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Special Recreation for the Disabled Day – July 2, 2024

Special Recreation for the Disabled Day is celebrated every year on July 2 by acknowledging the importance of recreational activities in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Did you know that around 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability? It’s everyone’s right to live with respect and engaging in some form of recreational activity can go a long way in accomplishing that goal. Special recreation can refer to loads of activities like sports, running, painting, and the performing arts.

History of Special Recreation for the Disabled Day

Historically, people with disabilities have had limited access to physical recreation. But as society’s view of people with disabilities and their rights has been evolving, the topic of physical recreation activities for people with disabilities has undergone a transition and is now seen as a must.

The earliest physical recreational activities for people with disabilities were based on medical responses to people’s physical needs. Today, however, opportunities for physical recreation for people with disabilities include both therapeutic and non-therapeutic activities. Unfortunately, there is still a major divide in the way society perceives recreation for people with disabilities, represented by big recreation organizations holding either medical or socio-political views of individuals with disabilities.

Rather than assigning the responsibility of looking after disabilities to the medical profession, the socio-political view suggests that all members of a society are responsible for including people with disabilities in the mainstream.

An important part of special recreational activities is the emphasis on social and health aspects of sports, with fun and friendship being key.

Some non-sports activities can include art and music. Painting, sketching, scrapbooking, and even making jewelry can be fun activities with a lot of learning. Playing an instrument, being part of a singing group, or even singing alone can be just as rewarding.

Special Recreation for the Disabled Day timeline

1790-1870
Industrial Revolution

Developing infrastructure thanks to the industrial revolution means more hospitals and better treatment for illnesses and people’s disabilities.

1960
The First Paralympics

The ninth International Stoke Mandeville Games, which is considered the first Paralympic Games, takes place from September 18 to 25 in Rome, nearly a week after the Olympic Games ended.

1990
The Americans with Disabilities Act

The Act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in public life including in jobs, schools, transportation as well as public and private places open to the general public.

2006
The Right to Rest and Leisure

Physical recreational activities are a fundamental human right according to the United Nations’ Declaration of Human Rights which says that “Everyone has the right to rest and leisure”.

Special Recreation for the Disabled Day FAQs

What activities can a disabled person do?

Bowling, exercising, gardening, team sports, dancing, painting and swimming are all activities that can be used to promote good holistic health in people with disabilities while keeping it light and fun.

How can recreation help people with disabilities?

Physical benefits include an increase in muscle strength, an improved sense of well-being, and greater flexibility, balance, and coordination. Mental benefits include greater self-confidence, happiness, morale, and life satisfaction.

How do recreational activities affect the community?

Communities that participate in sports and recreation can develop strong social bonds and are usually safer places with the people living in them being generally healthier and happier than places where physical activity is not a priority.

How to Observe Special Recreation for the Disabled Day

  1. Raise awareness

    Spread more information and awareness about the different kinds of activities people with disabilities can engage in along with their benefits. You can raise awareness via posters, social media posts, and word of mouth.

  2. Engage in recreation

    Find out if there are any events involving recreation for the disabled in your area and how you can be a part of it. Take the time out to get involved and help out where you can.

  3. Be more inclusive

    It’s important to listen to what people want. Speak clearly and listen attentively as this can make people feel more confident. Respect personal space and always remember to ask someone if they need help before lending a hand.

5 Facts About People With Disabilities

  1. It affects over one billion people

    This is about 15% of the world, including 93 million children and 720 million adults.

  2. The numbers are increasing

    A rising number of people are living with disabilities due to population aging and an increase in global chronic health ailments.

  3. They are more likely to be unemployed

    People with disabilities are more likely to be unemployed when compared to people without them, with the effect being more pronounced in developing nations.

  4. They are more vulnerable to poverty

    People with disabilities often have worse living conditions such as insufficient food, lack of access to water and sanitation as well as poor housing. Some of this also stems from high medical costs incurred.

  5. They can participate in the community

    With appropriate support, people with disabilities can participate and excel in activities just as well as anyone else.

Why Special Recreation for the Disabled Day is Important

  1. It spreads awareness

    Having a day dedicated to special recreation for the disabled can get people talking and raise awareness about its importance. Do your bit today to help spread awareness.

  2. Crucial for health

    Engaging in physical and other recreation can be greatly de-stressing. It has numerous positive effects on people’s physical as well as mental well-being.

  3. It helps overcome barriers

    Talking about disabilities is still considered taboo in some places with many people hesitant to talk about it. The day has the power to normalize the topic and thus reach a wide audience.

Special Recreation for the Disabled Day dates

YearDateDay
2024July 2Tuesday
2025July 2Wednesday
2026July 2Thursday
2027July 2Friday
2028July 2Sunday

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