Dream - Every December 3, 2023, is commemorated as International Day of Disabled Persons. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 47/3, it aims to raise public awareness of the benefits that can be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, and economic life. In 2023, the International Day of Disabled Persons carries the theme "United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities".

Many parties participate in this commemoration, including Lions Club International. With 106 years of service, 54 of which have been in Indonesia, Lions Club also pays attention to the fate of disabled people in living independently, especially in facing challenges in the job market and entrepreneurship in global competition.

A proof that physical limitations are not barriers in realizing dreams and achievements. Starting from performing arts, dance, to dozens of artistic creativity. The Chairman of the Stage Talents Organizer, Feby Rudy, also stated that this is the second sequel after the event in the previous year successfully gave birth to stage stars with uniqueness, and now they have ventured into becoming professional artists.

This year, registration for the Talent Stage will open starting from December 4, 2023, throughout Indonesia, with the requirement of ages 13-50 years old. Registration is done through the submission of videos that will be selected in various stages, namely the first stage where only the top 60 participants will be chosen, the second stage where 12 selected participants will undergo a 30-day quarantine process until the top 3 are found to enter the grand final.

The event will be opened by a speech from the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga S. Uno, and the Ministry of Social Affairs as a strategic partner for the Talenta Stage on December 3, 2023. This serves as evidence that the government is not only present, but also realizes cross-sectoral cooperation with organizations such as the Lions Club in serving the community.

The current data even states that people with disabilities die 20 years earlier than those without disabilities. They also have twice the risk of developing diseases such as depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and poor oral health. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2022 shows that the number of people with disabilities in Indonesia reached approximately 22.5 million. This number has increased from 16.5 million in 2021. This means that there should be more opportunities in all aspects for our disabled friends.

Besides that, in some cases, disabled women and children as well as psychosocial disabled people still have to struggle in the midst of layered vulnerabilities. Not to mention the existence of stigma and institutionalization, as well as the lack of space in existing policy structures. This becomes a challenge that the government and authorities must face. Source: Liputan6.com