International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021

Ágnes Sarolta Fazekas PhD | 2021.12.03.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021
December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Each year, the United Nations identifies a relevant societal issue on occasion to promote social acceptance and raise awareness of the barriers and exclusion that hinder the active participation of people with disabilities in society. Eötvös Loránd University Bárczi Gusztáv Faculty of Special Needs Education joins the celebration again this year.

Supporting the active participation of people with disabilities in various areas of life

The full and equal exercise of all human rights and fundamental freedoms must be safeguarded in the various policies and practices. Nevertheless, many social barriers limit (especially in the present pandemic) the full, effective, and equal participation of people with different backgrounds, lived experiences and access needs, including people with disabilities.

This year's International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme is "Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world". It focuses on promoting the active participation of people with disabilities in building an inclusive, sustainable post-COVID-19 world. It draws attention to the barriers that hinder the access and participation of people with disabilities in many areas of life in the structure of societies, including access to and active participation in leadership roles, positions.

Implementing the "nothing about us without us" principle

"Nothing about us without us" means that no policy or practice should be designed, decided, and implemented without the participation of different individuals, groups, including people with disabilities. Active co-creation with people with disabilities and empowering them for taking leadership positions in many areas of life are essential to jointly break down social barriers and achieve all Sustainable Development Goals to build an inclusive, sustainable future.

Enhancing social inclusion is our common cause

In our current climate, prejudices and fears of difference are often the common denominators; therefore, awareness-raising, sharing knowledge, and expanding theoretical and practical knowledge that promotes and protects human rights are essential to building an inclusive world. In our faculty and university communities' educational, research, scientific, public and practical work, the co-creation with various individuals and stakeholders is outstanding. At the Gusztáv Bárczi Faculty of Special Education, Eötvös Loránd University, we teach our students to be open to the diversity of human existence and to be equipped with evidence-based knowledge, that can contribute to the creation of a society in which no one is excluded.