Health Tips

[Dec 3rd: International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)]

Have you ever wondered why do we do International Days? They are actually occasions to

• educate the public on issues of concern

• mobilize political will and resources to address global problems

• celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. 

Disability is a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.Statistically,

• 650 million people (10% of the world) live with disability

• Mortality for children with disabilities may be as high as 80% in countries where under-five mortality as a whole has decreased to below 20% 

This year, the United Nations (UN) focuses on the empowerment of persons with disabilities for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as anticipated in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which pledges to ‘leave no one behind’ and recognize disability as a cross-cutting issue. This is true as every person deserves to have equal rights and opportunities. 

‘leave no one behind’

Community-based rehabilitation had led the way by focusing on four key development areas – health, education, livelihood and social – and promotes mainstreaming and empowerment. Every child has basic rights to food, education, employment and access to healthcare. A lot of times we often say that the government should do something, while it is true that they have a huge part to play, lay people like you and me can help too. 

General Rules for helping people with disability:

1. Always treat them as equals

2. Always ask before you help

3. Never assume someone does or does not have a disability

4. Do not stare

5. Respect and understand confidentiality

How to help a person who is visually impaired or blind

1. Never pet, play, feed, or talk to a guide dog when he/she is working

2. If a visually impaired person looks disorientated, you may approach him/her and ask if they would like assistance.

3. If a person grants your help, offer him or her your arm, do not take theirs

4. Always identify yourself and/or others when engaging with a person who is visually impaired. 

5. Be verbal.

How to help a person who walks with crutches

1. Always ask the person if they need help before helping

2. Never touch a person’s equipment

3. If you witness a person fall, ask before you help them

How to help a person in a wheelchair

1. Never lean, push, or sit on a person’s wheelchair

2. Feel free to get on her level

3. Keep ramps and accessible walkways clear

How to help a person with a social disability

1. Respect a person’s personal space

2. If they seem upset, feel free to give them some words of encouragement

How to help a person with a learning disability

1. People with certain learning disabilities often prefer spoken material over written material

2. People with auditory learning disabilities often prefer information in written format

3. Some learning disabilities require students to study, take tests, or focus in quiet areas.

How to help someone with speech disability

1. Never finish the sentence for them

2. If you cannot understand, ask them to repeat themselves or repeat it to them for verification.

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Reference:

1. https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-of-persons-with-disabilities

2. https://disabilityawareness4you.wordpress.com/how-you-can-help/

Picture Credit:

1. https://www.inlandrc.org/2018/06/19/disabilityemployment/

2. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/socialdevelopment/brief/world-bank-group-commitments-on-disability-inclusion-development

3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarahkim/2019/10/31/apple-disability-related-emojis/#d2f1b1e59296

4. https://mapped.eu/node/11

5. https://www.unicef.org/bangladesh/en/greater-inclusion-children-disabilities

Written By

Dr. Jessamine Chong Sze Lynn

Reviewed By

Doc2us Medical Board