International Year of Disabled Persons 16.9.1981

In 1976, the General Assembly proclaimed 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP). It called for a plan of action at the national, regional and international levels, with an emphasis on equalization of opportunities, rehabilitation and prevention of disabilities.

In 1981, the International Year of Disabled Persons had a profound effect on raising awareness of disability in Australia and its place the human services agenda. For the first time in Australia, national information was collected through a survey of handicapped persons by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.The survey identified the number of people with disability, the nature of their disability, the services they needed and the extent to which these needs were being met. While it may now appear relatively unsophisticated, this survey was firm evidence that a national approach to meeting the needs of people with disability was slowly developing.

Displayed is the 1981 International Year Of Disabled Persons FDC with the commamorative stamp bearing the "Break Down The Barriers"Cachet”.

Thank you Maria.