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The International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023, with its theme “United in action to save and achieve the SDGs for, with, and by persons with disabilities,” showcases the significance of collaboration and involvement of persons with disabilities in efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed every December 3rd, serves as a crucial moment for the global community to raise awareness, understanding, and take tangible actions in addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. Disabilities are conditions that bring about differences in individuals’ abilities and skills. Persons with disabilities often encounter various barriers in their daily lives, such as accessing education, employment, healthcare services, and broader social participation. Therefore, the theme of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023 underscores the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders in embracing persons with disabilities to achieve the SDGs.
The SDGs themselves are a set of objectives established by the United Nations to attain sustainable development by 2030. The SDGs provide guidance for UN member states to address various social, economic, and environmental issues facing the world today. However, inclusive participation, including persons with disabilities, is essential to achieve the SDGs. Collaboration between persons with disabilities and various stakeholders, such as governments, NGOs, private institutions, academic sectors, and the general public, is crucial in realizing these goals.
Persons with disabilities possess unique life experiences and profound understanding of their own challenges and needs. Therefore, involving them in policy and program planning, implementation, and evaluation is key to ensuring that actions taken align with their genuine needs.
To achieve the SDGs for persons with disabilities, several aspects need special attention. Firstly, accessibility must be a top priority. This entails designing physical environments, information, and communication to be accessible to all individuals, regardless of the type and extent of their disabilities. Public spaces, transportation, information technology, mass media, as well as educational and healthcare facilities must be designed while considering the needs of everyone.
Additionally, inclusive education must also be prioritized. Every individual has the right to quality education, including persons with disabilities. Efforts must be made to ensure that they can access equal and inclusive education, where their needs and potentials are recognized and valued. Remember that persons with disabilities are not passive recipients of aid or sympathy; they are individuals who have positive contributions to offer to society.
Furthermore, active participation of persons with disabilities in social, economic, and political life should be encouraged. Respecting their right to participate in decision-making processes that affect their own lives is a crucial part of our efforts to achieve equality and inclusion. Concrete steps and real actions are required to ensure that their voices are heard and their perspectives are appreciated.
Such collaborative approaches are vital because only through close collaboration and an inclusive framework can we achieve the SDGs by basing actions on the genuine needs of persons with disabilities. Inclusion is not just a process; it is a principle that involves equal and fair participation of everyone, acceptance of diversity, and equality in all aspects of life.
The theme of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023 demonstrates that solidarity and cooperation are key in fulfilling our roles as a global community. Through genuine actions and collaboration, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world for persons with disabilities. Remember that every individual, without exception, has potential and valuable contributions to make in society. Together, let us strive to achieve the SDGs collectively, united in action to save and achieve common goals with and by persons with disabilities. (**)
Thailand 3 December, 2023
Opinion by: H.Norman Yulian, Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Persons with Disabilities.
