International holidays - International Day of Acceptance

Physical impairments and mental disabilities impair the quality of life of people with disabilities. American Annie Hopkins drew attention to the need for social protection of members of society with disabilities. On her initiative, the 3E Love movement was organized in 2007, the emblem of which was a heart-shaped wheelchair. Annie Hopkins encouraged people with different abilities to start enjoying life, embrace the diversity of society and empower each other with the power of love. The creator of the symbol and brand Unity, which produces clothing for people with disabilities in Chicago, died in 2009 from complications after a medical procedure. In memory of Annie Hopkins, January 20 is International Day of Acceptance. The holiday calls for tolerance, public education and participation in the lives of people with disabilities. Their acceptance of themselves and their problems is the path to a fulfilling life in society. The initiator of the annual International Day of Acceptance was Annie's brother, Stevie Hopkins. He decided to continue his sister's mission by promoting the 3E Love movement and its principles. The international symbol of acceptance in the form of a wheelchair has become a trademark of Unity. Annie Hopkins is not the first person to voice the need to help people with disabilities. Over the past decades, there has been an active campaign in the West to change society’s attitude towards people with disabilities. The term “inclusion” has become especially popular - the inclusion of all people in the life of society, regardless of their linguistic, social, physical, mental and other characteristics. Integration into society is available to both adults and children. Their inclusion in the educational process and other spheres of social life is not limited. Changing attitudes towards people with disabilities also means correctly naming their problems. Alternatively, children born with Down syndrome or cerebral palsy are called gifted, special or sunny. People with disabilities - disabled people who have been injured or have health problems from birth. International Day of Acceptance calls for accepting and educating the diversity of society. The holiday has been celebrated annually since 2010. On January 20, people change their photo on a social network for one day to a symbol invented by Annie Hopkins. Bringing 3E Love to life is about embracing, learning, and empowering each other. The movement’s website offers an opportunity to order a T-shirt with its logo, thereby expressing solidarity with people with disabilities. In honor of the holiday, the International Symbol of Acceptance is sent out, sharing stories about people with disabilities whose lives have changed for the better thanks to 3E Love.