International Day of Persons With Disabilities: Raising Disability Awareness One Day at a Time

Flag of the United NationsThe percentage of non-institutionalized Americans with disabilities has reached epic proportions. According to the United States Census Bureau, one out of five, or approximately 60 million, Americans suffer from some sort of disability. Almost half of these victims report that their condition keeps them from working. Whether or not you personally suffer from a disabling condition, with numbers like this, you can no longer turn a blind eye to the seriousness of disability.

Awareness of Bias Against the Disabled

Over 26 years ago, the U.S. government passed the Americans With Disabilities Act, guaranteeing equal opportunity for people with disabilities. Since then, more and more victims of manageable conditions have been independently able to support themselves. Needing a wheelchair or requiring certain health restrictions no longer prevents you from being a good hire. However, more serious conditions that affect mobility or cognitive function can make it physically impossible to complete daily tasks, let alone perform work duties with any consistency. As a result, the Social Security Administration receives thousands of applications for disability every year.

People who suffer from a disability continuously struggle to maintain a normal quality of life. Their battle becomes that much more difficult when society ignores them, mocks them, or treats them differently because of their condition or need for disability benefit assistance. Unfortunately, recent media coverage and actions from public figures have begun to normalize bias against anyone who may be different. No matter what your political views are, no one should be subjected to biased rhetoric or prejudice, nor should they be denied their right to live—even if that right requires help.

At Keefe Disability Law, we want to make it clear that no one should feel embarrassed or insignificant because of a debilitating condition. In fact, you deserve respect and recognition for all the hard work you must do to compensate for your limitations. This is why we promote disability awareness and encourage our readers to:

  • Actively learn more about the cause and effect of certain disabilities
  • Understand how Social Security can help those in need
  • Participate in activities to raise disability awareness like those represented during the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

United Nations International Day of Persons With Disabilities (IDPD)

Every December 3rd since 1992, the United Nations has acknowledged disability awareness on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The purpose of this global campaign is to help disabled persons around the world receive information, planning, and acknowledgment to improve their lives. The Division for Social Policy and Development Disability (DSPDD) outlined topics for this year’s discussion, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The 2016 itinerary, entitled “Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want,” explored:

  • Developmental goals disabled persons should set for themselves.
  • The role of these goals in “building a more inclusive and equitable world for persons with disabilities.”
  • Planning for how to establish a more inclusive foundation for the future of persons with disabilities.

Getting Help With a Disability Claim

Need more information about your disability rights? Please feel free to download our free report: The Five Most Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability You’ll not only learn more about your claim options, but you’ll also see how our knowledge and experience with Social Security disability can help you get the benefit approval you need to survive.

Know someone who is having difficulty securing benefits for their disability? Please feel free to share this page with her via email, Facebook, or Twitter. You never know when a simple gesture like sharing an article can have a profound effect on someone else’s life. It won’t cost you a thing, but it may provide the opportunity for someone you care about to get the guidance they need to survive.

Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?

If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.

John L. Keefe
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Founding Attorney, Massachusetts Social Security Disability Lawyer
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