Every year, we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on the 3rd of December. This year is extra special.
This year, we celebrate 20 years of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
For self-advocates the CRPD is more than words on paper. It is about respect, dignity, independence, and inclusion. It reminds the world that people with intellectual disabilities have the same rights as everyone else to go to school, to work, to be part of their communities, and to have their voices heard.
Over the past 20 years, self-advocates have worked hard to make these rights real. We have seen progress, but we also know there is more to do. The CRPD gives us strength to keep pushing for change.
I first learned about the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) when I began my own journey as a self‑advocate.
After I learned about CRPD and advocacy, I realized it was about me, my friends, and our everyday lives.
To me CRPD is about respect, dignity, independence, and being included in the communities.
Working on the Empower Us program has shown me how powerful the CRPD can be. I have seen self‑advocates in Zambia, Angola, and many other places use it to build confidence, run meetings, and speak up about issues that matter.
The CRPD has been one tool that I use when leading Empower Us programmes and it has helped self advocates to have understanding on advocate work.
Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the CRPD
On 3rd December, self-advocates from around the world will come together and join Inclusion International and Plena Inclusion through our Plena International work to share stories, celebrate achievements, and connect across countries.
This is our chance to remind the world: nothing about us without us.
Join us on December 3rd for a global celebration of the 20th anniversary of the CRPD with Inclusion International and Plena International!
We invite self-advocates and their families and organisations from around the world to gather locally and connect online to:
- Share their stories and achievements
- Reflect on what has changed and what still needs to change
- Celebrate 20 years of disability rights and inclusion
Save the date and be part of this global celebration of rights, inclusion, and advocacy!