December 3 is observed as Disability Day, or the International Day of People with Disability. This Day has been promoted by the United Nations since 1992. The aim of Disability Day is to encourage a better understanding of people affected by a disability, together with helping to make people more aware of the rights, dignity and welfare of disabled people, as well as raise awareness about the benefits of integrating disabled persons into every aspect of life, from economic, to political, to social and cultural. Disability Day is not concerned exclusively with either mental or physical disabilities, but rather encompasses all known disabilities, from Autism to Down Syndrome to Multiple Sclerosis etc.
Disability Day is observed by holding discussions, forums and campaigns relating to disability. Communities are encouraged to organize meetings, talks, and performances in their local areas. These can range from hosting a musical to a play, with disabled people being involved in these productions. The overall aim is to show non-disabled people that a person with a disability can be a vibrant member of society, as it happens that the entirely healthy are not always quite aware of this fact, which can lead to different kinds of discrimination of varying degrees of severity. The disabled, on the other hand, benefit from such performances by proving to themselves that there are many things they can still do, despite their conditions, which can help with their self-esteem and avoid mental issues such as depression from plaguing them. In general, these kinds of events are meant to challenge and them get rid of various stereotypes so that disabled people can enjoy lives free of discrimination and additional hardship.
In Meghalaya not enough attention is paid by the Government to the needs of People with Disability. Our institutions are disabled-friendly and even during elections no ramps are provided for them to cast their votes. There needs to be greater sensitisation for those at the helm of government to better comprehend the special needs of People with Disabilities so that they and those who dedicate their lives towards mentoring and teaching them get due recognition in society.
