International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 2023

United States Proclamation on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, 2023

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International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2023

Since its proclamation in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution 47/3, the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated annually on December 3 around the world. Observance of the IDPD aims to promote understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

The theme of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2023 is “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by people with disabilities”.

Main summary

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we recommit to building a world where people with disabilities around the world are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and have equal opportunities to achieve their dreams.

Many Americans still remember when, just over three decades ago, a person could legally be denied service in a restaurant and employers could refuse to hire them based on their disability. Since the beginning of my career, I have worked hard to change that. One of my first acts as a United States Senator was to co-sponsor the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of disability by any federally funded entity. Years later, I was proud to co-sponsor the Americans with Disabilities Act, landmark legislation that prohibited discrimination against disabled people in workplaces, schools, public transportation, and more.

In the years since, more than 180 countries around the world have passed similar laws, bringing justice to millions of people with disabilities around the world. But there is still much to do at home and abroad to ensure they have equal opportunities. Too often, disabled Americans cannot vote, get to and from school, or enjoy public spaces, and they are paid less to do the same work. Around the world, people with disabilities continue to face discrimination, harassment, exploitation, abuse and violence, which inhibits their full participation in society.

That’s why my Administration has worked to ensure that the dignity and rights of disabled Americans are elevated in every policy we pursue. Through my American Rescue Plan, we have taken steps to improve access to health care for disabled Americans, including providing billions of dollars to all 50 states to expand home and community-based services under Medicaid so that more People with disabilities can live independently in their homes. . Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, we have invested billions more dollars in building a country that works for everyone, from repairing and improving accessibility at airports and transit stations to expanding high-speed Internet access for so more disabled Americans can work, study and stay connected from home. Additionally, the Justice Department proposed standards for state and local governments to make their Internet content and mobile applications more accessible to disabled Americans, so they can easily do things like travel to and from work and school. , take care of themselves and their loved ones, and vote.

My Administration is also working to defend the dignity and freedom of disabled people around the world. For example, I published the first memorandum on Promoting Worker Empowerment, Rights and High Labor Standards Globally, which directed departments and agencies to take into account the particular needs of people with disabilities in promoting the labor rights. At the United Nations General Assembly in September, I met with Central Asian leaders at the first C5+1 Presidential Summit and launched a joint disability rights initiative aimed at mainstreaming the rights of people with disabilities, promote inclusive education and increase accessibility to infrastructure. At the State Department, I reestablished the role of Special Advisor on International Disability Rights so that the needs of people with disabilities are consistently represented in foreign policy. Through our participation as co-chair of the Global Disability Action Network and participant in the World Disability Summit, the United States continues to advocate for equal rights for people with disabilities around the world.

Today, as we celebrate the dignity, resilience and immense contributions of people with disabilities around the world, we recognize that our progress is not just about protecting the rights of people with disabilities, but about promoting disability pride. For many of the more than one billion disabled people around the world, disability is a source of identity and power, and it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities to reach their full potential.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 3, 2023 as International. Day of People with Disabilities. I call on all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of December in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and forty-eight.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

Attribution/Source(s):

This peer-reviewed article related to our Disability Awareness section was selected for publication by Disabled World editors because of its likely interest to readers in our disability community. Although content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length, the article “Global observance: International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 2023” was originally written by Joseph R. Biden Jr and published by Disabled-World.com on 12/2/2023. If you require further information or clarification, you may contact Joseph R. Biden Jr at The White House – whitehouse.gov. Disabled World makes no warranties or representations in connection therewith.

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