I decide = I am
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2016, WHO collaborated with other UN agencies to host an art exhibition at Palais Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland. The exhibition, titled “I decide=I am”, showcased the work of Bulgarian illustrator Nadezhda Georgieva and award-winning journalist and human rights activist Yana Buhrer Tavanier. Their artwork explores issues around guardianship and legal capacity, for persons with mental health concerns and intellectual disabilities. A reception was be held on the opening night of the exhibition, Friday 2nd December.
Key messages
- Chronic conditions, injuries and illness, and the normal processes of ageing can be associated to decrements in functioning and to the experience of disability. This experience is influenced by environmental factors, such as access to services and cultural and societal attitudes.
- People with disabilities are often marginalized through lack of access to health services & assistive products.
- People with disabilities are 2x more likely to find health care providers’ skills and facilities inadequate.
- People with disabilities are 3x more likely to be denied health care.
- People with disabilities are 4x more likely to be treated badly in the health care system.