Building a future without barriers: Our collective responsibility

Dec. 3 marks the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, focusing on the rights and well-being of people with disabilities while raising awareness of their challenges.

This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” emphasizes empowering people with disabilities and involving them in decision-making processes that affect them.

People with disabilities worldwide continue to face significant barriers in accessing education, employment, healthcare and social services. The World Health Organization estimates that 15 percent of the global population, or nearly 1 billion people, live with disabilities.

In Saudi Arabia, the General Authority for Statistics reports that approximately 1.8 percent of the population experiences some form of disability.

Saudi Vision 2030, unveiled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizes improving the quality of life for all citizens, including those with disabilities. It highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to creating jobs and educational opportunities for people with disabilities, ensuring their success and inclusion in society.

The Kingdom is also focusing on utilizing artificial intelligence and digital technologies to support digital accessibility for people with disabilities. Initiatives such as the Qaderoon Network help businesses integrate people with disabilities into the workforce.

In addition to Saudi Arabia, other Gulf Cooperation Council countries are also championing disability inclusion. The UAE has made significant strides, with Dubai's leader and UAE VP and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum introducing the term “People of Determination” to refer to individuals with disabilities.

Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan Al-Maktoum has also taken leadership steps, such as launching the Care initiative. Sharjah in the UAE has promoted disability inclusion and was awarded the title of Accessible City for the Physically Disabled in 2018 by the World Federation of the Disabled.

Despite greater awareness of equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) people with disabilities continue to face significant challenges. Unemployment rates for individuals with disabilities remain twice as high as those for people without.

Studies show that the majority of unemployed people with disabilities want to work but struggle to find opportunities. Overall, people with disabilities continue to face ableism in the workplace, academia, and nearly all aspects of life.

This International Day of Persons with Disabilities encourages us all to reflect and commit to breaking barriers, dismantling ableism, and creating an inclusive future where everyone with disabilities can thrive.

Several fields have been trailblazers in advancing inclusion, even in space. The European Space Agency has selected the world’s first parastronaut (an astronaut with a disability). My space-related research examines how the space sector can benefit Earth-based health, public health, and the environment. It also explores how space technology can support people with disabilities both in space and on Earth.

Disability inclusion requires collective action; everyone has a vital role to play, and together, we as individuals and organizations can shape a more equitable future.

Prof. Dr. Mohamad Alameddine, dean of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Sharjah, said: “Supporting people of determination in the Arab world is both a moral and practical imperative. It is essential to promote values of inclusion, and this can lead to more equitable and prosperous communities.”

Michael Haddad, UN Development Programme goodwill ambassador and globally recognized advocate for disability inclusion and climate action, said: “Disability isn’t a group needing help, but a mindset embracing inclusion. It encompasses the elderly, wellness, temporary disabilities, and asserting direction that is inclusive to all. I applaud Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, transforming inclusivity to impact countless lives.”

Haddad’s remarkable achievements, such as walking against all odds with a spinal cord injury to raise awareness for vital causes, has been a global inspiration.

One key focus is to remove all barriers to receiving education. UNESCO indicated that the majority of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school. Universities in Canada, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and others have been focusing on promoting EDIA taking steps to support learners with disabilities.

As associate dean at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Medicine, I am proud to be part of a team driving innovation and championing EDIA. The new medical school aims to transform healthcare education by welcoming the next generation of doctors, empowering them to innovate and drive change. Under the leadership of president Dr. Mohamed Lachemi and dean Dr. Teresa Chan, the school is committed to inclusivity, supporting all learners, including those with disabilities, and removing barriers to help them become future health leaders.

This International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a day for self-reflection, urging each of us, both individually and collectively, to commit to breaking barriers, dismantling ableism, and shaping an inclusive future where everyone with disabilities can thrive and reach their full potential.

• Dr. Farhan M. Asrar is a Canadian public health and family physician and associate dean at Toronto Metropolitan University's School of Medicine. He holds leadership appointments at the University of Toronto, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, International Space University, McMaster University, and Trillium Health Partners. An award-winning and internationally recognized physician leader, Asrar is renowned for his expertise and research in public health, space medicine, primary care, health innovation, environment and climate change.