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Get ready to raise awareness and break barriers on National Barrier Awareness Day on May 7! This day was established in 2010 by the United Nations to promote equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. It's a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of those with disabilities, as well as recognize the challenges they may face in their daily lives. So let's take this opportunity to learn more about different abilities, advocate for inclusivity, and create a world where everyone can thrive. Let's celebrate diversity and embrace our differences!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Charter</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations Charter specifically included rights for people with disabilities, a first in history.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Day of Disabled Persons</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations started observing December 3 as International Day of Disabled Persons.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Disability Rights Movement</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Disability Rights Movement, aiming at equal opportunities and rights, gained momentum in the mid-1990s.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Convention on Disability Rights</div><div class='timeline-text'>The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted, promoting accessibility and inclusion.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Barrier Awareness Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations officially established National Barrier Awareness Day, dedicated to raising awareness and promoting accessibility.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Ongoing Advocacy</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite many advancements, the fight for equal opportunities, accessibility, and barrier-free environments continues globally.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn about different types of barriers and how they impact individuals with disabilities. Share this information with friends and family to raise awareness and understanding.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Hold a fundraiser for a barrier-free organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local organization that works towards creating a more accessible and inclusive society for people with disabilities and organize a fundraiser to support their cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a disability service organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day volunteering at a disability service organization, whether it's helping with events or simply spending time with individuals with disabilities. This is a great way to show support and learn more about barriers that exist in society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create accessible spaces</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the initiative to make your workplace, school, or community space more accessible for people with disabilities. This could include installing ramps, widening doorways, or providing assistive technology.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share stories and experiences on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use social media as a platform to share personal stories and experiences about barriers faced by people with disabilities. This can help raise awareness and promote change in society.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To bring attention to accessibility issues</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Barrier Awareness Day is an important day to raise awareness about the barriers faced by those with disabilities. It highlights the physical, social, and economic challenges that people with disabilities encounter every day, and encourages discussion and action on how to improve accessibility for all individuals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To promote inclusivity and equality</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In addition to bringing attention to accessibility issues, National Barrier Awareness Day also emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and equality for people with disabilities. It aims to break down stereotypes and promote a more inclusive society where everyone has the same opportunities regardless of their abilities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>To celebrate the achievements of individuals with disabilities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Lastly, National Barrier Awareness Day is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals with disabilities. It recognizes their resilience, strength, and determination in overcoming barriers and achieving success in their personal and professional lives.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>An estimated 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the World Health Organization, over a billion people, or about 15% of the world's population, have some form of disability. This highlights the importance of barrier-free environments and accessibility for all.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Disabilities can be visible or invisible</h3><p class='facts-content'>While some disabilities may be physically evident, many are not immediately apparent. Invisible disabilities can include hearing impairments, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and more. Each kind requires different types of accessibility and accommodation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Accessibility improves quality of life for everyone, not just those with disabilities</h3><p class='facts-content'>Barrier-free environments help everyone, not just persons with disabilities. For instance, curb cuts designed for wheelchair users also benefit people pushing strollers, pulling luggage, or making deliveries.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Technology as an aid in breaking barriers</h3><p class='facts-content'>Advancements in technologies such as AI, digital services and assistive devices have greatly enhanced accessibility, independence, and inclusion for people with disabilities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Empathy is crucial in designing for accessibility</h3><p class='facts-content'>Understanding and empathizing with the experiences of disabled persons is vital in designing accessible environments. This approach promotes inclusivity and ensures everyone's needs are considered without afterthoughts.</p></div></div>
National Barrier Awareness Day is celebrated on May 7 every year. In 2024, it falls on a Tuesday.
2023
May 7
Sunday
2024
May 7
Tuesday
2025
May 7
Wednesday
2026
May 7
Thursday
2027
May 7
Friday
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