International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Deep discussion in the conference hall where the World Report on Disability was launched in Togo, November 29, 2011

On December 3rd 2011, the United Nations and the world celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities. cbm and our global partners join this celebration, an initiative to highlight the rights and dignity of Persons with Disabilities worldwide.

Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development

In 2011 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) will be commemorated under the general theme “Together for a better world for all: Including persons with disabilities in development” with four supporting sub-themes to draw attention to key areas that work in synergy.

cbm is focusing on the sub-theme ‘Mainstreaming disability: including a disability perspective in all development processes’.

Mainstreaming disability in development

cbm’s development work in over 70 countries includes specific projects and programmes aimed at empowering persons with disabilities, as well as advocating for disability to be included in all general international development efforts.

This year, the World Report on Disability brought us new estimates of the prevalence of disability- there are an estimated one billion people with disability globally- the vast majority living in developing countries where cbm works. Furthermore, a quarter of the global population is directly affected by disability, when we include all families and individuals impacted. Disability is a concern for everyone.

cbm calls for development efforts around the world to include disability issues when determining policies and programmes, as well as allocating funds for developmental programmes and projects. Mainstreaming disability in development is a strategy for achieving equality for persons with disabilities.

From cbm's President Professor Allen Foster

Professor Allen Foster points out the importance of 'Including persons with disabilities in development', the specific call from World Disability Day 2011:

"World Disability Day this year reminds us of the importance of ensuring that the rights of people with disabilities are included in all International Cooperation. This includes, but is not limited to, development aid. It is also critical that all stakeholders involved in international crises ensure that persons with disabilities and their families are included in emergency response.

"In our globalised world, where state boundaries no longer limit the development of business relationships, industry and IT research, we have so many potential channels to include persons with disabilities and make the UN Convention a reality around the world. The essential first step is to involve persons with disabilities themselves."