December 3, 2024
International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Committed to Equality and Inclusion
On 3rd December, as every year since 1992, we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a global reminder of the need to build an inclusive society that guarantees the rights and dignity of all people. At CIRCLE Corporation, this day inspires us to reinforce our commitment to equality by integrating accessibility and diversity into every aspect of our work.
Disability: A social, not individual issue
Disability does not reside within individuals but in the barriers society creates by designing environments, services, and policies that exclude those with different abilities. These barriers generate discrimination, inequality, and dependence, affecting not only persons with disabilities but also their families and communities.
The International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) of 2006, ratified by Spain, provides a clear framework for ensuring inclusion and full citizenship. Companies, alongside public administrations, play a crucial role in creating inclusive, accessible, and respectful environments that cater to everyone’s needs.
Facts to reflect on
- In Spain, 4.38 million people have some form of disability, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE).
- Only 1 in 4 working-age persons with disabilities is employed.
- Over 1.5 million people face accessibility issues in their homes, public buildings, or urban environments.
- 39.4% encounter barriers in using information and communication technologies.
- More than 63% of caregivers are women, highlighting the urgent need for reconciliation policies and support.
Our commitment at CIRCLE Corporation
At CIRCLE Corporation, we believe sustainability extends beyond the environment to include building a fair and equitable society. Inclusion of persons with disabilities is a cornerstone of our values and is reflected in our actions:
- Equality Plans: We help companies comply with regulations and integrate inclusive and accessibility measures to strengthen their corporate policies.
- Design of accessible environments: We work with sectors such as funeral services to ensure their facilities and services are accessible to all.
- Awareness and training: We promote awareness within organisations, fostering a culture of inclusivity from the ground up.
Integration into an Equality Plan
This day is an opportunity for businesses to assess their progress in inclusion and accessibility. At CIRCLE Corporation, we provide tools to ensure these initiatives are not merely symbolic but form part of an effective Equality Plan. These include:
- Accessibility and equity diagnostics.
- Strategies to remove physical and digital barriers.
- Training on human rights and diversity.
- Implementation of policies that promote inclusive employment and support for caregivers.
Building an inclusive future together
The path to equality and inclusion is not easy, but it is necessary. Every action counts, and together, we can move towards a fairer, more sustainable model where no one is left behind. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we renew our commitment to building, alongside our clients and collaborators, an environment that respects and values diversity.
Context
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution 47/3. Its goal is to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all areas of society and development, as well as to raise awareness of their situation in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
Sources
Spanish Royal Board on Disability. Spanish Government.
Available at: https://www.rpdiscapacidad.gob.es/discapacidad-derechos-humanos/enfoque.htm
United Nations. Available at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/day-of-persons-with-disabilities
