Why Celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities?
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), observed annually on December 3, highlights the achievements, challenges, and rights of individuals with disabilities. This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” resonates deeply with the mission of Shiftbalance. As champions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), we believe in creating spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and lead.
Globally, over 1 billion people—around 16% of the population—live with disabilities. Yet, their representation in leadership, policymaking, and decision-making roles remains disproportionately low. By aligning our DEI practices with the principles of inclusivity, we not only uplift individuals with disabilities but also enrich workplaces and communities.
Source: WHO
Building Inclusive Spaces: Why It Matters
Inclusion goes beyond accessibility. While ensuring physical and digital spaces accommodate individuals with disabilities is essential, true inclusion lies in amplifying their voices, addressing systemic barriers, and fostering environments where leadership and contribution are not limited by ability. The principle of “nothing about me without me” emphasizes that individuals with disabilities must be involved in decision-making processes that affect them. Studies show that diverse teams perform better, innovate more effectively, and create stronger connections with stakeholders. By embracing this principle, we ensure that solutions are not only designed for individuals with disabilities but are designed with them.
Actionable Tips for Promoting DEI and Inclusion
Policies That Promote Equity and Safety
- Adopt a Human-Centered Approach
- Listen to and collaborate with individuals with disabilities to design policies and solutions that reflect their needs and expertise.
- Incorporate accessibility reviews into your workflows, ensuring compliance with standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
- Reimagine Leadership
- Encourage mentorship programs that prepare individuals with disabilities for leadership roles.
- Recognize and dismantle ableist biases in hiring and promotion practices.
- Ensure Accessibility Beyond Compliance
- Audit physical spaces for barriers such as narrow doorways or inaccessible restrooms.
- Enhance digital accessibility with closed captioning, screen reader compatibility, and simplified interfaces.
- Integrate Disability into DEI Training
- Host workshops to educate teams on ableism, unconscious bias, and intersectionality.
- Highlight stories of individuals with disabilities who have shaped industries and communities, such as this talk ‘A disability-inclusive future of work’ by Ryan Gersava, who is part of Shiftbalance’s network of DEI experts.
Photo by Kampus Production
- Create Inclusive Policies
- Offer flexible working arrangements to accommodate different needs, such as remote work options or flexible hours.
- Develop return-to-work programs for individuals who acquire disabilities during employment.
- Celebrate and Share Success Stories
- Use your platform to showcase achievements of employees or community members with disabilities.
- Collaborate with organizations advocating for disability rights, such as the International Disability Alliance.
- Leverage Technology for Empowerment
- Invest in assistive technologies like speech-to-text software, ergonomic tools, or mobility aids.
- Host hackathons or innovation challenges focused on accessibility.
- Evaluate and Iterate
- Use tools like accessibility audits and employee surveys to assess your progress.
- Actively seek feedback from individuals with disabilities to refine your strategies.
Moving Forward Together
This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let’s move beyond awareness and embrace actionable strategies that elevate voices, remove barriers, and celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities. By fostering a culture of inclusion, we not only build stronger communities but also honor the principles of equity and justice. At Shiftbalance, we’re committed to driving this change—are you?
Resources
Books
- “Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century” by Alice Wong
- “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” (Netflix Documentary)
Podcasts
Videos
- TED Talk: Stella Young – “I’m Not Your Inspiration, Thank You Very Much”
- Video: Mia Mingus on Disability Justice: Beyond Access
References
WHO Global Disability Statistics
UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Improving Digital Accessibility: WebAIM – Accessibility Resources
Assistive Technology Resources: AbilityNet
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)
