International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Ability Bhutan Society

Unfortunately I was sick on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and missed the programme. But Sumitra, one of the social workers, agreed kindly to write a blog post about her experience during that day. Thank you so much Sumitra : ) 
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The International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 was celebrated with great joy, energy, and togetherness at Ability Bhutan Society. This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as it brought together 27 parents and children in an atmosphere filled with laughter, learning, and inclusion. Truly, this time it was more fun than ever before.

A Joyful Beginning with Integrated Games

The program began with exciting integrated games where both parents and children participated together. Action songs and group dancing in a circle, including popular songs like “Yu Yu Yu” and “If You’re Happy”. The smiles on the children’s faces and the enthusiastic participation of parents made this session truly heartwarming. This was followed by the highlight of this session, The parachute game, which created a beautiful moment of teamwork and shared happiness. 

Sensory Activity Rooms – Learning Through Play

After the group activities, the children were divided into small groups of 5 to 6 children and rotated through four different sensory activity rooms. Each group spent 10 minutes in each room, guided by one dedicated social worker to ensure support, safety, and engagement. The four sensory rooms included:

1. Sensory Bin Play – for tactile exploration and fine motor development
2. Throw Ball Play – for coordination and gross motor skills
3. Foam Play – for sensory stimulation and relaxation
4. Balancing Play – for improving balance and body control

These activities were thoughtfully designed to support children’s sensory needs while making learning fun and engaging.

Special Experience for Parents, Guardians, and Siblings

One dedicated room was set up exclusively for parents, guardians, and siblings. This experiential activity helped them better understand the daily challenges faced by persons with disabilities. Participants wore thick gloves to do beading and were also blindfolded to build a tower using blocks. This powerful activity created deep awareness, empathy, and appreciation for the efforts and strengths of children with disabilities.

Celebration Through Dance and Fellowship

Following the activities, the joyful energy continued with group dances by parents, adding a beautiful cultural and emotional touch to the celebration. The program concluded with a warm tea and snacks session, allowing everyone to relax, share experiences, and strengthen community bonds.

A Day to Remember

The celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 at Ability Bhutan Society was not only fun-filled but also deeply meaningful. It strengthened the bond between children, parents, and professionals while promoting understanding, inclusion, and acceptance. Every smile, every laugh, and every shared moment reminded us that together, we are stronger when we embrace ability in every form.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents, children, Ms. Eleanor, Ms. Leanna and social workers who made this day a great success. We look forward to creating many more inclusive and joyful moments together.