This occasion brings forward an opportunity to pay attention to and work to tear down the barriers that many people with disabilities face every day!
Whether the barriers are physical ones, like lack of appropriate wheelchair entrances to buildings, or if the barriers are less tangible, like getting passed over for a job, people with disabilities deserve fair access to opportunities for their lives.
National Barrier Awareness Day encourages more people to notice, investigate, and help tear down various barriers so that everyone with a disability can live more independently and thrive in their lives!
How to Observe National Barrier Awareness Day
Looking for ideas on getting more involved with National Barrier Awareness Day? Check out a few of these ideas to get started:
Speak Up About Barriers and Disabilities
Those who have disabilities can use their voices to speak up by writing, speaking and taking other opportunities, like social media.
This is a great time to tell stories and experiences about the challenges faced due to disabilities and the ways their communities can help tear down those barriers!
Advocate for People with Disabilities
One of the barriers that many people with disabilities face is that their voices can often go unheard. In honor of National Barrier Awareness Day, consider engaging with the disability community, learning more, and helping advocate for the needs of others.
Become Familiar with Accessibility Features
A great way for people in the world to engage with National Barrier Awareness Day is to learn more about the different features that can help people with disabilities online and in person.
From making websites easier to read for those who are visually impaired to using an Accessibility Checker to make sure documents and PowerPoint presentations are compatible, just paying a little more attention can make a big difference to someone with a disability!
History of National Barrier Awareness Day
National Barrier Awareness Day has roots that date back to the 1980s, when the topic of supporting persons with disabilities was coming more to the forefront in the US. In 1986, US President Ronald Reagan made a proclamation that this event should be observed with programs and activities that help to improve public attention to removing barriers to access.
This event was founded in advance of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, a fundamental Act of Congress that prohibits discrimination against people who have disabilities.
The world’s first comprehensive law defending the civil rights of people with disabilities, this act has made a vital impact on the lives and experiences of millions of people.
Other similar events that take place throughout the year include Disability Pride Month in July, National Disability Independence Day on July 26, and International Disability Day on December 3.
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