Celebrating Disability Awareness Day-July 14th

By: Kaylee Powell

July 14th is a significant day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating individuals with disabilities. Disabilities Awareness Day (DAD) aims to promote inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for everyone regardless of physical or mental abilities. This day highlights the achievements of all differently-abled individuals to remind the community of their success and contributions to society. It also acknowledges the different barriers put up for individuals with disabilities and works on bringing the community together to remove them.

The Goal of Disability Awareness Day

DAD works to highlight what people with disabilities can do throughout their everyday work and life through three avenues: independence, art/entertainment, and aids.

Advocacy

Disability Awareness Day is important because it brings to light struggles that abled-bodied people may not be aware and shows the different ways people can be more inclusive to everyone to make a safer and more comfortable world. Being aware of these challenges creates better advocates and allies for the community, and here are a few ways you can be more inclusive during and after Disability Awareness Day.

● Accommodations: Many people with disabilities, whether it be physical or mental, would greatly benefit from having accommodations that allow them to succeed. This can range from an aid in the classroom to wider door openings, to advanced technology. The goal is to help individuals be able to complete tasks.

● Advocate for Equal Employment: Being able to work independently is essential for individuals with disabilities to gain their own autonomy and economic standing. Employers can and should work to create inclusive workspaces that accommodate the needs of all individuals and work against discrimination.

● Healthcare: Advocating for more inclusive healthcare can provide better, more individualized care for people with disabilities without putting more strain on them physically and emotionally.

● Participating in Events: Attending events hosted by people with disabilities will give you a better outlook on the barriers that are still up and how you can help make a change. Encouraging people with disabilities to participate in events like these also enhances their quality of life as it promotes social integration.

Overall, becoming involved in Disabilities Awareness Day allows everyone a chance to understand the barriers that individuals with disabilities are overcoming every day and gives the community a chance to learn, advocate, and grow. Being an advocate with individuals doesn’t end Disability Awareness Day, but it offers a place to start.

Source:

“Disability Awareness Day.” World Forgotten Children, www.worldforgottenchildren.org/blog/disability-awareness-day/72#:~:text=The%20goal%20for%20this%20day,to%20social%20and%20cultural%20life. Accessed 19 June 2024.

Skill Zone Ltd, https://www.skillzone.net. “Disability Awareness Day.” Disability Awareness Day Warrington Cheshire, www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk/. Accessed 19 June 2024.