International Day of Persons with Disabilities is Dec. 3 and Catholics have Growing Resources for the Disabled

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an annual observance on December 3rd, established by the UN in 1992 to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities and raise awareness of their inclusion in all aspects of society. Its goal is to increase understanding of disability issues, mobilize support for their dignity, and emphasize the benefits of accessible and inclusive societies by breaking down visible and invisible barriers. (Image Vatican Media from July 3 at the Vatican Summer Camp for children)

Purpose: To promote understanding and awareness of disability issues, and to mobilize support for the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.

Did you know?
An estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability. This represents 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 of us. (See Resources below the video)

In the U.S.A. a Catholic organization works nationally to help disabled people and advocate on their behalf. Following the example of Jesus, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability works with dioceses, parishes, ministers, and the laity to advance the full and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the life of the Church and society.

NCPD promotes this ever-evolving mission to renovate and sustain ministry to-and-with all people with disabilities and their families through the following initiatives:

Leads and participates in trainings, workshops, and regional meetings
Topics include:

  • Meaningful participation in the Sacraments
  • Accessible Parishes
  • Catechetical Best Practices
  • Workshops for Seminarians

Gathers and Develops Resources

  • Revision of the USCCB Sacramental Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments of Persons with Disabilities
  • Pastoral Statement on Persons with Disabilities
  • Ministry specific resources (Autism, Deaf/hard of hearing, intellectual Disability, mental Illness, prenatal, veteran related)
  • Accessible design
  • Large-print Roman Missal in three font sizes
  • Webinars
  • Diocesan Resources

Participates in International Ecclesial Conferences

  • 2014 Autism conference sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers
  • 2016 Living Fully Conference sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Culture and Family
  • 2017 Conference on Catechesis and Persons with Disabilities sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization
  • Sources: https://www.ncpd.org/ and United Nations

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