HARRISBURG, Nov. 18, 2013 – The state Senate today unanimously passed a resolution sponsored by Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione marking Dec. 3 as “International Day of Persons with Disabilities.”

Started in 1982 by the United Nations, the day is recognized around the world.

“This day of recognition has helped raise understanding and awareness throughout the world,” Tartaglione said. “Here in the U.S. and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we have come a long way over the past few decades in accommodating persons with disabilities.”

According to organizers, who estimate that 15 percent of the world’s population lives with some form of disability, the major focus of the day is “practical and concrete action to include disability in all aspects of development, as well as to further the participation of persons with disabilities in social life and development on the basis of equality.”

The theme of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities is: “Break barriers, open doors: for an inclusive society for all”.

The United Nations recently concluded high level meetings intended to draft a plan to ensure that development throughout the world includes persons with disabilities to help further the goal of full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in society.

“I hope that we will continue looking for new and better ways for all citizens to fully participate in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life in this state,” Tartaglione said.