United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities

According to the most current statistics, one billion people throughout the world has a disability of some kind, with one-fifth of them experiencing a significant disability. In the United States, one in five people have a disability. Some of the most common disabilities include those having to do with significant hearing, vision, or mobility impairments. Dementia, frequent depression, and other types of mental health issues that interfere with daily activities, are also considered disabilities.

While there is a wide variety of disabilities that affect people of all ages, most disabilities have a couple of things in common, and that is they usually interfere with the ability to learn and to work. Many strides have been made in recent years to bring awareness, but many advocates realize that much more needs to be done when it comes to the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In doing so, they helped to create awareness of persons with disabilities in every aspect of life, including economics, politics, and culture. This year's theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is "Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all."


Part of the goal of the United Nations is to implement the 2030 Agenda, which pledges to "leave no one behind" when it comes to inclusion, sustainable development, and promoting a resilient society. This year's observation will be taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York where there will be panel discussions and cultural events.

While it is a good thing that the United Nations understands the importance of bringing awareness to persons with disabilities, some say that more needs to be done in order to help these persons become active members of the workforce.

The National Telecommuting Institute (NTI) is one such organization that helps to do just that. With a mission to identify and develop work-at-home jobs for Americans that are physically disabled, NTI has been training and finding work-at-home jobs for people with disabilities since 1995. Some of these employees have found jobs at U.S. government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and smaller businesses. In 2012, NTI expanded our offerings with  LandAjob, a division that helps Americans with Disabilities obtain on-site jobs as a way to assist them in finding sustainable employment.

If you are interested in learning more about our programs, visit our @Home website at goo.gl/dcQQmB or LandAjob at goo.gl/UZ2fif. Maybe NTI can help you on your journey toward a sustainable future.