International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Why Disability Inclusion Matters for Mental Health
Every year on December 3, we observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). This awareness campaign is a global reminder of the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and mental wellness for people living with both visible and invisible disabilities. At Mae Mental Wellness, our mission is to create mental health support that honors the whole person, and IDPD is a powerful moment to reflect on the connection between disability rights and mental health.
What Is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities?
Established by the United Nations in 1992, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities promotes understanding of disability issues and advocates for the dignity and rights of disabled people worldwide. More than 1.3 billion people globally live with a disability, yet many still face barriers in healthcare, employment, education, and daily life.
The Overlooked Link Between Mental Health and Disability
Mental health and disability are deeply connected, and it’s not because disability itself causes emotional distress. Rather, it’s because of the systemic challenges disabled individuals often face, including:
Limited access to quality, accessible mental health care
Social stigma or exclusion
Inaccessible workplaces or environments
Chronic stress from navigating systems not designed with disabled people in mind
Together, these factors can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, trauma, and even burnout.
What Disability Inclusion Really Means
Disability inclusion is more than checking accessibility boxes or appearing to be inclusive: it’s about transforming the way we show up for one another. True inclusion means:
Respecting autonomy and honoring each person’s lived experience
Designing accessible workplaces, healthcare systems, and community spaces
Challenging assumptions, stereotypes, and stigmas about disability, especially when it is invisible
Supporting mental health care tailored to the needs of disabled individuals
Centering disabled voices in leadership, policy development, and advocacy
When people feel seen, valued, and supported, mental well-being becomes more attainable for all.
How to Support the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Whether you’re learning, advocating, or making changes within your community, here are 5 meaningful ways to support disability inclusion every day:
Educate yourself about disability rights and inclusive language
Follow, support, and listen to disabled leaders and creators
Advocate for inclusive workplace policies and accessible services
Offer support without assumptions
Examine how you can make your environments more accessible and welcoming
At Mae Mental Wellness, we honor the strength, resilience, and leadership of disabled individuals. By promoting accessible, person-centered mental health care, we hope to create a future where disability inclusion and mental well-being are priorities, not afterthoughts.
Together, we can help build a world where every body and every mind can thrive.
How To Make an Appointment with Mae Mental Wellness
If you’re looking for convenient and accessible telepsychiatry, medication management, or psychotherapy in Florida, Colorado, Montana, or New Hampshire, Mae Mental Wellness is currently welcoming new patients.
To book an appointment at Mae Mental Wellness, you can fill out this form or call (561) 231-0233. Learn more about services we offer and which insurance we accept.
