The United Nations (UN) proclaimed 3 December as the "International Day of Persons with Disabilities" in 1992. And on 5 March 1993, the UN Human Rights Commission officialized 3 December for being mindful of the need for persons with disabilities to 'Achieve Full And Equal Enjoyment Of Human Rights And Participation In All Fields Of Society'. From that day on, 3 December has been celebrated around the world as the 'Day of Persons with Disabilities'.

Congenitally, or as a result of an accident, illness there can occur unfortunate physical, mental, emotional or social losses. Genetic disorders also may become apparent at birth or later in life, and cause a disability(s). Disabled individuals experience many difficulties in life, and most of the time their families and friends suffer alongside them. Therefore, it is of great importance to treat permanent disabilities with a social sensibility, and try to make the lives of those who live with disabilities easier by offering solutions. The treatment here lies in improving their quality of life with activities and arrangements.

12.29 percent of the population of Turkey is comprised of persons with disabilities. It is said that there are currently 500 million disabled individuals worldwide. In our country, there are efforts to make the lives of persons with disabilities easier, and various projects aim to empathize with the disabled population. 3 December International Day of Disabled Persons is an important day to remind us that we are all disabled person candidates, to empathize with our disabled compatriots, and to listen to their problems. Offering affirmative action and trying to help them become productive members of society should be every citizen’s duty.  Acting with this awareness will help our country adopt a more modern and humane way of life.

When we remember our disabled compatriots not just one day but every day; and act with the awareness that they too have the same rights everyone else does when it comes to social, economic and cultural, and every other part of life; that day we will become a more civilized country.

Let us not forget that each and every one of us, as well as our loved ones is a possible disabled person. To make life easier for them, and to possess this sensibility is an investment in our lives and society in general. Disabilities are tackled first in the mind, then by being sensible.

Wishing you a happy 3 December International Day of Persons with Disabilities...