National Disability Independence Day: Let’s Encourage Equality, Inclusion & Diversity

As of 2022, around 2.2% of the Indian population suffer from physical or intellectual disability. Therefore, various voluntary groups, unions, and disability groups run National Disability Independence Day every year. The idea behind disability Independence Day is to increase their social participation in the community. This encourages people to provide equal opportunities to challenging people so that they can contribute to the growth of the nation. 

Read on to know how you can celebrate this year’s Disability Independence Day. This article will guide you on how you can increase the feeling of independence in them. Let’s dig deeper!

What is Disability Independence Day?

Every year, National Disability Independence Day is celebrated on July 26th to recognise the significance of people with disabilities' participation in the community. This day promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion for people with disabilities and prohibits unlawful discriminatory attitudes against persons with mobility changes. 

Overall, the day aims to raise awareness about the rights of specially-abled people in several areas, including transportation, accommodation, jobs, telecommunication, and state and local body services. As a result, they receive mobilised support to live with dignity, equal rights, and well-being. Plus, their confidence level increases to participate actively in cultural, political, and economic life. 

How to Raise Disability Independence Awareness?

Raising awareness for disability is essential because it breaks down the barriers to their mobility. This motivates their full participation in communities. It promotes establishing a society that is based on equality, diversity, and inclusion. 

Are you looking for ways how to raise disability independence awareness, right? Check out the following pointers to know how you can support them on this day:

Initiate an Interaction 

Try to interact with people with special needs. They also want respect and acceptance in society. But often, they become the victims of social isolation. Humble conversation and nice body language can help them develop an interest in society. 

This allows them to break barriers of disability. If they are accompanied by a companion or interpreter, interact with them. Try to know their story but in a respectful way. This may surely help them come out of social isolation. 

Ask before Assisting Them

Just because they have special needs doesn’t mean that they need your help. Never try to help them without asking. Your considerate way to respond to their needs shows your respect for them. This helps them uplift confidence and self-dependence. 

Do Self-Introspection

To celebrate the day of disability and independence, you should introspect. Ask yourself how you can offer them various opportunities. Your first step in this direction can lead to a positive change for persons with mobility challenges in society.

Educate Others

In today’s digital landscape, the best way to educate people is on social media. You can use the hashtag #DisabilityIndependenceDay on your social posts to spread awareness about them and their needs. 

How to Encourage Independent Living for People with Health Impairments?

Be it is a physical disability or intellectual disability, there are several ways to encourage independent living of disabled persons:

Focus on the Person’s Ability, Not Disability

Always remember that individuals with disabilities also have abilities and emotions. They can pursue their goals and dreams with their potential and skills. All they need is the right direction. So, never deny them the opportunities they deserve. Encourage their participation in jobs and assist them in living an independent life just like others.

Empower them with Decision Making

Avoid building a highly protective environment for disabled persons. This can prevent them from living independently. If things change quickly in their lives, fear and anxiety can take over. It is better to empower them with decision-making. Avoid stopping them if they want to do something themselves. 

Get into Community Activities 

You can work towards community participation. For instance, you can encourage a family member to participate in daily home activities that they can. This truly makes a lot of sense in boosting their confidence level. 

Help them Break Ice

Anything that you can do to break their social isolation is great. You can accompany them outside and make them interact with strangers. This can help them a lot in building confidence again. They may start communicating with others normally. Over time, this can help them live an independent life even in your absence. 

Encourage to Follow a Healthy Lifestyle

Individuals with different abilities should also follow the cycle of light exercise, healthy food, and a happy life. This is a vital step to live an independent life. So, find out how you can help your loved ones live a healthy life. Educate them about the benefits of incorporating nutritious food and exercise. You can help them follow a daily routine in which exercise is the priority. 

Furthermore, check their daily diets. Over time, they can become habitual of this routine and start living a healthy lifestyle without your guidance. 

Increase their Interest in Learning, Employment, and Volunteer Services

People with mobility challenges need an objective in their lives. Whether they can make money or not, working is essential for them to help them grow. This truly makes a lot of sense in giving them the purpose of living a life. 

If they want, they can offer their voluntary services to any organisation. The feeling of social acceptance that they gain with teamwork can ignite their passion and determination to live a more dignified life. Furthermore, there is no end to learning new things. You can encourage and guide them to stay updated with technology and find new opportunities to upgrade their skills. 

Over to You

Disability Independence Day advocates for equality, inclusion, and diversity for disabled people. It aims to create a healthy social environment for them so they can explore endless possibilities to live better lives. The idea is not to ‘help’ them; instead, the fundamental idea is to promote their independence. So, this year on 26th July, do your bit to raise awareness about Disability Independence Day. 

>> Also Read: What Disablements Are Covered in Health Insurance Plans?

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only: Policy Assurance and Claims at the underwriter's discretion.