The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) was annually observed across the globe on 3rd December to raise awareness about the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in political, social, economic, and cultural spheres.
Theme:
The theme of IDPwD 2024 is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”
- The theme emphasizes the importance of giving people with disabilities the power to control their lives, make decisions, and contribute to society’s social, economic, and cultural growth.
Note: The leadership of persons with disabilities is represented by the slogan “Nothing About Us Without Us,” emphasizing the importance of involving them in decisions that affect their lives.
Background:
I.In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/47/3 to establish the observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons.
ii.The International Day of Disabled Persons was first observed on 3rd December 1992.
iii.In December 2007, the UN, through General Assembly resolution A/RES/62/127 under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), renamed the International Day of Disabled Persons to the IDPwD, and it has been observed under this title since 2008.
What is disability?
- A disability refers to a condition or function significantly impaired compared to the typical standard for an individual’s group, encompassing physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, and mental health impairments, and chronic diseases.
- Children with disabilities are nearly four times more likely to face violence than other children, and adults with disabilities are 1.5 times more likely to be victims of violence than those without disabilities.
2024 report:
i.IDPD 2024 was observed amidst significant global events, including the Summit of the Future and the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development.
ii.In 2024, the Secretary-General presented his fifth report on disability inclusion within the UN system.
Event 2024:
i.The commemorative event of IDPD held at the UN Headquarters, New York, The United States of America (USA) on 3rd December consisted of an in-person opening segment and a virtual panel.
ii.The overview highlighted progress since the 17th Conference of States Parties to the CRPD, the 79th General Assembly session, and the Summit of the Future.
- It also discussed the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development in 2025 and efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), focusing on persons with disabilities.
Events in India:
i.Marking the occasion of IDPD 2024, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, honoured 33 outstanding individuals and institutions with the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) in New Delhi.The awardees included young achievers like 13-year-old Prathamesh and Janhavi, as well as senior citizens like 75-year-old Saroj Arya, showcasing a diverse spectrum of talent and dedication.
ii.The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), celebrated the IDPwD 2024 by launching 16 innovative initiatives to empower Divyangjans across India, led by Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, MoSJE in New Delhi.
Highlights of Awards:
The National Awards 2024 will be presented in two major categories with multiple subcategories:
- National Awards for Individual Excellence
- Best Person with Disabilities
- Outstanding Persons with Disabilities
- Best Child with Disabilities (Male/Female)
- Best Individual Working for Disability Empowerment
- Best Rehabilitation Professional or Worker in the Disability Sector
- Best Research/Innovation/Product Development in Disability Empowerment.
- National Awards for Institutional Excellence
- Best Institution Working for Disability Empowerment (Private Organizations, NGOs)
- Best Employer for Persons with Disabilities (Government/PSUs/Private)
- Best Placement Agency for Persons with Disabilities
- Best State/UT/District for Implementation of Accessible India Campaign
- Best Accessible Transport/ICT Solutions (Private/Government)
- Best State/UT/District in Implementing RPWD Act and Schemes for Persons with Disabilities
- Best State Disability Commissioner under the RPWD Act, 2016
- Best Organization for Rehabilitation Professionals Development
Click here for complete award list..
16 initiatives:
1.The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, an online platform introduced to a list of accessibility auditor for buildings, showing the government’s dedication to building inclusive infrastructure.
2.Sugamya Bharat Yatra, a special project in collaboration with the Association for Persons with Disabilities, where people with disabilities will evaluate the accessibility of public spaces using the AI-powered “Yes to Access” app.
3.Pathways to Access – Part 3 Compendium, a series that focuses on important government documents related to employment, financial services, and healthcare for persons with disabilities, providing them with valuable information and resources.
4.The High-Power Spectacles, created by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO), are designed for people with low vision, providing better optical clarity and enhancing their quality of life.
5.The Divyasha E-Coffee Table Book, an e-book by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), was launched to celebrate its 50-year journey, highlighting inspiring stories and accomplishments in providing assistive devices to Divyangjans.
6.The Kadam Knee Joint, created by IIT Madras and SBMT, is a local innovation that improves mobility and durability, marking a significant advancement in assistive technology.
7.Awareness Generation and Publicity Portal, a digital platform for easy application under the Awareness Generation and Publicity Scheme was launched to improve transparency and efficiency.
8.Accessible Storybooks: In partnership with The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) and the National Book Trust (NBT), 21 accessible storybooks in Braille, audio, and large print formats were launched to support inclusive education.
9.Standard Bharti Braille Code: A draft for a standardized Braille code in 13 Indian languages was introduced for public feedback, aiming to ensure consistency and compatibility with Unicode standards.
10.Braille Books Portal: An online portal for submitting Braille books was launched to promote inclusive education.
11.MoU with Infosys BPM: An important partnership with Infosys BPM was established to improve job opportunities for Divyangjans through the Divyangjan Rozgar Setu initiative on the Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana (PM DAKSH) portal.
12.Employability Skills Book: Available in 11 Indian languages, helps Divyangjans bridge the gap between education and work, supporting their economic independence.
13.Infosys Springboard Skill Programme: Infosys Springboard has partnered with Yunikee to offer courses that help deaf learners across India develop skills and acquire marketable abilities, with a goal of empowering 10,000 learners in the next year.
14.Google Extension for Persons with Hearing Impairment: SignUp Media and Yunikee are collaborating to provide sign language communication in entertainment, information, and education for the Deaf community in India, making their primary language accessible across the country for the first time.
15.E-Sanidhya Portal: created by Tata Power Community Development Trust in partnership with the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), is an online and offline service aimed at supporting individuals with neuro-diverse conditions, especially those with autism.
16.Computer-Based Indian Intelligence Test by The National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Secunderabad: Developed an Indian Test of Intelligence, which was launched by the Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar, (MSJ&E) on December 11, 2023, in New Delhi. 4,070 children from various parts of India, ensuring it accurately reflects the Indian population.
