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This article was contributed by Kate Lapetino, Academic Development Manager and Elle Noe, Associate Director of Content Quality on behalf of ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ's Instructional Services team.

Background of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD)Ìý

Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations (UN) has consistently advocated for inclusive and sustainable societies, notably with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Over time this commitment extended to the promotion of well-being for people with disabilities, leading to the establishment of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) on December 3, 1992. The annual observance of this day promotes disability rights, invites various entities to address discrimination and foster inclusivity, and encourages daily actions for diverse and accepting communities. The objectives include celebrating diversity, promoting learning, fostering optimism, and calling for ongoing actions to ensure equal human rights regardless of disability status. Additional efforts covered by IDPwD entail community training, support for the education and employment of disabled people, provisions of social and personal assistance, inclusive transport services, and grants for social enterprises.Ìý

2023 IDPwD Theme

The 2023 theme for IDPwD, 'United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with, and by people with disabilities,' emphasizes collective efforts to enhance the world's fairness for people with disabilities. It underscores the significance of including individuals with disabilities in the pursuit of the UN’s 17 SDGs by 2030, ensuring their active participation and influence in shaping these global objectives. Explore theÌýÌýoutlined by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs for a deeper look into what sustainable development looks like.Ìý

What IDPwD Means to ºÚÁÏÊÓƵÌý

ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Education supports several SDGs as a framework for achieving a more sustainable future for the world. These important steps are outlined inÌý. IDPwD means many different things to ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ and our partners as our company not only builds courses for students but works with students and supports our employees directly.

What IDPwD Means to ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ and Our Partners: As We Build Courses for StudentsÌý

Education is a fundamental human right. Here at ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ Education, we collaborate with our partners, subject matter experts, and our quality assurance team to develop and deliver accessible courses for every one of our students. We value the uniqueness of every person and the individual circumstances that bring them to seek higher education. ºÚÁÏÊÓƵers know that accommodation in education engenders the success of all learners. We strive to constantly maintain our status as pioneers of educational innovation and excellence. We provide regular training and resources for our instructional services team and perform comprehensive web accessibility and quality testing of all ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ products. The education industry must build online courses that are diverse and inclusive of all people in order to truly transform online education.ÌýÌý

What IDPwD Means to ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ and Our Partners: As We Work with StudentsÌý

ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ supports a variety of learners throughout all aspects of their educational journey. We employ a student-centered mindset and approach from the moment our students meet their placement teams and student support services team members. The importance of meeting students where they are and providing the highest quality service throughout their learning from start to finish is at the core of what we do. All related student services departments work one-on-one with the students to determine their individual needs, which helps to elevate and support students’ learning experience.ÌýÌý

What IDPwD Means to ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ: As EmployeesÌý

Employees at ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ benefit just as much from this comprehensive and humanist approach. Our inclusion does not stop at the courses we develop and deliver. ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ is committed to creating the best and most equitable individual and community working environments with flexibility, sensitivity, awareness, and diversity. Leadership supports every team memberÌýwhere they are, further establishing ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ as an inclusive place to work. Employee resource groups (ERGs) including our Accessibility ERG drive change from the ground up, and the core belief in and opportunities for lifelong learning ensure an ever-growing, ever-improving workforce.ÌýÌý

Call to ActionÌý

As we approach this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it is imperative that we recognize and value the importance of every learner and address the individual needs of all students across the globe. The UN’s fourth goal is to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.’ Awareness of those with disabilities is not enough. In a rapidly changing world, the future of education must take shape alongside people with disabilities. It is essential that we recognize and listen to the voices of those who are different than us and celebrate diversity and uniqueness within our communities. This IDPwD, find ways to expand your table to include perspectives and approaches that are historically underrepresented. It is imperative that we never tire of supporting the United Nation’s goal of addressing all 17 sustainable development goals. It is important to always recognize and remember that education is for all.ÌýÌý

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We encourage you to continue to learn about IDPD, the essential goals the UN has set forth, and other accessibility sites.Ìý

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