to ensure we build a world where no person has to be at a disadvantage because of a disability. There are many ways to create an inclusive environment, and we believe that each one of us can do something, even in the smallest of ways. This International Day of People With Disabilities, let's make a resolution to build an inclusive, compassionate, and kind society. 

*Please note that any views expressed are those of the authors’ and do not reflect the beliefs or opinions or views of ImpactGuru.