International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Not All Disabilities Are Visible

Thursday 3^rd December is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it is celebrated annually and this year’s theme is “not all disabilities are visible”

The aim of this year is to help spread awareness and understanding of disabilities that are not always immediately apparent, such as chronic pain, fatigue, mental illness, diabetes, brain injuries, learning differences, sight or hearing impairments and cognitive dysfunctions among others.

WHO estimates that more than one billion people - about 15% of the world's population - experience some form of disability. This figure is predicted to rise given population ageing and an increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Out of one billion people living with a disability, it’s estimated that 450 million are living with a mental or neurological condition which may not be immediately apparent.

It is estimated that a further 69 million individuals a year sustain Traumatic Brain Injuries and one in 160 children are identified as on the Autism Spectrum.

This equates to millions of people currently living with a disability that may invisible and should serve as a reminder to us all about the importance of removing barriers for all people living with disability, both visible and invisible.

The annual observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations 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.