understanding of disability issues and get support for the rights of people with disabilities. The day takes place annually and focuses on a different issue each year. In South Africa, December 3 also marks the beginning of the Disability Awareness Month.

　　Since the first celebration, people with disabilities have gained recognition of their rights by states across the globe and of their rightful place in society. But there is still much work ahead of us to turn those legal rights into a true revolution, in which diversity is fully accepted and lived.

　　The estimated one billion people living with disabilities worldwide face many obstructions of inclusion in many key aspects of society. As a result, people with disabilities can't enjoy the equal rights as normal people, which include employment, education as well as social and political participation. The fight to participate in public life is essential to create stable democracies (民主国家)，active citizenship and reduce inequalities in society.

　　In many cases, people with disabilities must be able to fulfill their role in society. It is important to focus on the ability and not on the disability of an individual. It is important to note that disability is part of the human condition, and that all of us either are or will become disabled to one degree or another during the course of our lives.

　　By promoting empowerment (授权), real opportunities for disabled people are created. This supports them in setting their own priorities. Empowerment involves investing in them-in jobs，health, nutrition, education, and social protection. When disabled people are empowered, they are better prepared to take advantage of opportunities, and they can more readily accept their civic responsibilities.

　　【语篇解读】　本文是一篇说明文。12月3日是"国际残疾人日"，它旨在促进人们对残疾问题的理解，动员人们支持和维护残疾人的权利。

　　1．What is the International Day of Disabled Persons meant for?

　　A．To raise money for the disabled.

　　B．To stress the value of the disabled.

　　C．To make an international celebration.

　　D．To make able­bodied people care about the disabled.

D　[细节理解题。根据第一段中的"...aiming to promote an understanding of disability issues and get support for the rights of people with disabilities."可知，国际