3rd December is International Day of Persons with
Disabilities.

World Health Organization estimates that 15% of the world’s
population, that is more than one billion people have some form of disability
and out of this, 450 million are living with a mental or neurological
condition. Mental illness has been recognized as one of the disabilities under
the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and
Full Participation) Act, 1995 and Mental health Act of 2017.

There is a significant focus needed to spread awareness in
the understanding of disabilities that are not visible such as mental
illnesses, partial or complete visual or hearing impairments, learning, and
cognitive disabilities.  Studies show that two-thirds of people with these
conditions do not seek professional help due to stigma and also feel that they
may be discriminated, especially at the workplace. Although the pandemic has
normalised some conversations around mental wellbeing, there is still a lot
more that can be done.

Stressors caused due to the pandemic have impacted many of
us, but these stressors have been heightened for people with disabilities.
Social isolation, loneliness, not getting enough caregiving support, lack of
access to information and services, and disruption in routines are some of the
common experiences among people during these challenging times. It is also
reported by the UN that persons with disabilities are facing more
discrimination, violence, and sexual harassment during the months of disruption
due to COVID-19.  All of these could worsen their mental wellbeing.

Increasing awareness around the challenges that persons with
disabilities face and playing a vital role in safeguarding their human rights,
including them in our own way can make a considerable impact and progress
towards disability inclusion.

Self-awareness, empathy, and kindness are some of the traits
that we develop when we focus towards the inclusion of persons with
disabilities and this can improve our personal emotional wellness.

Here are some simple ways to get started at being inclusive: –

• Create a safe non-judgemental space, where people with
  disabilities can have open conversations about what they are experiencing and
  respect their privacy
• Listening and showing empathy during these challenging times
  can be valuable
• Offer assistance but do not make assumptions about what they
  need, especially while offering support to people who may have hidden
  disabilities
• Do not use terms such as handicapped, crippled,
  wheelchair-bound, physically challenged
• At work, ensure that all communication shared with your team
  is accessible and disability-inclusive.
• Send out the meeting agenda and reference documents in
  accessible formats prior to any of your meetings. Or ask in advance if any
  attendees would require specific accommodations
• Identify yourself by name before you speak or present. This
  will be helpful for persons with visual and auditory disabilities to identify
  who is speaking.

Join us and take a pledge to support and be inclusive
towards Persons with Disabilities.