International Day of Persons with Disability: Bangladesh perspective

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was introduced by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992 to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities. The day commemorates the 2006 adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a globally recognised observance that promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. This day highlights the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities while celebrating their achievements and contributions to society.

OBSERVING THE DAY: The day is observed every year on December 3 to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society. Emphasis is given to development and raising awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life. WHO and UN observe the day concomitantly this day, reinforcing the importance of securing the rights of people with disabilities so they can participate fully, equally, and effectively in society with others and face no barriers in all aspects of their lives. In 2022, the WHO launched the Global Report on Health Equity for Persons with Disabilities for those who experience inequity.  The UN theme of the day in this year is: Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.

INCLUSION IN BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT WORLD: Disability inclusion has long been a topic of discussion in the business world, but it has only recently begun to receive the attention it deserves. In the past, disability inclusion was often seen as a nice-to-have rather than a necessity, with many businesses failing to prioritise it. However, as more and more research has been conducted, it has become clear that disability inclusion is the right thing to do and makes good business sense.

There are many reasons why businesses need to prioritise disability inclusion. One of the most important is that it helps to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. A diverse workforce brings a range of perspectives and experiences to the table, which can help stimulate creativity and innovation. On the other hand, inclusion ensures that all employees feel valued and supported, leading to increased engagement and productivity.

Another reason why businesses need to priorities disability inclusion is that it can help to improve their reputation. In today's world, consumers are increasingly conscious of the values and practices of the companies they do business with. By demonstrating a commitment to disability inclusion, businesses can show that they are responsible corporate citizens and attract a loyal customer base.

In addition to these more general benefits, businesses prioritising disability inclusion can also gain specific advantages. For example, a more diverse and inclusive workforce can help tap into new markets and customer segments. This is particularly relevant for businesses that operate in sectors with a high proportion of disabled people, such as healthcare or social care.

Furthermore, disability inclusion can also lead to cost savings. For example, making reasonable adjustments for disabled employees can help reduce absence rates and turnover, saving money in the long run. In addition, businesses that are seen as disability-inclusive can often attract a wider pool of talented candidates, which can help to drive down recruitment costs.

So, how can businesses make disability inclusion a higher priority? One of the most important things is to establish a clear policy on disability inclusion, which should set out the steps that the business is taking to promote equality and inclusivity. This might include things like providing training for employees on disability awareness, making reasonable adjustments for disabled employees, and ensuring that all communication is accessible.

BARRIERS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN BANGLADESH: In Bangladesh, individuals with physical disabilities face a multitude of barriers that critically impact their socioeconomic inclusion and quality of life. Those who need continued medical rehabilitation services to maintain quality of life face negligence, especially at low resource outset. Inclusion and access to public services are also denied in most places. Public places like shopping centres and government offices are not disabled-friendly. Many have no ramp for wheelchair users. Public toilets are not modified for people with disabilities. Most hospitals and public service points have no separate queues for physically challenged people.  Despite global advancements towards inclusivity, the realities for these individuals remain harshly constrained by persistent social, economic, and environmental challenges. In Bangladesh, we should focus on the daily challenges the disabled people encounter, societal attitudes towards them, and the effectiveness of existing support systems in facilitating their integration and participation in society.

Women with disabilities, in particular, encounter enormous barriers to socioeconomic inclusion, ranging from exclusion from education and employment to increased risks of violence and social isolation. Additionally, during crises such as natural disasters, individuals with disabilities experience exacerbated conditions due to inadequate infrastructure and lack of warning systems, significantly hindering their ability to secure safety and maintain livelihoods. Bangladeshi disabled face unprecedented challenges due to its high population density, frequent natural disasters, and pronounced socioeconomic constraints. These factors exacerbate the hardships faced by this vulnerable population, highlighting an urgent need for robust and effective policies and programs. Cultural perceptions and societal stigmas have long influenced the treatment and recognition of disabilities in Bangladesh, often leading to exclusion and discrimination, particularly against women and girls with disabilities. We need to give more attention to those who were severely injured during the July-August mass revolution and who need extensive medical rehabilitation services to value their sacrifices. Societies working with people with disabilities observe this day in a befitting manner to raise awareness among people and draw attention to the government to improve facilities for disabled people.

Dr Md. Shahidur Rahman is Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Retd), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. [email protected]