International Disability Day Observance

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD)

ABS staff offered prayers on the observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Zilukha nunnery, Thimphu. ABS interacted with the nuns and shared about the importance of disability day.

In addition, at Sarpang Dzongkhag, ABS staff observed the day in collaboration with Gelephu Lower Secondary School by raising awareness on the disability and the importance of the day followed up by screening of ABS’s short video on the project impact in 5 districts supported by BMZ, Germany and DAHW. Vocational Training was also launched on that day.

Furthermore, all the stakeholders joined together to observe the Live program at BBS2 in the evening. The program was organized by Ministry Of Health in collaboration with Ability Bhutan Society and Disabled Persons’ Association of Bhutan-DPAB. It started with a tribute to Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck followed by promising words from His Excellency the Prime Minister and His Excellency Resident Coordinator of UN in Bhutan to support persons with disabilities and promote inclusive society. Experience sharing was done by people with diverse disabilities as well as entertainment show. A song on IDPD was composed and presented by the KEVI band (Kuenpel Entertainment of Visually Impaired) and the students of Wangsel Institute for Deaf performed a dance. Moreover, the challenges and achievements was also portrayed through short videos supported by UNDP. Overall, the programme presented an opportunity for all Persons with Disabilities to come out of their shell and celebrate their talents.

Theme: “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 World”

“Not all Disabilities are Visible” focuses on spreading awareness and understanding of disabilities that are not readily evident, such as mental illness, chronic pain or fatigue, sight, learning difficulties, brain injuries, etc.

Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the lives of many especially Persons with Disabilities and it is important on our part to spread awareness on invisible disabilities as the world continues to fight against the virus.