To celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, IWAS is pleased to announce we now have a Facebook page for all your comments and photos

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been on the 3rd December since first created by the United Nations (UN) in 1992, with various aspects of themes throughout the years. In 2010 the direction is “Keeping the promise: Mainstreaming disability in the Millennium Development Goals towards 2015 and beyond”.

The Day aims to promote a better understanding of disability issues with a focus on the rights of persons with disabilities and gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities. The goal of full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society and development was established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982.

Here are just a few other ways that the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is being commemorated around the world.

Italy
Special Day of Activities at the Palazzo Ducale, Provincia di Mantova, Settore Turistico e Culturale ([email protected], www.tourismo.mantova.it)

Pakistan
The Network of Organizations Working with People with Disabilities, Pakistan (NOWPDP) will hold an event at the  Karachi Marriott Hotel, which will include a panel discussion with disability practitioners and Inclusive Society Pakistan will launch a parent support group. The event will also highlight success stories of persons with disabilities. (www.nowpdp.org).

Russia
The Public Chamber of Ivanovo Region will hold an event to commemorate the day to highligh integration issues related to children with and without disabilities. (<[email protected]>)

United Kingdom
 In Cambridgeshire at the OWL Centre in Sawston, Sawston’s Christmas Fair; In Papworth Everard, the Learning Centre will be celebrating with an early Christmas party featuring a live band; In Suffolk, the Learning Centre in Foundation Street, Ipswich is holding a fundraising coffee morning from 10am-12pm.; In Essex, Papworth Trust Centre in Basildon will be having a talent contest. To find out more please call 0800 952 5000 or visit www.papworth.org.uk.

United States of America
The Special Advisor for International Disability Rights, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of State Office of Global Women’s Issues, National Council on Disability, the United States International Council on Disabilities, Human Rights Watch, InterAction, and the U.S. Department of State’s Executive Women at State, Asian American Foreign Affairs Association, and Disability Action Group, will hold an event to address critical disability issues. ([email protected]).