December 3 is observed worldwide every year as International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

At a glance, they look no different from any other person, but on closer observation, it becomes obvious that they have disabilities with some of them on wheelchairs while others use sign language to communicate.

Now into its 20th year, the annual blood donation campaign of the Society of Disabled Person Penang (SDPP) will take place this Sunday. “If a disabled person can donate blood, so can you, ” said society president Datuk Teh Lay Kuan.

A man of vision, Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan wants to make the city inclusive for all.

With the tagline “No One Left Behind, ” he wants the Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2040 (KLCP2040) to consider everyone, including minorities, elderly and the disabled.

Tomorrow is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda”.

It is encouraging to note that the media (print, broadcast and Internet) in Malaysia is giving more attention to disability issues. With the forthcoming International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec 3), it is a good time to assess the impact of such efforts, in particular the depiction of disability through images.

Garang is set to go down in Malaysian film history as the first feature film starring cast members with physical disabilities. Directed by Kan Varren, it will be screened on Dec 5 in conjunction with the International Day of Persons With Disabilities which falls on Dec 3.