International day of persons with disabilities

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities takes place on the 3rd December. This important day promotes an understanding of disability issues, increases awareness and support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

The event was launched in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly. Their aim was to advance disability rights and protect the well-being of those with disabilities.

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.

How can I get involved?

There a number of ways organisations can make a difference. Some positive steps include:

In house training sessions

One of the most effective ways to promote awareness and ignite change in your workplace is to host a disability training session. Some of the many benefits include improving customer service, increased knowledge of legal requirements, encourages open communication among teams, transforms existing perceptions and validates disabled members of staff.

Recognise and discuss neurodiversity

The International Day of Disabled Persons concerns all disabilities.

Neurodiverse employees will have a unique view of the world as their brains are wired differently. They are important to highlight as they are invisible. Examples include:

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

Improve accessibility in and around the office

Some examples of accessibility in the workplace include:

  • Wheelchair ramps/lifts
  • Quiet rooms for noise sensitivity
  • Braille signage
  • Adaptive desks & chairs
  • Invest in digital accessibility tools

Donate to charity

https://www.scope.org.uk/donate/

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/donate

https://shopandgive.thegivingmachine.co.uk/cause-categories/disability/

Find out more:

https://idpwd.org/

https://www.possabilitypeople.org.uk/

Workplace Wellbeing Professional & Disability Awareness

Workplace Wellbeing Professional are passionate about inclusive and accessible workspaces for all employees. To read content relating to disability in the workplace, follow the links below (with much more to be found under ‘Disability’ in the Topic Index):

Editor at  | Website |  + posts

Workplace Wellbeing Professional is an online magazine featuring news and analysis on a broad range of employee wellbeing topics, focused on a UK based audience.

Share

Latest News

Latest Analysis

Related Articles

Gen Z ‘Won’t Trade Freedom for Salary’: 80% Would Accept Lower Pay for Greater Flexibility, Survey Finds

Gen Z workers are showing a preference for flexibility over salary, and are ready to accept lower pay in exchange for greater freedom in how and when they work.

Joanne Aitken: Why We Need to Talk About Menopause at Work

Around 4 million women aged 45–55 are working, and 5 million over 50 are part of the UK workforce: an increase of 39% in the past decade.

More Than Half of Employees ‘Feel Like They’re Faking It At Work’

More than half of employees say they feel like they are “faking it” at work despite believing their success comes from their own abilities, according to new research.

Work Offers a Lifeline To Unpaid Carers – But ‘Nearly Half May Cut Hours or Quit Without Support’

Nearly half of unpaid carers who are also in work are considering reducing their hours or leaving employment altogether.