Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan
(himangshur1989@gmail.com)
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has become a cornerstone of global efforts to advance the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. Every year, on December 3, the world comes together to acknowledge the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and reaffirm a commitment to ensuring their rights. In 2024, with the theme “Leadership and Participation of Persons with Disabilities toward an Inclusive, Accessible, and Sustainable Post-COVID-19 World,” the significance of IDPD has grown even more profound. This theme emphasizes the urgency of integrating disability rights and leadership into the global agenda, especially in the aftermath of a pandemic that exposed the vulnerabilities of disabled communities. The IDPD 2024 serves as a platform for pushing for systemic change that goes beyond mere policy, advocating for transformative leadership that places people with disabilities at the forefront of the global conversation on accessibility, sustainability, and equality.
Disability rights are human rights, yet the world has made slow progress in providing full access to education, employment, healthcare, and political participation for disabled individuals. While significant strides have been made in many parts of the world, such as the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2006, the practical application of these rights has remained limited in numerous regions. For instance, disabled individuals are disproportionately affected by poverty and marginalization. In many low- and middle-income countries, the lack of accessible infrastructure, healthcare services, and education systems means that people with disabilities continue to face severe barriers to social and economic participation.
The 2024 theme of IDPD highlights the importance of leadership and participation of disabled people in the formulation of policies and programs that affect them. This call for leadership positions reflects a growing recognition that people with disabilities should not just be beneficiaries of aid but active agents in decision-making processes. True inclusivity can only be achieved when disabled people have a seat at the table, whether it’s in government, corporations, or civil society organizations. The absence of people with disabilities from leadership roles in these sectors has led to policies that do not fully address their needs, further perpetuating exclusion and inequality.
Globally, there is a pressing need to empower persons with disabilities to take on leadership roles. Representation in leadership not only brings attention to the unique challenges faced by disabled individuals but also allows for solutions that are designed by and for them. For instance, in the healthcare sector, decisions about medical access, treatments, and services must be informed by the experiences of those living with disabilities. Similarly, in the education sector, the participation of disabled people in leadership positions can ensure the development of inclusive curricula and accessible learning environments. This participation, in turn, helps ensure that the policies and programs created are truly inclusive and sustainable in the long term.
The 2024 IDPD theme also underscores the need for an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable post-COVID-19 world. The pandemic exposed the deep inequalities faced by disabled communities, particularly when it came to healthcare access, education, and employment. Lockdowns and restrictions disproportionately impacted disabled people, who often rely on in-person services and support systems. Additionally, the sudden shift to digital platforms for work, education, and social interaction further marginalized disabled individuals who lacked access to accessible technology or the skills to navigate online environments.
As the world enters a post-pandemic recovery phase, it is crucial that the global community ensures that persons with disabilities are not left behind. This means ensuring that recovery plans are inclusive of disabled people’s needs and that accessibility is built into all recovery efforts. The pandemic revealed that digital accessibility is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Governments and businesses must now prioritize the development of inclusive digital spaces that accommodate all users, including those with visual, auditory, and cognitive disabilities. Failure to do so will only widen the digital divide and further isolate disabled individuals.
Economic recovery is another key area where disability rights must be integrated into the global agenda. Economic exclusion of people with disabilities has been a longstanding issue, with disabled individuals often facing significant barriers to employment. Employers may not provide reasonable accommodations, or workplaces may not be accessible, limiting job opportunities for disabled individuals. The pandemic’s economic impact disproportionately affected people with disabilities, who were more likely to be employed in sectors hardest hit by the crisis, such as retail, hospitality, and personal services. Moving forward, it is critical that recovery strategies include policies aimed at reducing unemployment and underemployment among people with disabilities, including promoting inclusive hiring practices and ensuring accessible workplaces.
The educational sector also needs to focus on creating a truly inclusive system. While significant advances have been made in integrating disabled students into mainstream schools, many systems remain ill-equipped to provide the support these students need to thrive. The pandemic exacerbated this issue, as many disabled students lacked access to the necessary tools and resources for online learning. IDPD 2024 calls for a commitment to ensuring that the education system is inclusive and accessible, from primary education to higher learning. By providing accessible educational opportunities, societies not only empower individuals with disabilities but also unlock their potential to contribute meaningfully to the workforce and society.
The social stigma associated with disability remains a pervasive issue that exacerbates the challenges faced by disabled individuals. Often, people with disabilities are viewed as objects of pity or charity rather than equal members of society with their own agency and aspirations. This perception needs to change. The active participation of disabled people in leadership roles can challenge these stereotypes and promote a more positive and realistic portrayal of disability. By showcasing the capabilities and achievements of disabled individuals, IDPD can help shift cultural attitudes and reduce stigma, leading to greater societal acceptance and integration.
Additionally, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in leadership roles helps foster a more diverse and equitable society. Research has shown that diverse leadership leads to better decision-making and more innovative solutions. For example, organizations with diverse boards are better equipped to understand and meet the needs of a wider range of customers and employees. In the context of disability, diverse leadership ensures that the needs of disabled people are fully represented in decision-making processes, resulting in policies and services that better serve the entire population.
In conclusion, the IDPD 2024 theme, “Leadership and Participation of Persons with Disabilities toward an Inclusive, Accessible, and Sustainable Post-COVID-19 World,” reflects the urgency of integrating disability rights into the global development agenda. By empowering people with disabilities to take on leadership roles and ensuring their active participation in all aspects of society, we can create a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable world. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for urgent action, and IDPD serves as a reminder that this is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity. Inclusive leadership will not only ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are met but will also contribute to the broader goals of equality, accessibility, and social justice. To achieve this, the global community must work together to remove barriers, provide equal opportunities, and create a world where disability is no longer a barrier to full participation in society.