Too often we focus on what we cannot do, and not what we can do. For millions who have been labeled with a disability the stigma of the word is often hard to shake, but it is others who seem to have a harder time shaking the stigma. Some 10% of the world's population, or some 650 million people, live with a disability, 80% of which, live in poor countries. Disability and poverty are closely linked. Unemployment rates for those with a disability are shocking as in developing countries, it is estimated that some 80% to 90% of persons with a disability are unemployed, while in developed nations the rate while still all too high, shows the disparity, as it is estimated to be between 50% and 70%. Much of the high levels of unemployment for those with a disability, is also related to education. UNESCO estimates that 90% of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school. Additionally some 20 million women acquire disabilities as a result of complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
Today December 3, marks International Day of People with Disabilities, the day which was established in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly, is celebrated worldwide to promote the awareness of disability issues and the abilities of people with disability. The day seeks to unite the global community, and celebrate the achievements of those persons with a disability, while promoting an understanding of disability issues, and mobilize support for the dignity, and the rights and well being of those with a disability.
The long awaited Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities received its 20th ratification just this year on 3 April 2008, triggering the entry into force of the Convention and its Optional Protocol 30 days later, on May 12, 2008.
Ablity not disability is the focus and this years theme; “Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Dignity and justice for all of us”. This years them is also the them of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which will take place on December 10th. Article 25 of the UDHR provides that each person has "the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age, or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control”.
UN Enable the Secretariat for the convention, held events in New York to honor the day, including a concert showcasing the musical stylings of the six-piece Australian rock band Rudely Interrupted . Five of the band members have physical or mental disabilities, ranging from autism to Down syndrome.
