International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Established by the United Nations in 1992, The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed worldwide every year on December 3. In 2025, the theme is “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” IDPD day spotlights the need to recognize, encourage, and celebrate the equal rights of people with disabilities.

According to The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank, an estimated more than 1 billion people (about 15–16% of the world’s population) live with some form of disability.  Norway and the Netherlands are often cited among the best countries for disability advocacy due to strong legislation, accessible infrastructure, and inclusive social policies. In contrast, countries such as Somalia and Burundi are frequently described as among the worst, struggling with inadequate infrastructure, limited services, and widespread discrimination.

Although great strides have been made, people with disabilities continue to face barriers such as higher risks of poverty, limited access to decent work and lower wages, and gaps in social protection. Breaking down obstacles, confronting harmful assumptions, and embracing inclusion are critical for every member of society to succeed and encourage progress toward ensuring equal human rights for all people.

Planting the Seeds of Change

In 1993, Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) became the first U.S. president with a significant physical disability due to his paralysis from contracting polio. Although he was not the only president with a disability, his advocacy for disability rights and awareness was unparalleled. FDR founded the March of Dimes and established the Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation. Serving four terms as president, the longest in history, afforded FDR ample time to continue to advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.

Despite his efforts, many of the barriers and prejudices that FDR and others faced remain prevalent in our world today. Unfortunately, the legacy of the current US administration greatly contrasts with FDR’s legacy. Since the inauguration almost a year ago, legislation has already begun to have a significant negative impact on people with disabilities. Disability support systems are being reshaped by tightening SSDI eligibility, increasing financial recovery burdens, and rolling back protections.

This has only further galvanized many disability-led grassroots organizations (ASAN, The Arc, Autism Society) and legal advocacy nonprofits (CAP, Democracy Forward, National Council on Nonprofits) to push back against rollbacks in Medicaid access, Social Security disability benefits, special education oversight, and DEI protections.

A Growing Movement

In the United States, advocating for people with disabilities began as a people’s movement following the momentum of the civil rights era and the establishment of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Following a lengthy process, the ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Considered one of the most significant legal protections for disability rights in U.S. history, it prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and guarantees equal opportunity in employment, public services, transportation, and public accommodations. 

The ADA’s influence extended beyond U.S. borders by inspiring disability rights legislation worldwide, such as the development of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which was adopted on December 13, 2006. 

In 2011, the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) launched to advance implementation of the CRPD and promote disability-inclusive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The UNPRPD studied 34 countries and determined that common problems included discrimination, institutionalization, poor healthcare, and exclusion from education. The CRPD is the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century, designed to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy full equality under the law and active participation in society.

The Fruits of Labor

The Paralympic Games celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities while promoting inclusion and equality in sports. The Paralympics began as a small gathering of British World War II veterans in 1948. What began as a rehabilitation initiative for injured World War II veterans has since grown into one of the largest international sporting events.

The 1960 Games held in Rome drew 400 athletes with disabilities from 23 countries. The 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris were one of the largest international sporting events, featuring 4,433 athletes from 170 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) competing in 549 events across 22 sports. Today, the Paralympics are among the largest sporting events worldwide, with thousands of athletes from over 160 countries competing, showcasing diversity and inclusion. The Games represent a powerful testament to resilience, equality, and the limitless capacity of human potential.

Beyond sports, the Paralympics have influenced disability rights movements globally by becoming a platform for change by encouraging host cities to improve accessibility for residents and visitors with disabilities. 

A Legacy of Limitless Spirit and Determination

Nick Vujicic was born in 1982 in Melbourne without arms or legs. Although he was subjected to bullying and dealt with depression in his early years, Nick decided to transform his life and turn adversity into inspiration. By his teens, he was already speaking publicly, sharing a message of courage, hope, and perseverance.

In 2005, he founded Life Without Limbs, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading hope worldwide. Nick used every platform at his disposal to spread his message of resilience and encouragement. He traveled to more than 60 countries to speak to audiences, authored two best-selling books (Life Without Limits, Unstoppable, and Love Without Limits), and reached millions of people through social media, television, and TED Talks.

Leading by example, he became a champion for inclusion and empowerment. Although he passed away in 2024, his teachings endure, and his life’s work continues to inspire. 

“No matter what challenges you face, know that you are loved, you are valuable, and you are capable of more than you could ever imagine.” Nick Vujicic

My Personal Inspiration

I was almost two years old when my sister, Lauren, was born. While I was thrilled to be getting a fellow Barbie enthusiast, dog lover, and best friend, little did I know how inspired I would be by her determination, resilience, and spirit. 

Lauren was born with brain damage, which resulted in cerebral palsy (movement disorder) and epilepsy (seizure disorder). The damage to the left side of her brain affected cognition and the right side of her body, impairing the use of her right hand and causing her to have a limp. Additionally, Lauren suffered from seizures, which are abnormal electrical brain activity that would cause her to briefly lose consciousness. In addition to enduring procedures to improve the functioning of her right side, she underwent two surgeries, at ages seven and nine, to remove the left part of her brain that was causing the seizures. 

Throughout countless doctor appointments, medications, and hospital stays, Lauren’s courage, grit, and sense of humor were humbling. Whether it was learning a different way to tie her shoes with one hand, graduating from high school, holding a job, or mercilessly beating everyone at Uno, she has never shied away from figuring out a way to do something despite her challenges. 

Conclusion

International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that people with disabilities are valuable members of society, whose rights must be protected to build communities that are equitable, sustainable, and resilient. Continued progress demands that we eliminate barriers, confront stereotypes, and institute disability inclusion throughout society. Only then can people with disabilities be empowered to thrive.

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Melissa Duban

I’m Melissa Duban, and I’m thrilled to join Her Nexxt Chapter as Editor. I bring a background in psychology and years of experience in healthcare communications. My passion lies in empathetic storytelling and women's empowerment. I look forward to creating content that

resonates, informs, and inspires.