Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities and we’re highlighting efforts to integrate the disabled into community life.

Wayne Ireland at Workington Reds' disability football open day (Image: Tom Kay)
The event raises awareness about the ways in which disabilities affect people economically, socially, and politically, and promotes the rights of people with disabilities. It also aims to ensure the wellbeing and dignity of those who are disabled, by educating people to understand what it is like to live with a disability.

The Reds Juniors at the disability football open dayThe Reds Juniors at the disability football open day (Image: Tom Kay)
International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been commemorated by the UN since 1992, with each year focusing on a different issue faced by people with disabilities. Before that, the UN General Assembly declared 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons, and the decade between 1983 and 1992 was the United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons.

Disabled badge holders parked on the yellow lines outside the Opera Bingo in Denton Holme, where other cars were parked illegallyDisabled badge holders parked on the yellow lines outside the Opera Bingo in Denton Holme, where other cars were parked illegally (Image: Stuart Walker)
A disability describes an impairment that can be physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, or a chronic disease. Disabilities impact people not only physically and mentally, but also in all other aspects of their lives, and people with disabilities are often discriminated against.

Carlisle Mencap held an event at Tullie House in Carlisle to create public artwork as part of Learning Disabilities Week (Image: David Hollins)
With International Day of Persons with Disabilities the United Nations wants to create discussions and actions towards a world that is more disability-friendly, and a society that is inclusive.

Team leader Dan Campbell talks with Sophia Harper about her work at the Mencap event at Tullie HouseTeam leader Dan Campbell talks with Sophia Harper about her work at the Mencap event at Tullie House (Image: David Hollins)

To achieve this, infrastructures and measures must be in place to cater for people with disabilities and it must be ensured that they get the same rights as everyone else.

Taxi driver Jimmy Shankland received a parking fine while picking up Jack Hood, 88, and wife Jean, 85, who were elderly and disabledTaxi driver Jimmy Shankland received a parking fine while picking up Jack Hood, 88, and wife Jean, 85, who were elderly and disabled (Image: Newsquest)

On this day, many organisations put on events, conferences, talks and discussions in their local communities where people with disabilities can go and talk about their experiences or showcase their talents and abilities.

Families were unhappy that Cavendish House in Workington, a respite centre for adults with learning disabilities, was suddenly closed to admissionsFamilies were unhappy that Cavendish House in Workington, a respite centre for adults with learning disabilities, was suddenly closed to admissions (Image: Newsquest)
On a personal level, you can reflect on how you treat people with disabilities and how you can be better and more inclusive.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visits the Carlisle Riding for the Disabled Association at Blackdyke Farm, BlackfordHer Royal Highness The Princess Royal visits the Carlisle Riding for the Disabled Association at Blackdyke Farm, Blackford (Image: Newsquest)

If you know someone with a disability you are encouraged to learn more about it to understand what they go through on a daily basis. It is also important that children are taught to be compassionate and kind to disabled people. The day is a great opportunity to donate to a charity that helps people with disabilities.