The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. The theme of the Day is based on the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities, established by the World Programme  of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by General Assembly in 1982.

According to the Census 2001, there are 2.19 crore persons  with  disabilities  in  India who  constitute  2.13 percent of the total population. These include persons with  visual,  hearing,  speech,  locomotor  and  mental disabilities.   Seventy   five   percent   of   persons   with disabilities  live  in  rural areas,  49  percent  of  disabled population is literate and only 34 percent are employed. There  has  been  a  paradigm  shift  in  rehabilitation  of persons with disabilities where social rehabilitation  has replaced medical rehabilitation.

In India to promote empowerment of the disabled a number of initiatives have been taken. The Government of India has adopted a comprehensive "National Policy for Persons with Disabilities" in February, 2006. The policy advocates empowerment and full participation of persons with disabilities in all walks of life.

An extensive infrastructure has been developed for rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. Seven national institutes specializing in various disabilities are working for development of rehabilitation manpower, to provide specialized services to persons with  disabilities, research and development of models for delivery of services.

The Constitution of India ensures equality, freedom, justice and dignity of all individuals and implicitly mandates an inclusive society for all, including persons with disabilities.

Signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities on the 30th March, 2007, the day on which the Convention was opened for signature, has further reaffirmed our commitment for empowerment of persons with disabilities. The Convention is to promote, protect and ensure full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms, with respect and inherent dignity by all persons with disabilities. It is a human rights instrument with an explicit social development dimension. It identifies areas where adaptations have to be made for persons with disabilities to effectively exercise their rights and where protection of their rights must be reinforced.

The Department of Posts joins the cases by bringing out  a commemorative postage stamp on International Day of Disabled Persons. The stamp is a tribute to the spirit of persons with disabilities. For the first time, the denomination of the stamp is mentioned in Braille script. The first Day cover also bears inscuptions in Braille.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India