Beyond Awareness: Disability Day and the Power of Narrative
- Ajmal Samuel
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
December 3rd is more than a date on the calendar. It’s the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), a day declared by the United Nations to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society.
But for many of us, every day is “disability day.” It’s about navigating a world not always designed for us, challenging perceptions, and fiercely claiming our space. So, when this day arrives, I see it not just as a moment for awareness but as a global rallying cry for action, inclusion, and the celebration of our diverse contributions.
This year, the day feels particularly relevant for me because our stories are taking centre stage in a very tangible way.
The Heart of the Day: Dignity, Justice, and Agency
The theme for IDPD changes yearly, but the core message remains: “Nothing About Us, Without Us.” This day challenges the superficial and often condescending narratives that surround disability, demanding real change in policies, in attitudes, and in representation. It’s about shifting the focus from what is perceived as “lost” to the immense value, creativity, and resilience the disabled community brings to the table.
It’s a day to acknowledge the barriers, physical, social, and systemic, that still exist, while also celebrating the trailblazers, advocates, and everyday heroes who are dismantling them.
Our Stories in Motion: "Pendulum Control" Finds Its Audience
This brings me to the power of storytelling. Film has a unique ability to build empathy, challenge stereotypes, and open hearts and minds. That’s why I’m incredibly excited about two events that perfectly align with the spirit of Disability Day.
A Local Screening for Community & Conversation Today, on the eve of Disability Day, I am honoured to be screening my film Pendulum Control at Diversity Hub. This is more than just a viewing; it’s a gathering. It’s a chance to sit with a community, allies, friends, and fellow advocates, to watch, reflect, and discuss. These conversations are where awareness turns into understanding. I invite anyone in the area to join us for this intimate event. (Link: Diversity Hub Facebook Event)
Global Recognition: "Pendulum Control" as a Finalist. Simultaneously, our film, Pendulum Control, is receiving recognition on another platform. I am thrilled to share that it has been selected as a finalist at the Paladino D’Oro Sport Film Festival in Italy, and the film’s brilliant director, our own Richard Mark Dobsson, is there in person to represent our work. This is a moment of immense pride. It signifies that our narrative, rooted in authentic experience, resonates on a global stage. It tells me that the industry is slowly but surely making space for stories that matter. (Link: Paladino D'Oro Facebook Page)
A Call to Action: See Us, Hear Us, Include Us
This Disability Day, I urge you to go beyond passive awareness.
Amplify Disabled Voices: Follow creators, artists, and activists from the disability community. Listen to our stories.
Examine Accessibility: Look at your physical and digital spaces. Are they inclusive? Can everyone participate?
Challenge Stereotypes: When you see simplistic or pity-based stories, question them. Seek out narratives that show our complexity, our joy, and our agency.
Support Disabled Artists: Attend screenings, buy our art, and champion our work.
The screenings of Pendulum Control this week are a small part of that larger movement. They are proof that when we are given the tools and the platform, we can craft narratives that are not about disability, but are powerful stories that include it, naturally and authentically.
On this Disability Day, let’s commit to building a world where every day is one of dignity, access, and limitless possibilities for all.
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