Each year, friends and partners across the world come together on 3 December to celebrate International Day of Disabled People.

International Day of Disabled People has been celebrated since 1992, when the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 47/3, encouraging its member states to intensify their efforts to improve access and inclusion.

This year's theme is "Fighting for rights in the post-COVID era", celebrating the challenges, barriers and opportunities for disabled people, in the context of a global pandemic.

Since March 2020, every person on earth has been impacted by drastic political, social and economic change as a result of domestic and international responses to COVID-19.

This year, International Day of Disabled People should be used to recognise that people who live with disabilities are among the most affected populations amid the COVID pandemic.

Where marginalisation, discrimination, vulnerability and exploitation are every day factors for many people, the increased risk of poor outcomes have been magnified with the reduced access to routine health care and rehabilitation services and more pronounced social isolation.

CAFE knows the unique power of sport to change lives and create memories that last a lifetime. Everyone deserves an equal opportunity to experience live sport in an accessible, inclusive and welcoming environment.

2021 has provided unique challenges for us all, and has adversely impacted many disabled people who have experienced restrictions on their independence.

Today, on International Day of Disabled People, we join UEFA in celebrating those who have embraced inclusion and worked to make a difference.

Joanna Deagle, CAFE managing director: "Through our partnership and cooperation with UEFA, CAFE has been able to support national associations, clubs and venues in significantly improving the matchday experience for many disabled spectators.

"With the appointment of disability access officers, increased numbers of accessible seating, clearer sightlines, and the provision of accessible matchday services, more disabled fans than ever before can follow their teams in an inclusive and welcoming environment."

We will be sharing news on our social media channels of how you are celebrating International Day of Disabled People, and if you would like to share your stories with us please email [email protected] or call +44 (0)208 065 5108.

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Happy International Day of Disabled People 2021!

Published 3/12/2021