Made in the image of God

December 3rd is the day we mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This annual observance was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations with the aim to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize 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.
Speaking to Linda Bordoni, Tom Shakespeare, who trained as sociologist and works as a technical officer at the WHO in Geneva, revealed that around 15% of the world’s population, or one billion people, live with disabilities.
He says that people are often unaware of the great number of persons living with disabilities around the world and the challenges they face,

Shakespeare says that "disabled people are more likely to be poor and more likely to live in low-income countries". They are also "more likely twice as likely to be victims of violence or abuse".

He also speaks of some of the aspects that have improved for people living with disabilites, and of how a world that is inclusive of everybody is a richer and better world. "Human beings" Shakespeare says "come in diverse forms", but all have something precious to contribute.

listen to the interview...