Today we celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

This year’s theme is about building societies where people with disabilities take part in all areas of life and lead change.

The UN points to the same issues our movement raises every day.

Many people with disabilities still face poverty, low pay, and discrimination at work. Social protection systems often miss people. Care and support systems still deny people dignity, autonomy, and control over their own lives.

The message is clear. We cannot talk about social progress while people with disabilities continue to face these barriers.

At our Self-Advocacy Summit in Sharjah, we asked self advocates what leaders need to change.

Their message was simple.

Listen to us. Understand us. Act on what we ask for.

The short video shares the voices of Jordan from Learning Disability England, Jayne from KAIH, Eduardo from Plena Inclusión, Ariel from Kadima, Domi from Fundación Visibilia, and Lydia from KAIH.

They spoke about the need for space to speak, fair work, access to healthcare, and support where things are hard.

These are everyday things that many people take for granted.

When systems do not work for people with disabilities, it holds back our lives and our communities. Removing these barriers is how we build inclusive societies.

The United Nations (UN) Disability Inclusion Strategy sets a clear expectation for governments and institutions. It calls for real action across all parts of the UN system.

This year’s report shows some progress, but also shows how far we still need to go. Inclusion must be part of all social, economic, cultural, and political decisions.

Today, the UN will bring together governments, advocates, and young people to talk about what works and what must change. The focus is on practical steps that make inclusion real.

As a global movement, we will keep pushing for systems that respect our rights, support our independence, and include us as leaders in decisions that shape our lives. Social progress depends on it.