International Day of Persons with Disabilities: New campaign for inclusion and equality

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: New campaign for inclusion and equality

According to the United Nations (UN), around 15% of the world’s population lives with some disability, whether physical, sensory, intellectual or mental.

Declared in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities in all areas of society and development, as well as to raise awareness of their situation in all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life.

According to the UN, disability is a condition that affects the standard of living of an individual or a group. The term is used to define a p4

In the framework of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Congregation of the Hospitaller Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus presents a campaign that transmits a powerful message of equality by highlighting that, despite differences, dreams are a common bond that unites people.

The animation invites us to celebrate authenticity and shared dreams as a way to transform society.


With an inclusive and respectful approach, the video – made by the prominent illustrator Santiago López (Samlo) and in cooperation with the agency La Machi, Communication for Good Causes – proposes to break with paternalistic or overprotective views towards people with disabilities, since these attitudes reinforce stereotypes and limit their autonomy.

With more than 85 centers in 25 countries, the Hospitaller Sisters have been dedicated for more than 140 years to the reception, comprehensive assistance, care and specialized rehabilitation of people with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and other diseases, with preference for the most vulnerable and needy.

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About the Congregation of the Hospitaller Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Congregation of the Hospitaller Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a female Catholic institution that works to welcome, assist and care for people with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and other diseases, with preference for those most in need. Its mission is to evangelize the world of health, through the promotion of health, social and educational works, giving the highest priority to its commitment to society. The Hospitaller Sisters was founded in Madrid (Spain) in 1881, by Saint Benedict Menni, a priest of the Order of Saint John of God, together with María Josefa Recio and María Angustias Giménez, chosen by God to respond to the situation of health abandonment and social exclusion of women with mental illness at the time, combining two fundamental criteria: charity and science. More information: https://www.hospitalarias.org