What is international day of persons with disabilities

International Day of Disabled Persons recognises visible and invisible disabilities, to promote the importance of inclusion in life and the workplace. An annual event, World Disability Day is hosted by the United Nations and encourages business leaders across the globe to value the unique contributions of disabled people.  

In this post, discover how to celebrate and support disabled employees in your workplace. 

Source: International Day of People with Disabilities  

When is the International Day of Disabled Persons 2022? 

International Day of Disabled Persons is the 3rd of December 2022. First launched in 1992, the event is in its 29th year of celebration, marking nearly three decades of meaningful change for the disabled community.  

Source: United Nations 

What is the theme for International Day of Disabled Persons 2022? 

In 2022, the theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is ‘Not All Disabilities are Visible’. Some disabilities, like mental health disorders, chronic pain and fatigue, are invisible – but that does not make them any less devastating to someone’s quality of life.  

This year, include invisible disabilities in your inclusion initiatives to recognise World Disability Day. 

Source: twinkl

Host a Training Session

The best way to ignite meaningful change in your workplace is to host a disability training session. Anyone can be affected by a disability, so it is important to ensure all employees understand the importance of accessibility to cultivate an inclusive culture.   

5 Benefits of Disability Awareness Training:

1. Improve Customer Service: Employees who recognise different conditions will better serve your customers, who may have such disorders. 
2. Learn the Legal Requirements: Reduce the risk of legal implications or unfair treatment by learning about the Equality Act 2010. 
3. Encourage Open Communication: Disabled people live with their conditions every day, so training can supply wellbeing support through open communication.  
4. Transform Perceptions: Reduce unconscious bias and misinformation through an informative training session, which informs your able-bodied staff. 
5. Validate Disabled Staff: A training session shows disabled employees that their feelings, experiences, and struggles are valid. 

Source: iansyst

Recognise Neurodiversity

One of the most common invisible disabilities, it is vital to recognise neurodiversity in your workplace. These people uniquely view the world, as their brains are wired differently from their able-bodied counterparts. Neurodiversity speakers regularly attend corporate events to promote the many strengths of neurodiversity and dismantle the stigma. 

What is Neurodiversity? 

Examples of neurodiversity include: 

• ADHD 
• Autism 
• Dyspraxia 
• Dyslexia 
• Dyscalculia 
• Dysgraphia 
• Tourette’s Syndrome 

Neurodiversity defines natural variations of the human brain which influence their cognitive and intellectual processes. 

Source: texthelp

Hire an International Day of Disabled Persons Speaker

This World Disability Day, hire a disability awareness speaker whose personal experiences will resonate with your employees. These inspirational figures overcome physical and mental hurdles to thrive in their respective sectors, making for a truly empowering speech at corporate events.  

Speakers for International Day of Disabled Persons 2022

• Martine Wright – 7/7 Bombing Survivor & Paralympian 
• David Blunkett – Vice President of the Royal National Institute of Blind People  
• Ade Adepitan – Bronze Medal-Winning Paralympian  
• Hannah Cockroft – Paralympic Gold Medallist at the 2020 Games & World Record Holder
• Ellie Simmonds – Two-Time Paralympic Gold Medallist 
• Tanni Grey-Thomson – Global Ambassador for Disability Sport 
• Lauren Rowles – Paralympic Gold Medallist at the 2020 Games & LGBTQ+ Advocate

Improve Accessibility & Inclusion

In the workplace, several common hurdles can prevent disabled employees from performing at their best. From wheelchair ramps to screen readers, and braille signage to accessible toilets, it is important to cater to employees of all abilities and consider how your workplace may impact a disabled person. On this International Day of Disabled Persons, create an accessible environment for everyone in your team. 

Examples of Accessibility in the Workplace 

• Wheelchair Ramps/Lifts 
• Quiet Rooms for Noise Sensitivity 
• Braille Signage  
• Adaptive Desks & Chairs 
• Invest in Digital Accessibility Tools 

Make a Pledge

It is impossible to solve the world’s inequalities in a single day, so make a meaningful pledge to celebrate diversity, value accessibility and serve your disabled employees this World Disability Day. Going forward, learn from the experts and implement genuine changes in your workplace which will benefit your disabled staff.  

5 Meaningful Pledges You Can Make 

1. Donate to Disability Charities 
2. Strengthen Your Discrimination Policies 
3. Improve Accessibility e.g., Wheelchair Ramps 
4. Assess Your Employees’ Diversity 
5. Make a Public Statement of Support 

Contact a Booking Agent Today!

To book a diversity and inclusion speaker for your event or corporate function, simply contact us via our online booking form or call a booking agent on 0203 9816 297. View our full roster of diversity and inclusion speakers today. 

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