December 3, 2011 marks a milestone 30th Anniversary for "INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES." Around the United Nations the day is being celebrated with panel discussions for education on policy making decisions, the ENABLE FILM FESTIVAL showcasing a series of documentaries aiming to foster inclusiveness and understanding in all sectors of life – political, social, economic, and cultural. This is a necessary first step. However, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated: “Persons with disabilities experience higher rates of poverty and deprivation and are twice as likely to lack health care.” Employment rates of persons with disabilities in some countries are as low as one third of that of the overall population.” UN News Sources Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for governments, civil society and the global community to work alongside persons with disabilities, saying their participation is essential to achieve inclusive and sustainable development worldwide. This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that development can only be sustainable when it is equitable, inclusive and accessible for all. An estimated 15 per cent of the world’s population has a disability and over two thirds of persons with disabilities live in developing countries, where the gap in primary school attendance rates between children with disabilities and others ranges from 10 per cent to 60 per cent. “This multi-dimensional exclusion represents a huge cost, not only to persons with disabilities but to society as a whole. This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities reminds us that development can only be sustainable when it is equitable, inclusive and accessible for all,” Mr. Ban said. From personal experience, Ambassador Mo and I have been involved with the GLOBAL MEDICAL RELIEF FUND, a charity run on Staten Island by Elissa Montanti who appeared last year on “60 Minutes.” Its mission is to bring hope and dignity to children who are missing or have lost limbs, been severely burned, or otherwise damaged due to the atrocities of war, natural disaster, or illness. See: “THE DAY THE EARTH MOVED,” By Susan Sacirbey diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/the-day-the-earth-moved-by-susan/18164 For an inspirational story about Kenan who was the genesis for the Global Medical Relief fund, I recommend this 70-minute documentary “To Walk Without Fear” . diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/to-walk-without-fear/421 The GMRF children that I had the privilege of meeting taught me an important life lesson. These empowered children give us more than we give them. Their aspirations for life are universal – to be seen as themselves, not "us versus them." As society, we need to look beyond the rhetoric, panels, posters, and advertisements. We need a vision beyond the statistics and a focus on the person. We must not compartmentalize these very special people as “blind, maimed, deaf, paralyzed, or disabled.” We must include them as individuals with special talents, gifts, creativity, all part of a broader humanity. We need to practice the “3 E’s,” Empowerment, Education, and Enlistment for all of mankind. Close your eyes to what can’t be done, and look at what these people CAN DO. ---By, Susan Sacirbey Facebook: Become a fan - “Susan Sacirbey” and “Diplomat Artist” Follow on TWITTER @ DiplomaticallyX Related Film and Blog Reports: Diplomat Artist Channels: diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/diplomat-artist Diplomatically Incorrect Channels: diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/diplomatically-incorrect