The theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities is “Transformation Towards Sustainable and Resilient Society for All.”   The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda pledges to “leave no one behind.”  Increasing resilience for all vulnerable populations and reducing their exposure to trauma from economic, social, and environmental events is at the heart of the trauma-informed care movement.

In 1992, the United Nations began the annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.  The UN shares that the goal of this observance is to “promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.”

The UN has aided progress in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities by helping to mainstream disability and promote technological innovations worldwide.   Included in the plan of action are other complimentary goals such as making all cities and human settlements inclusive, as well as making society just, equitable, socially inclusive, and resilient.

UN Headquarters has many activities and speakers planned for December 3-4, 2017.  For those not near New York City, International Day of Persons with Disabilities can be observed by making efforts to help individuals with disabilities find opportunities to realize their potential.  Look for practical ways to include and empower those with disabilities to be full citizens of their communities.  We all benefit from a healthy and resilient community where every person is valued and able to contribute to society.