Every year on Dec. 3, the United Nations observes the International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD) to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

This year’s theme is “The Future is Accessible.” This means that we must all, together, look toward a future where people can access a building without using stairs; can access a ramp to the beach; can get a job without fear of discrimination; or can access a mainstream classroom. It also means that a person is not inherently ‘disabled’ – disability is not a feature of a person.

Teresa Crockett, vice president of operations for the 3M Safety & Industrial Business Group and co-chair of 3M’s disAbility Network (dAN) has her own personal story about disability and removing all types of barriers throughout her life – both at home and at work. Listen to her story about being brave and her aspirations for furthering the cause of “The Future is Accessible.”

IDPWD exists to make sure that environmental and social barriers are identified, and to help everyone work together to overcome them. We will never eradicate health impairments, but by overcoming barriers, we can eradicate disablement. Learn more about 3M’s dAN and how the group is working to help 3Mers with disabilities overcome barriers here.