Speakers at a BRAC-organized discussion on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities said that it is everyone’s responsibility to help persons with disabilities realize their full potential. The event, organized by BRAC’s Gender Justice and Diversity Programme, was attended by more than 100 children with disabilities and their parents.

The programme was held on Wednesday, 3 December, at BRAC Centre in Mohakhali, Dhaka. It featured a discussion session, children’s art activities, cultural performances, and an exhibition showcasing handicrafts and food products made by children with disabilities. There were also displays of assistive devices and counseling services for children with neuro-developmental disabilities.

The United Nations has declared 3 December as International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which has been observed worldwide each year since 1992. This year’s theme is “Building an Inclusive Society for Persons with Disabilities for Social Progress.”

The opening session included a panel discussion. Moutushi Kabir, Senior Director of BRAC’s People, Culture and Communications Department, said that persons with disabilities constantly face challenges in society. They experience humiliation, neglect, and various obstacles—many of which are created by society itself. She emphasized the urgent need to change this mindset. Respect should be taught at home, in school, and in the workplace. It is everyone’s responsibility to create pathways for their capacity development.

She also shared that 264 persons with disabilities are currently employed at BRAC. The organization prioritizes ensuring accessible, appropriate, and respectful work environments for them.

Safi Rahman Khan, Director of BRAC’s Education, Skills Development & Migration Programme, said there is still a long way to go to ensure equal rights for persons with disabilities. Their needs are often ignored, even though they have countless opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society. Everyone must step forward to help develop their abilities.

Sashwati Biplob, Associate Director of BRAC’s Social Empowerment and Legal Protection and Gender Justice and Diversity Programmes, said that working on disability inclusion comes with many challenges. Everyone has limitations, but excluding someone from society because of them is never acceptable.

The discussion also featured BRAC’s NDD (Neurodevelopmental Disability) Centre student, Jarin Tasnim Fatiha, and her mother, Rozina Sardar. Rozina shared that they have faced much humiliation in society. In Khulna, they found no special school for Tasnim. Later, they learned about BRAC’s NDD Centre. Since enrolling, Tasnim has made significant progress.

Currently, the NDD Centre has 119 students enrolled, and 244 students have already graduated. BRAC’s Shwapnosarothi programme works on skill development and empowerment of adolescent girls. As part of this programme, 300 adolescent girls with disabilities are currently participating across 31 districts.

The event was moderated by Md. Intaj Ali, Manager of BRAC’s Social Empowerment and Legal Protection Programme. Other speakers included BRAC’s Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan and Shwapnosarothi member Mim Jannat.