Celebrating Persons with Disabilities Every Day: Moving Beyond the 3rd of December

As the world approaches another International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3rd, governments, businesses, and organizations worldwide are called upon to celebrate and honor the contributions and rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs). However, while this annual day raises awareness and fosters commitment, it's time to challenge the idea that meaningful disability inclusion should only peak once a year. True inclusion calls for continuous action, daily commitment to disability inclusion, policy implementation, and practice, turning disability mainstreaming into a daily reality rather than a once-a-year celebration. 

This year's theme, “Empowering Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive, Equitable, and Sustainable Future,” can be achieved by celebrating and supporting persons with disabilities every single day. This should also include full implementation of disability laws and regulations.

The lives, aspirations, and challenges of persons with disabilities are not confined to a single day. PWDs live with systemic challenges and often face barriers in accessing education, employment, healthcare, and social activities. These challenges cannot be solved through annual observances alone; rather, they require a constant commitment to inclusive practices that are embedded into everyday operations and policies. For businesses, governments, and institutions, recognizing this is the first step toward transforming PWDs' lives from an issue of social responsibility to an issue of rights and empowerment.

Research and evidence show that disability-inclusive environments boost overall productivity, reduce inequalities, and foster diversity in meaningful ways. As PWDs bring unique skills, perspectives, and strengths to the table, organizations that actively include and support them are more likely to innovate, make more profit and succeed,  This positive impact, however, can only be realized when inclusion becomes part of the daily culture rather than just a date on the calendar.

The 2024 IDPD theme encourages stakeholders to look beyond conventional practices and to build systems that truly include PWDs in all spheres. Daily disability mainstreaming is a practical and proactive response to this call. Here’s how Kenya Power (my employer) can use this theme as a guide for everyday inclusion:

1. Incorporate Inclusive Policies and Practices Across All Levels Inclusivity should begin with policy. Kenya Power should ensure that hiring practices, promotion pathways, and benefits are accessible to all, including PWDs. Setting targets for the employment of PWDs, incorporating disability-related training for staff, and ensuring that workspaces are accessible are key ways to foster an inclusive environment.
2. Promote Accessible Infrastructure and Technology Ensuring physical and digital accessibility is a daily requirement, not a one-off goal. Simple adjustments, such as installing ramps, accessible signage, screen readers, and assistive devices, make the world navigable and enable PWDs to live independently and with dignity. Regular audits and updates to accessibility features, along with embracing emerging accessible technologies, can reinforce Kenya Power’s commitment to accessibility.
3. Support Disability-Inclusive Education and Training Programs Skills training and continuous education are crucial for enabling PWDs to pursue their career goals and aspirations. Kenya Power should support inclusive training programs and adapt educational curricula to cater to all. Internships and mentorship programs can also help PWDs develop their professional networks and prepare for their career paths.
4. Encourage Representation and Leadership Opportunities for PWDs Inclusive leadership is a powerful way to advocate for change from within. Kenya Power must be intentional about promoting PWDs into leadership roles, where they can influence policy and serve as role models. Seeing PWDs in decision-making positions sends a strong message of inclusion and encourages others to value and support disability inclusivity.
5. Leverage Media and Communications for Awareness Public campaigns and corporate messaging must actively challenge misconceptions about disability and celebrate the achievements of PWDs. By fostering a positive narrative around disability, the public can shift from seeing disability as a limitation to recognizing it as an aspect of human diversity.

Making Disability Mainstreaming a Reality

So, how can Kenya Power make disability mainstreaming a reality? The answer lies in adopting and implementing inclusive policies and practices as part of their everyday operations. Disability inclusion isn’t a project with an end date; it’s a continuous, evolving process.

1. Commitment at the Top Leaders at Kenya Power must show visible commitment to disability inclusion. By allocating budgets, setting KPIs, and incorporating disability inclusion into organizational values, leaders can drive real change.
2. Feedback from PWDs Disability inclusion policies should never be implemented without input from PWDs themselves. Conducting regular consultations, setting up advisory boards, and seeking ongoing feedback from PWDs will ensure that policies are relevant, effective, and responsive to their needs.
3. Continuous Evaluation and Improvement Regularly assessing and improving inclusivity measures is essential for genuine progress. Feedback loops, such as employee surveys, accessibility audits, and public reporting, provide invaluable insights into what’s working and where improvement is needed.
4. Building Inclusive Supply Chains and Partnerships Kenya Power can extend disability inclusion beyond it's internal operations by working with suppliers, vendors, and partners who are committed to inclusive practices. Doing so ensures that inclusivity is embedded throughout the organization’s sphere of influence.

This December 3rd, let us all recognize that true disability inclusion means committing to celebrate, empower, and support PWDs each day of the year. Let us approach every day as an opportunity to build a world that is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable for all.

Kenya Power  has the tools, resources, and responsibility to make this happen. By embedding inclusivity in every aspect of its operations, the company will contribute not just to the empowerment of PWDs but to the collective social and economic health of our communities. As we work toward this vision, we come closer to a world where inclusion is not simply an annual observance but an everyday reality, one that celebrates and empowers persons with disabilities to thrive, contribute, and lead.