The international days of the UN are events that invite all citizens of the world to reflect on a given theme considered important for our civilization. They are many and sown throughout the solar year and, in correspondence of each of them, the single countries organize demonstrations or events to give them relevance.
The day on which we are preparing to share with you a reflection on disability, which will take place on December 3, is particularly noteworthy.
Disability in our daily lives
As anticipated in the introduction, December 3 celebrates the International Day of Disability, established by the UN in 1981 whose purpose is "to raise public awareness on issues of equal dignity and the need to break down all types of barriers for put in place the changes necessary to improve the living conditions of people with disabilities ".
This year the main theme of the day will be " Issues of inclusion: access and empowerment for people with all abilities " whose meaning is effectively clarified by the promoters of the event, namely the United Nations: " An estimated one billion people disabled people all over the world face many barriers to inclusion in key aspects of society every day. Therefore, they cannot access social life in a similar way to others, especially in areas such as transportation, employment, education and even social and political participation. The right to participate in public life is essential to create stable democracies, active citizenship and reduce inequalities in society ".
As is evident, the focus is on the importance of integration and the elimination of all those obstacles that prevent authentic equal opportunities. Sometimes, in these contexts, rhetoric takes over even and above all from those who can concretely do something to break down every possible barrier, be it real and concrete, mental and symbolic.
On the contrary, wanting to get out of the cold and bureaucratic language of official contexts, we welcome the invitation to reflect that this day brings with it: are we able to confront ourselves with disability ? How do we relate to it?
Analyzing the reality we experience, can we say that this is welcoming to disabled people? If not, how can we make our small but important contribution ?
We often tend to consider disability as a problem for individuals and, at least, for their family members. On the contrary, a true civil welfare state cannot leave neither one nor the other, but must operate constantly, with every means to promote the inclusion, participation and demolition of all barriers.
For our part it would be desirable, if not proper, to be available to tune in to realities that do not even belong to us, but which, as members of society, equally concern us all and require our attention, our sensitivity and, if possible, our concrete commitment.
Natural care and disability
We close this space of reflection by emphasizing how alternative medicine can also meet disabled people through yoga for example or shiatsu.
It represents an option not only "medical" but also often "of life" that is not precluded to disabled people, always, obviously, in accordance with the doctor's instructions.
The holistic disciplines, the various techniques, the massages can constitute a gentle support and a sweet accompaniment that embraces every individual beyond the ... abilities!
