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International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025: What you need to know
03rd December, 2025 11:39 AM
As Kenya joins the rest of the world in observing International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2025, attention is focused on raising awareness about the rights, inclusion, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
The day, celebrated annually on December 3, provides an opportunity to highlight the achievements of persons with disabilities while advocating for greater equality and accessibility.
The 2025 IDPD will be observed under the theme Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.
According to the United Nations, this year’s theme builds on the reaffirmed commitment of world leaders gathered at the Second World Summit for Social Development to build a more just, inclusive, equitable and sustainable world and their understanding that advancing progress on social development depends on, and indeed necessitates, the inclusion of all segments of society.
Also watch: Crystal Asige calls for improved rights of people living with disabilities
What you need to know
The theme changes each year, with a different message aimed at creating awareness.
IDPD was established by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3 in 1992 to promote understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
It serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to break down barriers and to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life, which limits opportunities for millions of people worldwide.
Also watch: Stakeholders advocating for disability rights in Kenya are calling for stronger commitment.
Challenges faced by PWD
According to the United Nations, 1.3 billion people live with a significant disability.
The UN also outlined challenges and barriers in the attainment of social development objectives faced by persons with disabilities and their households.
The challenges include that many persons with disabilities’ experiences within care and support systems continue to be marked by the denial of their dignity, autonomy and agency.
They are more likely to live in poverty, as well as face discrimination in employment, receive lower wages and be over-represented in the informal sector.
In addition, the UN also stated that social protection systems are uneven in coverage and inadequate when considering extra disability-related costs, frequently excluding persons with disabilities in the informal sector.
