Celebrating inclusion: International Day of People with Disabilities

In New Orleans, we love a good celebration. But our celebrations aren’t limited to parades, music, and food. They’re also about the people in our community—seeing them, hearing them, and honoring them. That’s why each year on December 3, LCMC Health, along with the United Nations (UN) and World Health Organization (WHO), celebrates the International Day of People with Disabilities.

By promoting the rights and well-being of people with disabilities, we can help improve healthcare access and strengthen our entire community. After all, our differences are what give the Big Easy its big heart.

What is the International Day of People with Disabilities?

In 1992, the UN established the International Day of People with Disabilities to increase understanding of disability issues. The event helps rally support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of people with disabilities in all parts of society.

Each year centers around a different theme. For 2024, it’s “amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.” So what does that mean? Two things:

· Recognizing the essential role people with disabilities have in creating a more inclusive, sustainable world

· Including people with disabilities when making decisions about processes that affect their lives

Additionally, by 2030, the UN hopes to reduce poverty among those with disabilities, eliminate hunger, improve healthcare and education, promote gender equity, and improve access to decent work and economic growth.

Why celebrate people with disabilities?

At LCMC Health, we celebrate the International Day of People with Disabilities because people with disabilities are part of our New Orleans family. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three (or 36%) adults in Louisiana has a disability. Disabilities can range from walking challenges, to trouble concentrating, to hearing and vision impairments.

Adults with disabilities can have a harder time getting the healthcare they need. Compared to those without disabilities, a person with a disability is more likely to report depression, obesity, smoking, diabetes, and

other health issues. It’s important to understand the experiences of people with disabilities, so we can help create a more inclusive environment—because we’re in this together.

When people with disabilities regularly interact with others, it’s good for the people with disabilities and for the people interacting with them. Research shows that children with disabilities benefit from inclusion in many ways. They gain friendship skills, improve problem solving capabilities, and improve their self-image and respect for others. Adults with disabilities benefit similarly. And every member of our community benefits from working and living alongside people with different abilities, perspectives, attributes, and backgrounds.

Ways to show the love to people with disabilities

Though the International Day of People with Disabilities has ambitious goals, we can all play a role in helping to achieve them. Here are a few actions you can take:

· Educate yourself: Take the time to learn about different disability types.

· Treat others with respect and dignity: Help people with disabilities become a true part of the community by treating them well and respecting their individual needs and experiences.

· Pay attention to the person: Rather than focusing only on the disability, focus on the person. Make sure they want your help before you offer it. And if they accept your help, ask them what you can do, so they can express their needs.

· Improve accessibility: Ensure there aren’t hurdles in your environment, so everyone can access spaces and information equally. Examples include having wheelchair ramps, quiet spaces, adaptive furniture, and digital accessibility tools.

· Include people with disabilities: Spend the extra effort to include those with disabilities in your everyday activities. Give people with disabilities the opportunity to find and remove barriers.

· Advocate for people with disabilities: Look for ways to advance the needs and concerns of people with disabilities within the community. Policies related to accessibility at the local, regional, state, and even federal level are especially important.

A provider focused on what makes you—you

Part of our mission at LCMC Health is to provide the best possible care for every person and parish in Louisiana and beyond. When you visit us, expect not only quality care, but care that’s customized to fit your unique needs.

Whether or not you have a disability, we want you to take an active role in your care and decisions that affect your life. Find a primary care provider to get started.