The 3rd of December is the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which aims to increase understanding of disability issues, and encourage the support of the dignity, rights and well-being of those with disabilities. This day also showcases the benefits of integrating people with disabilities in all aspects of life. The aim of the day is to facilitate their inclusion in political, social, economic and cultural roles.
The TED talk by Jennie Fenton below explains the importance of inclusion, belonging and disability resolution.

She also looks at the broader changes happening in the world for people who live with disability and outlines some of the ways that Bellingen, as a community, as well as people, as individuals, can do their part for this revolution.
For 2015, the UN have set the theme to be “Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities???. This theme emphasises the essential right of the disabled to participate in public life, and is especially important for establishing and upholding a society stable, democratic, equal and active society. It is vital that this message is heard, understood and acted upon, especially to the one billion people living with disabilities worldwide, who are barred from social and political inclusion, especially on transportation, in employment and education. She concludes the need for the removal of the ‘us vs them’ mentality which is embedded in the media, society, and the workplace. There is a clear need to appreciate the possibilities and potential of those with disabilities, which can only be fulfilled when there is a greater sense of belonging and inclusion for them.
Our Medical programme in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, provides medical facilities to many people, including those with disabilities, to cater to their immediate health needs. Beyond this, our Livelihood programme has allowed for a greater focus on inclusion of people with disabilities. The livelihood programme includes a ‘Self-Sustainable Tricycle for Disabled Project’ has allowed for the distribution of 42 tricycles to the disabled. We are thankful to have been able to assist them in greater social inclusion within employment and society. We did so by providing them access to our micro business scheme. As a part of this project, every tricycle has a seat, a serving display, and a store box to allow beneficiaries to earn a living from the mobile unit. This allows the disabled people to improve their financial status, whilst by providing them with the means to be independent, work with dignity and offer their services to society.

Join AKF in celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities, by raising awareness amongst your family and friends, and donating to livelihood programme today!.