Empowering the disabled

We commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on the third of December every year, a day dedicated to acknowledging the struggles, achievements, and contributions of individuals with disabilities worldwide. This day serves as a platform to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and advocate the rights and well-being of people with disabilities-this year's theme: Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress: Bangladesh Perspectives: Bangladesh is a low-resource country in South Asia with a high population density. Natural calamities, road traffic accidents, burns, and neurological conditions like stroke are the principal causes of disability in this country. The July 24 uprising left thousands of people disabled throughout the country. Treatment and rehabilitation facilities are very poor in Bangladesh. Government's support is inadequate. Persons with disabilities and their households face challenges and barriers in getting treatment and rehabilitation facilities. Financial constraints are the main reasons for inadequate treatment and rehabilitation facilities. People in low-resource settings at the grassroots level are most vulnerable to suffering an accident or a disabling disease. They are more likely to live in poverty. They continue to face discrimination in employment, receiving lower wages and being overrepresented in the informal sector. Social protection systems are uneven in coverage and inadequate when considering extra disability-related costs, frequently excluding persons with disabilities in the informal sector; and many persons with disability experiences within care and support systems continue to be denied their dignity and autonomy.

Treatment facilities: Treatment by modern technology, like robotic rehabilitation, AI technology in rehabilitation setups can bring a huge number of disabled at work. They will not be a burden to the family or society; rather, they can contribute to the national economy. But in Bangladesh, most of the disabled are poor and have resource constraints. They should be supported by the government. Robotic rehabilitation services have just started in the Super Specialized Hospital of Bangladesh Medical University, which can serve a very limited number of patients. Robotic rehabilitation services should be available to all government medical colleges and medical institutes so that a large number of disabled patients can avail the treatment. Caregivers' training should be given to the disabled patients' attendants at discharge. Long-term rehabilitation plan and assistive devices, if needed, should be provided. Unfortunately, we have no national database for the disabled to access their healthcare and other needs.

The United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy

When launching the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy in June 2019, the Secretary-General stated that the United Nations should lead by example and raise the Organization's standards and performance on disability inclusion-across all pillars of work, from headquarters to the field. The United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy provides the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion through all pillars of the work of the United Nations. Through the Strategy, the United Nations system reaffirms that the full and complete realization of the human rights of all persons with disabilities is an inalienable, integral, and indivisible part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Mounting challenges of the disabled: Accessibility: Accessibility to physical spaces, information, and technology is often insufficient, leaving persons with disabilities at a disadvantage. A more accessible world is not just a wish but a fundamental right. In accordance with Article 9 of the UN charter rights of persons with disability, Bangladeshi disabled people in most places are denied access or priority. In public transport, reservations of seats are not maintained. In public places, there are no separate queues for the disabled. In most of the buildings, there are no ramps for wheelchair users.

Social services: Poverty eradication, promotion of full and productive employment and decent work for all, and social integration are interrelated, mutually reinforcing, and require an enabling environment to be achieved simultaneously. The inclusion of persons with disabilities as both agents and beneficiaries of social development is indispensable. Disability inclusion in all aspects of social, economic, cultural, and political life is therefore an imperative progress social development depends on, and indeed necessitates, the inclusion of all segments of society.

Discrimination: Discrimination against people with disabilities remains a pervasive challenge in society. It takes various forms, from limited employment opportunities to unequal access to education, all of which impede inclusivity.

Healthcare Disparities: Persons with disabilities often confront healthcare disparities, facing unequal access and quality of care. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensure healthcare systems are inclusive and responsive to their needs.

Stigma: Stigmatization and misconceptions about disabilities persist, causing social exclusion. Disrupting these stigmas and fostering positive narratives are pivotal in creating a more inclusive environment.

Legislation: The foundation for promoting inclusivity lies in robust legislation and policies that protect the rights of persons with disabilities. These laws should address discrimination, ensure accessibility, and advocate inclusivity in areas like education and employment.

Breaking down the barriers: Challenging negative attitudes and breaking down barriers are essential components of the journey towards inclusivity. This involves changing societal perceptions of disability and dismantling physical and social barriers that hinder participation and access.

Empowering: Empowerment is at the heart of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Empowering individuals with disabilities involves equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities needed to lead fulfilling and independent lives. Here are some ways in which empowerment can be fostered: International cooperation, technological advancements, and the power of social media all play essential roles in the quest for inclusivity. The Sustainable Development Goals underscore our collective responsibility to leave no one behind, and the global movement for disability rights is gaining momentum.

As we commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us remember that inclusivity is a journey, not a destination. It requires the active involvement of individuals, communities, governments, and organizations. By working together, we can build a world where diversity is celebrated, and everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and empowered life.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is not just a one-day event; it represents an ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible world. It is a day to reflect on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, but more importantly, it is a day to celebrate their remarkable achievements and contributions.

To achieve a more inclusive society, we must continue to challenge discrimination, promote accessibility, and raise awareness. We must also support legislation that protects the rights of persons with disabilities, foster universal design, and empower individuals to advocate for themselves.

As we commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us remember that inclusivity is a journey, not a destination. It requires the active involvement of individuals, communities, governments, and organizations. By working together, we can build a world where diversity is celebrated, and everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to live a fulfilling and empowered life. In Bangladesh, we need a national database for the disabled where healthcare and other needs of the disabled will be reflected. Community-based Rehabilitation could be a better option to reach ailing disabled throughout the country.

The writer is Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Bangladesh Medical University

shahidurpmrbd@gmail.com