Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities

A day that reminds us how essential accessibility, participation, and self-determination are for all people — and how much work still lies ahead. A day meant to highlight that true inclusion can only succeed when all people — with visible or invisible disabilities, of all genders, identities, and forms of expression — are heard, respected, and included.

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The UN General Assembly established the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 1992 with Resolution 47/3. The goal of this day isto raise awareness of the lived realities of persons with disabilities worldwide and to advocate for their dignity, rights, and well-being.
At the same time, the day is meant to show how much our society benefits when persons with disabilities are naturally included in all areas of political, social, economic, and cultural life.

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But visibility is not always a given. Many disabilities are invisible — chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, or neurodivergent ways of being that are not immediately apparent.
Others are visible and shape people’s everyday lives directly. Both forms impact life, and both deserve recognition, support, and barrier-free access to all areas of life.

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Today, we also want to highlight the perspectives and needs of trans*, inter*, agender*, and non-binary* persons with disabilities. They often experience multiple forms of discrimination — for example in healthcare, in administrative settings, in school, or at work.

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Inclusion means considering gender diversity.

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Accessibility means leaving no one behind — neither because of a visible nor an invisible disability, nor because of gender or identity.

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Let us continue working together to ensure that all people have equal opportunities to participate, to grow, and to safely be themselves.