International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2025
December 3rd is the International Day for Persons with Disabilities and the theme is “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress. This UN initiative promotes the rights and well-being of people with disabilities in all areas of life. It reminds us of our shared responsibility to build a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive. Promoting disability inclusion is essential for achieving human rights. It goes beyond just physical access; it also means creating an environment where diverse abilities are valued. We can break down the barriers that persons with disabilities face—whether they are physical, social, or economic—through effort and changes in societal attitudes. According to the WHO, 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. In India, there are 26.8 million people with disabilities, which is about 2.21% of the total population. Disability can cause poverty, leading to unemployment and reduced income, prevent access to healthcare, education, and social participation. By fostering disability-inclusive communities, we can meet the needs of persons with disabilities and their families.
This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal of leaving no one behind. Promoting accessible education, skill development, job opportunities, and healthcare help amplify the voices of people with disabilities in policymaking. India’s 2016 Rights of Persons with Disability Act, which follows the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), aims to ensure full and equal enjoyment of rights and freedoms. The act addresses healthcare, education, employment, and accessibility to public places while emphasizing reasonable accommodations.
The honourable Supreme Court has rules and echoed on reasonable accommodation in its one of the verdicts in 2024, a major step toward inclusivity and equality for persons with disabilities in India. The court stressed the need for individualized support and a flexible, inclusive framework. Integrating the skills and talents of persons with disabilities can significantly enhance the country’s economy and let’s work together to create a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
GLRA India is a leader in promoting disability inclusion, gender equality and social rehabilitation for persons with disabilities through community-driven projects. With a strong humanitarian commitment, the organization has become a beacon of hope, restoring confidence and transforming lives. Since it began in 1966, GLRA India has remained focused on providing holistic care and support for sustainable livelihood.
Over its 6 decades of journey, GLRA India has achieved remarkable results with 387 projects across 23 states and 5 Union Territories, impacting the lives of 2.7 million people affected by diseases like leprosy, TB, and lymphatic filariasis, as well as socially and economically rehabilitating 316,000 persons with disabilities. Many inspiring stories and resilient communities illustrate the transformation of millions into lives of dignity. GLRA’s current inclusion projects, through Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID), aim to empower people with disabilities specially women and children. Our project focusses on capacity building, networking across sectors, promoting equality by reducing domestic / gender-based violence, facilitating access to healthcare and social schemes, and forming Organizations of People with Disabilities (OPDs) to support rights claims. Looking ahead, GLRA India envisions inclusive communities that promote gender equality. On the occasion of International Day for Persons with Disability (IDPD) 2025, we encourage readers to join this mission. GLRA invites you to be a change agent in creating a barrier-free world and to play a vital role in making inclusivity a shared journey through small actions.
Your small act of kindness can transform their lives and restore confidence.
Donations are tax-exempted
under section 80G of the
Income Tax Act, 1961.
www.glraindia.org
Bank Details
Account Name: GERMAN LEPROSY AND TB RELIEF ASSOCIATION INDIA
Account Number: 1345967218
Account CRN: 213670657
Branch IFSC Code: KKBK0000469
Home Branch: Anna Nagar, Chennai