International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Zaktualizowano: 26 lut 2023
On Saturday we celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This important day aims to familiarize the public with the problems that people with disabilities face every day. It is also an opportunity to increase public awareness of the benefits of integrating people with disabilities into every aspect of life. Each year the celebration is focused on a different theme. In 2022, it is about the role that innovation plays in fueling an accessible and equitable world.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities was established by the United Nations in 1992.
There are more than 3 million people with various disabilities in Poland alone. This includes those who have legal confirmation of disability. In fact, the number of all persons with disabilities may reach up to 7 million. This is a significant part of our society.
All of us should try to ensure the integration of people with disabilities into social life. That’s why we’re sharing with you a list of key savior-vivre rules towards people with disabilities.
Before you help, ask if the person needs this help. If they are in an environment that is friendly and accessible, help is usually unnecessary.
Be tactful and careful when initiating physical contact. Some people with disabilities keep their balance with their hands, so grabbing them, even to provide assistance, can disrupt that balance.
Always address the disabled person directly, not their companion or helper.
Remember that parking spaces marked with an envelope are intended for drivers with disabilities. They may require more space when getting in and out of the car. Take this into account when parking your car next to theirs.
Always use words and phrases that work in everyday contact - don't be afraid to tell a blind person "see you later".
For more rules and tips, see the publication "Disability etiquette: Tips on interacting with people with disabilities", written by Judy Cohen 😊
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