International Day of Disabled Persons
December 3

Read:
D&C 58:11-12

Explain:
The scriptures promise people with disabilities a place at God's table with everyone else. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 10% of the world's population live with disabilities. About 80% of those live in developing countries, where they do not have access to rehabilitation services. During 1983-1992, the United Nations observed the Decade of Disabled Persons. At the end of that decade, the International Day of Disabled Persons was founded, to be observed yearly on December 3. This day promotes equality and full participation for disabled people. It also focuses on the problem of securing needed services for disabled persons throughout the world.

Pray:

• Give thanks for the gift of a physical body.
• Give thanks for the knowledge and technology that allow people with disabilities to participate more fully in society.
• Pray for people living with disabilities, especially in the developing world.
• Pray for those who work to bring needed services to people with disabilities.