Building back better
Thursday 3 December is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), an annual celebration of people with disabilities.
The annual observance of the IDPD was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of people with disabilities.
This year, the IDPD will be commemorated throughout the week of 30 November - 4 December. The 2020 theme for IDPWD is ‘Building back better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post Covid-19 world.’
The pandemic has deeply affected communities around the world, particularly vulnerable groups like people with disabilities. One billion people, or 15 per cent of the world’s population, experience some form of disability. Disability prevalence is higher for developing countries, where people with disabilities are more likely to experience poorer health, less education, lower levels of employment, and higher poverty rates.
IDPD will also aim to focus on spreading awareness and understanding of disabilities that are not immediately apparent, such as mental illness, chronic pain or fatigue, sight or hearing impairments, diabetes, brain injuries, neurological disorders, learning differences and cognitive dysfunctions, among others.
Throughout next week, our Disability steering group will be bringing you personal stories from colleagues who either have a disability themselves – both visible and otherwise – or they have experience of looking after someone with a disability.
As one of the UK’s biggest employers, we are committed to putting equality and diversity at the heart of our business. Call our internal disability helpline on 0800 028 6142 for advice if you are a disabled employee or manager looking for support with organising reasonable adjustments.
For more information on how to obtain support from the group, please email DisabilitySteeringGroup@royalmail.com.
