The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. According to the WHO World Report on Disability, 15% of the world’s population, or more than one billion people, live with a disability. Of this number, it is estimated that 450 million live with a mental or neurological condition – and two-thirds of these people will not seek professional medical help, primarily due to stigma, discrimination, and neglect. These are just some examples of the millions of people currently living with disabilities, who are often insufficiently visible in society. This day should serve as a reminder of the importance of removing barriers for all people living with disabilities, both visible and invisible.
