International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3rd December.
. Prosthetic leg image; Credit: © Shutterstock
Technology is now a major impact upon our lives, not least on those of us who are disabled. From mobility to simply using computers in diverse ways, the effect is astounding. People who could fee useless to society can become commuters, artists and scientists. Their access to goods and services and the rise in their standard of living can be much improved. But what about those who cannot have even the simplest technology?
This year's theme for the International Day is Sustainable Development: The promise of technology
. Harnessing the technologies to help the process of inclusion will release the full and equal participation of disabled people and help sustainable development in particular. We should all pay special attention to 3 themes:
Disability-Inclusive Sustainable Development Goals
Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Responses
Creating Enabling Work Environments
The SDGs (sustainable development goals) in the 1st theme would involve assistive technology and associated access problems. Disaster risks and responses must be programmed in future to reduce the high mortality of the disabled, elderly and others. New early-warning systems and navigation applications that are familiar to many could save thousands of lives in less inhabited areas, especially where the society is low-tech. The 3rd theme is at work, where we can all help. The UN Declaration of Human Rights is, as always Universal
. Negative employer attitudes tend to result from a lack of accessibility to the workplace or the actual employer's attitude (discrimination.) The openness, accessibility and inclusiveness of most places of work should be assured with governmental help and promotion, otherwise we all lose the contribution of the brains, ability and experience of 1 billion disabled people.
Today is all about escaping from social, economic and attitudinal barriers. More information can be found at the UN site. We all benefit, while the disabled in developing countries will be able to make the greatest steps forward. Let us all look forward to that.
Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing
