Disability Rights are Human Rights

The United Nations has proclaimed December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Today there are over 7 billion people on the planet. 15 percent of those people have a disability which makes over 1 billion people with disabilities. According to the 2011 World Health Organization’s World Report on Disability between 110 and 190 million people have significant difficulties in functioning (based on the social model). See the PDF here.

The Art of Autism recognizes the United Nations initiative and their theme for this year “Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want.”

Using the #aday4all hashtag, people around the world are sharing stories, videos, information, photos or personal reflections about embracing disability as part of our human diversity. The Art of Autism believes every day is a day for all. We share personal stories, videos, art, and celebrate diversity each and every day. We are adding the hashtag #neurodiversity to our posts today.

Today we join people around the world in this celebration of human diversity. A Day for All website says “This is not only a matter of rights, but also about understanding diversity as one of our biggest assets. In order to unleash our social potential, we must leave behind fears and historical negative perceptions towards disabilities, and welcome instead a culture of inclusion.”

We encourage our readers to explore diversity and share on social media with the hashtags #aday4all and #neurodiversity.