National Disability Independence Day is celebrated yearly in July. The day is recognized on July 26th in 2023.

According to the legal definition set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person with a disability is someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. However, this definition doesn’t capture the full picture of disability. It’s important to recognize that disabilities are quite diverse. Disabilities can be visible or invisible, something a person is born with or acquired at any point in life.

Facts About Disabilities You May Not Know:

• ,According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability which equates to 16% of the population.
• Up to 1 in 4 (27 percent) adults in the United States have some type of disability
• In the U.S., 70% of people with disabilities rely on friends and family to assist
  them with daily activities, and 40% do not have any assistance.
• Persons with disabilities have twice the risk of developing conditions such as depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke, obesity or poor oral health.
• Disability correlates with unemployment. According to the W.H.O., employment rates are lower in disabled men than in non disabled men.

National Disability Independence Day Timeline:

• 1935- President Roosevelt passes the Social Security Act. This mandates the states to make adequate provisions for blind, dependent and crippled children along with child welfare.
• 1943- The Barden-LaFollette Act expands the eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services to the blind and mentally disabled.
• 1973- The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits the recipients of federal funds from discriminating against people with disabilities
• 1990- The Americans with Disabilities Act expands the rights of the disabled community. It prohibits discrimination in employment, transportation, communication and public establishments. .

National Disability Day is important. It raises awareness about disabilities and the people who are experiencing the extraordinary personal challenges of all forms of disability. The day acknowledges that current efforts are a step in the right direction but are still not enough. Too many people are still being discriminated against because of their disability. There are many ways you can recognize the day including making a donation to the charity of your choice or visiting  The FDR Hope Memorial. The FDR Hope Memorial is located at the southern end of Roosevelt Island in New York City. It is one of the most peaceful and inspiring spots in the City. Roosevelt Island has a long history of care and accommodation for the disabled. The FDR Hope Memorial provides inspiration to those struggling with the personal challenges of all forms of disability.

You can earn more about FDR + polio + Roosevelt Island here.